The Fourth of July is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with making 4th of July pinwheels! Pinwheels can be a wonderful sensory experience for individuals participating in ABA therapy. This activity not only promotes creativity but also enhances fine motor skills and provides a tactile sensory experience.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Markers, Colored Pencils, and/or Crayons
- Stickers (optional for decoration)
- Metal brads
- Hole punch
- Straw or popsicle stick
- Button (optional)
- Glue (super glue is recommended)
How to create your 4th of July Pinwheels:
- Print out the pinwheel template: Start by downloading and printing a pinwheel template. Download Template
- Decorate the pinwheels: Using markers, colored pencils, or crayons, decorate both the front and back of your pinwheel template.
- Cut out the pinwheel: Carefully cut along the outer square of the template. Then, cut along the four diagonal lines towards the center, stopping before reaching the middle to leave a small, uncut space.
- Punch holes: Use a hole punch to create one hole in each of the circles marked on the template.
- Assemble the pinwheel: Starting with one corner of the pinwheel, fold it towards the center without creasing it. Place a metal brad through the hole in the center of the pinwheel, with the flat part at the top and the metal tabs facing down. Continue securing each corner of the pinwheel with the brad.
- Secure the brad: Bend the ends of the brad on the back of the pinwheel to hold it in place. For extra stability and decoration, you can glue a small button to the back of the brad.
- Attach to a straw: Glue the back of the brad or button to the top of a straw or a popsicle stick. This serves as the handle for your pinwheel.
- Enjoy your pinwheel: Your 4th of July pinwheel is now ready to spin and celebrate! Take it outside on Independence Day and watch it whirl in the breeze, bringing joy and fun to the festivities.
Benefits of making pinwheels for ABA therapy:
- Sensory stimulation: Decorating the pinwheel with various textures and colors provides a tactile sensory experience for individuals with autism.
- Fine motor skills: Cutting, folding, and assembling the pinwheel helps improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
- Creativity: Individuals can express their creativity by designing their pinwheels with patriotic themes.
- Engagement: This hands-on activity keeps individuals engaged and focused, making it a great addition to ABA therapy sessions or for children with autism who benefit from structured activities.
Making 4th of July pinwheels is not only a delightful craft activity but also a beneficial sensory experience for individuals with autism. Whether you’re celebrating Independence Day with family or incorporating it into aba therapy sessions, this activity encourages creativity, fine motor development, and sensory exploration—all while creating a festive decoration to enjoy on the holiday. Get crafting and make this Fourth of July a memorable one with your own homemade pinwheels!
Planning more sensory friendly festivities? Check out our blog post on Tips for a Sensory Friendly 4th of July Celebration, and making Toilet Paper Roll Fireworks. If you or someone you know needs extra support to prepare for the 4th of July festivities, including ABA therapy services, please call us at 855-444-5664 to learn more.
