By definition, bilateral integration means using both sides of the body simultaneously in a coordinated and controlled manner. So how does this exactly affect my child you ask? It can inhibit cutting, writing, drawing, dressing, etc. There are several activities your child can participate in at home without buying a single item! BE CREATIVE!!! Now, this does take time and patience and allowing your child to fend for themselves and figure things out on their own.
Some activities are as follows:
- Using the three fingers (thumb, index, and middle) of both hands to rip coupons from a supermarket flyer. One hand should be ripping the paper towards your child as the other hand rips the paper away. This is called reciprocal tearing.
- Lacing Cheerios onto string or a pipe cleaner.
- Folding simple laundry such as socks or undergarments.
- Crumpling up junk mail into a round ball.
- Shooting a basketball into a net.
- Tracing his/her hand on paper. Kids enjoy this activity! Once they feel they have accomplished this difficult task, a boost in their self esteem and confidence is noted!
- Getting dressed on their own! This is a big task as it truly does require both hands and integration of both sides of the body in order to get dressed. This is a time consuming task, so break it up into small pieces! Start off with a shirt until they master this, then move onto other clothing items.
- Cooking! Yes cooking! Let them help you out with putting away food items into zip-lock bags, food containers, mixing food in a bowl, etc.
