Roll and catch a large ball
FINE MOTOR SKILLS • PEDIATRIC OT
FINE MOTOR SKILLS
Bilateral Coordination
Help both sides of the body work together for play and everyday routines.
Bilateral coordination means using both sides of the body together. Sometimes the hands do the same action; sometimes one hand leads while the other stabilizes. This skill supports dressing, utensils, containers, scissors, drawing, and playground play.
Why this skill matters
Why this skill matters
Coordinating both sides also supports crossing the body’s midline, balance, motor planning, and the development of a preferred working hand. Preference may emerge gradually; the helper hand remains equally important.
Play ideas to try at home
Play ideas to try at home
Open containers and zip bags
Tear paper and build collages
String large beads or lace cards
Related practical articles
Bilateral Coordination
Fine motor & bilateral coordination
7 Clothespin Games That Build Hand Strength and Bilateral Coordination
Seven playful, OT-informed clothespin activities for preschoolers that support hand strength, pincer grasp, visual-motor skills, and two-hand coordination.
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Dressing & bilateral coordination
How to Teach Your Preschooler to Take Off a Pullover Shirt Independently
A calm, OT-informed way to help children ages 2–5 take off a T-shirt or sweatshirt using stable positioning, a simple sequence, and graded practice.
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Self-care & bilateral coordination
How to Teach Your Preschooler to Pour a Drink Independently
A calm, OT-informed way to teach children ages 2–5 to pour from a small pitcher using two hands, graded control, and spill-friendly practice.
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Fine motor & self-care
How to Teach Your Preschooler to Manage Buttons Independently
A calm, OT-informed way to teach unbuttoning and buttoning through stable positioning, backward chaining, playful hand practice, and safe clothing choices.
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Movement & fine motor
7 Crossing-the-Midline Games for Preschoolers
Seven playful, OT-informed activities that help preschoolers reach across their bodies during drawing, dressing, play, and everyday routines.
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Fine motor & self-care
How to Teach Your Preschooler to Use a Zipper Independently
A calm, OT-informed way to teach the two-handed steps of starting and pulling a jacket zipper, with playful practice, sensory support, and safety guidance.
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Fine motor & play
7 Two-Handed Play Activities That Build Bilateral Coordination
Easy everyday games that help preschoolers use both hands together for dressing, cutting, drawing, and play.
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Self-care
How to Help Your Preschooler Open Lunch Containers Independently
Simple OT-informed ways to practice lunchbox zippers, lids, pouches, and containers before preschool.
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Fine motor
5 Easy Scissor Activities for Preschoolers
Playful, low-pressure activities that build the hand strength and coordination children need for cutting.
Read article →When to ask for support
Consider talking with your child’s pediatrician or a pediatric occupational therapist when difficulty is persistent, causes pain or distress, leads to loss of skills, or regularly limits play, self-care, meals, or preschool participation.
Educational information only. Development varies, and this page does not diagnose a condition or replace an individualized evaluation.