Fourth of July Sensory Crafts and Fine Motor Fun

Patrick McLean

Patrick McLean

Patrick McLean serves as Administrative Director and Co-CEO of Chicago Pediatric Therapy & Wellness Center, a comprehensive pediatric therapy practice he co-founded with his wife Rose in 2014. With over a decade of healthcare business leadership, Patrick has transformed their vision of coordinated, family-centered care into a thriving multidisciplinary clinic serving families throughout Chicago. After graduating from Western Illinois University in 2004 with a Bachelor's degree in Business and Finance, Patrick developed expertise in healthcare operations, strategic planning, and organizational growth. His business acumen combined with a deep commitment to serving children with developmental needs has positioned Chicago Pediatric Therapy & Wellness Center as a trusted resource for families navigating speech delays, sensory processing challenges, autism spectrum disorder, motor delays, and behavioral concerns. As Co-CEO, Patrick oversees essential operational pillars including marketing and community outreach, human resources and staff development, financial management and insurance coordination, and long-term business strategy. His leadership has enabled the clinic to expand from offering single therapy services to providing integrated physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, ABA therapy, and social work—all coordinated under one roof for maximum family convenience and clinical effectiveness. Patrick's management philosophy centers on creating systems that empower both staff and families. He has built a culture of collaboration where therapists from different disciplines communicate seamlessly about each child's progress, ensuring holistic treatment plans that address the whole child. His proudest moments come from witnessing families' journeys—from initial concerns through celebrated milestones and hard-won achievements. Beyond his professional role, Patrick brings personal perspective as a father of four children. He actively coaches his kids in various sports, enjoys creating barbecue masterpieces on his smoker, and values connection time with friends on the golf course. This balance between professional purpose and family life reinforces his understanding of the families Chicago Pediatric Therapy & Wellness Center serves every day.

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Holidays are great times to have your child participate in novel fine motor and sensory activities. Here are some fun Fourth of July crafts and activities to do this summer with your kids, while getting an extra bonus with some OT-themed activities!

For Younger Children:

Popsicle Stick Flag – great fine motor activity!

Glue 7-8 popsicle sticks horizontally on two vertical sticks. Glue on a blue square on the top left corner. Then, glue on red buttons on every other horizontal popsicle stick. Glue on white buttons on the other sticks. Add white buttons on the blue square. If you do not have white, red, and blue buttons, you can use construction or tissue paper.

Fire Works Finger Paint – a great sensory experience!

Make a hand print in the middle of the page with either blue or red paint. Then, using the index finger, make straight lines in all directions around the hand with paint. Get creative and add something extra to your design!

For Older Children:

4th of July Hat – a perfect fine motor challenge!

Draw or trace three stars on each red, white, and blue construction paper and cut them out. Cut out a long horizontal 3-inch wide strap from blue, red, or white construction paper. Glue on the stars to one side of pipe cleaners and glue on the other side to the wide strap. With help from an adult, measure out the strap on your head and tape it together to wear it like a hat!

Fireworks Fruit Kabobs – a delicious sensory activity!

Cut out watermelon pieces using a star shaped cookie cutter. If you do not have a star shaped cookie cutter, use a butter knife to shape the watermelon using a star shaped stencil. Slide blueberries on skewers and stick on the star watermelon on top. Makes a great, refreshing snack in the middle of summer!

Time to Enjoy!

We hope your children enjoy these Fourth of July inspired crafts!  They will be sure to enhance their fine motor and sensory motor integration in a fun and unique way!  Be sure to send us pictures of your masterpieces on our Facebook and Instagram pages!

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