Bilateral Integration
Bilateral Integration was devised by Mrs. Sheila Dobie OBE to help children and adolescents with specific learning and behavioural problems, as well as those individuals who were underachieving. This is a unique intervention programme that is designed to develop coordination and fine motor control, integrate the sensory systems and in essence stimulate the essential links between moving and thinking that allow us all to learn and interact with the world around us. It requires performing physical exercises for 5– 10 minutes daily at home.
Kb-Insights summer programme
Want to improve your child's performance- academically and physically?
Make this summer break count - take advantage of the opportunity for your child to participate in fun active sessions which will integrate left and right brain.
This summer get your children moving to learn with Kb-Insights summer programme
What is bilateral Integration?
In simple terms, the bilateral motor integration involves the ability to co-ordinate the two body sides and develop lateralisation using simultaneous and contralateral movements of the two sides, facilitating maturation of the central nervous system to the benefit of co-ordination and sensory integration.(Dobbie 2009)
“ Bilateral integration is the ability to coordinate the two sides of the body through the process of maturation; each side of the body tends to develop balance independent of the other side. When both sides develop relatively good balance, coordination of the two sides becomes possible. Prior to the development of bilateral coordination a child uses each side of the body effectively but has difficulty using the two sides together. „
Jean Pyfer(1981)
An individual programme can be devised following a baseline assessment. Exercises should be attempted for small periods of time, say 5 minutes, particularly where problems are severe. Duration may be increased according to the child's willingness and motivation. Ten to fifteen minutes participation daily will ensure measurable change in the central nervous system.
Consistency is vital for the achievement of success. Teacher or parental expectations must be known and continually reinforced.
When in Kenya Karen raised awareness of the benefits of bilateral integration and did a training session with the staff. They noted this was an area where their pupils required development and they took key elements forward and introduced a programme for their pupils.