Two Hands at Work: Drawing and Bilateral Coordination
Bilateral coordination means using both hands together, one leading and one helping. See how drawing, especially grid drawing, quietly trains it.
Drawing builds bilateral coordination because both hands have jobs: one draws while the other holds the paper steady, turns it or keeps place in the book. Learning to use the helper hand well is an important step in a child's motor development.
Bilateral coordination is the ability to use both sides of the body together. Clapping, catching a ball, buttoning a coat and cutting with scissors all need it. In drawing, the dominant hand does the fine work and the other hand acts as an assistant.
The forgotten helper hand
Watch a young child draw and you may see the helper hand doing nothing. The paper slides around, the lines go wild and the child gets frustrated. Teaching kids to use their helper hand to anchor the paper is one of the simplest ways to improve their drawing right away.
Activities that use both hands
- Hold and draw. Remind your child: "Helper hand holds the paper."
- Turn the page. Rotating the paper while drawing a curve uses both hands together.
- Grid drawing. One hand draws, the other keeps place in the book or on the grid.
- Stencils. Holding a stencil still while tracing around it.
- Rulers. Older kids can hold a ruler with one hand while drawing a line with the other.
Grid drawing keeps both hands busy
Grid drawing is a wonderful bilateral activity. While one hand draws, the other can rest a finger on the current square in the book, so the child always knows where they are. Draw by Grid: Baby Animals is a gentle first grid book with cuddly animals and simple shapes, ideal for practising this teamwork between hands.
Fun ways to build bilateral skills away from paper
- Tearing paper for collage
- Rolling play dough snakes with both palms
- Lacing cards and threading beads
- Playing clapping games
- Opening containers and twisting lids
When to look closer
If your child consistently avoids using one hand, switches hands mid-task a lot after age 5, or has trouble with everyday two-handed tasks, it is worth mentioning to their teacher or doctor. An occupational therapist can assess and suggest activities. For more about how seeing and moving work together, see visual-motor integration explained.
Questions parents ask
What is bilateral coordination?
Bilateral coordination is the ability to use both sides of the body together in a controlled way, such as one hand drawing while the other holds the paper.
How does drawing help bilateral coordination?
Drawing asks the helper hand to stabilize and turn the paper while the dominant hand draws, which builds two-handed teamwork.
Why does my child's paper keep sliding when they draw?
Their helper hand may not be holding the paper yet. Gently remind them, or tape the paper down while they learn.
More in hands and movement, or browse all 217 posts on the blog.
Keep reading
- Little Hands, Strong Fingers: Drawing Warm-UpsWeak fingers make drawing tiring. Try these fun finger-strength warm-ups and monster drawing games that help little hands grow stronger and steadier.
- The Best Drawing Posture and Table Setup for KidsGood posture makes drawing easier and less tiring. Learn the ideal chair, table and paper setup for kids, plus a quick checklist for your art corner.
- Big Arm Drawing and Crossing the MidlineCrossing the midline helps kids coordinate both sides of the body. Try big arm drawing games, figure eights and mermaid tails that build this skill.
- When Kids Are Angry, Hand Them a PencilAngry kids need a safe way to let it out. Learn how drawing helps children cool down, understand anger and talk about it afterward, with grumpy faces.
