Then when I throw a white ball at them they are only allowed to use their right arm or right foot to catch it or bounce it off. I love using scooter boards prone, having the child maneuver using alternating arms, platform swing prone and use arms to turn swing and pick up items to place or throw, aquatics for paddling, rowing, etc.

Buckle Toy - Etsy UK Montessori Buckle Toy - Etsy UK

I also have a variety a clothespins from easy plastic to plastic clamps or paper fasteners that are hard. This toy was a good compromise so I don’t have to hang out in the driveway while she plays to her hearts content. DIY pick-up sticks are a fun way to address bilateral integration and coordinated use of both hands together. It’s through play with occupational therapy toys targeting bilateral skills that children can strengthen and develop this essential motor skill. When it comes to bilateral integration, coordinating both sides of the body in play can be a challenge for some children.With my youngest kids, I like to have them put items inside a container and stabilize the container with their helper hand to begin working on bilateral integration. Think of all of the other areas where you are using both hands or both sides of the body at the same time: getting dressed, tying shoes, cooking, typing, holding a book while reading, pouring a glass of water…the list could go on and on! The ideas that were presented in the article are ones that I have recently been introduced to and am eager to implement! I love doing gross motor sequences that work on bilateral coordination- hitting a balloon or throwing a ball or using two hands to pull self on the scooter board.

Bilateral Coordination Toys - The OT Toolbox Bilateral Coordination Toys - The OT Toolbox

I love having the kids lie down in the hammock swing and use their arms to pick up bean bags then throw the bean bags to me. A bilateral coordination lacing plate is a DIY toy and activity that can be used to work on coordinated use of both hands with a variety of themes.

A strategy I use to work on crossing midline is I have the student put one sock on their hand and leave the other on the opposite foot. Building blocks are a great way to build fine motor skills and visual perceptual skills, and these are a great addition to your therapy toolbox collection. Using toys that double as quiet time activities, busy bags, or travel toys…all while working on skills is what makes toys like the buckle plush toy a therapist-approved toy. Another bilateral coordination task is cutting with scissors with one hand while holding and manipulating paper with the other hand.