Bilateral Motor Coordination Fine Motor Activities for Pediatric Occupational Therapy

September 8, 2023

Bilateral motor coordination skills is the ability to use and coordinate both side of the body in a symmetrical manner. In order to have bilateral motor coordination skills, you must have control at your shoulder allowing your hands to come together to midline to perform a task.

The most common fine motor activities you will see in the school setting requiring bilateral motor coordination skills includes:

Cutting with scissors
Writing
Using a ruler to draw a line
Tying shoelaces
Using utensils to eat
Activities of daily life such as clothing management and grooming

Delays in bilateral motor coordination skills may look like a child using their dominant hand but often forgets to stabilize their paper during cutting and writing activities. The child might frequently switch hands during activities. You might also see a student who frequently drops items or becomes frustrated when fine motor tasks are presented due to difficulty with coordinating both hands at midline.

Are you searching for engaging activities that work on bilateral motor skill development? I’m highlighting 4 products that I’m always reaching for. These resources are versatile and easy to use. The resources are suitable for a variety of settings, including occupational therapy sessions, classroom centers, Pre-K classrooms, Kindergarten classrooms, Special Education teachers, and homeschool parents.

Thumbprint Cutting Strips

Thumbprint Cutting Strips

These cutting strips feature strategically placed thumbprints along the cutting strip to promote and reinforce proper hand position while cutting with scissors. Incorporating use of the Thumbprint Cutting Strips, you can easily teach and develop the essential skills needed for successful scissor use including use of bilateral motor skills.

This resource includes

19 cutting practice strips for right-handed students
19 thumbprint practice strips for left-handed students
19 thumbprint cutting strips without thumbprint visual cues so you can monitor student progress

Thumbprint Clothespin Activity Cards

Thumbprint Clothespin Activity Cards

Are you searching for a resource to boost fine motor skills and bilateral motor coordination skills in your classroom or therapy sessions? Look no further than Thumbprint Clothespin Match! this resource is a must-have for pediatric occupational therapists, educational centers, preschool classrooms, early elementary teachers, and special education instructors.

This resource includes:

20 vibrant themes in color
20 black and white themes to save ink
Includes right-handed version, left-handed version and clothespin strip without thumbprint cues

Thumbprint Hole Punch Activity Cards

Thumbprint Hole Punch Activity Cards

Thumbprint hole punch activity cards boost bilateral motor coordination skills. Increase hand strength using hole punch requires hand strength, and hole punch strips are designed to help build and reinforce this crucial skill. By consistently using the Hole Punch strips, individuals can develop stronger hand muscles, leading to improved dexterity and control.

This resource include:

25 interactive themes with right-hand thumbprint cues
25 interactive theme with left-hand thumbprint cues

Lacing Cards

Lacing Cards

This lacing card set promotes bilateral motor skills, pincer grasp, and eye-hand coordination skills. This a a great educational and developmental toy for occupational therapy, preschool students, pre-k classrooms, kindergarten center activities and special education classroom centers.