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Archives for July 2017

Space Activities for Kids: Sensory, Art & Printables!

Space Activities for Kids: Sensory, Art & Printables!

July 31, 2017 By Katie Chiavarone Leave a Comment

There’s something fascinating, and equally mesmerizing, about outer space. Making it a really fun topic of discussion and questioning for kids of all ages. Here are some space activities to get you started talking and learning with your kids! Space Activities for Kids Engaging all the senses and providing experiential play

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Filed Under: Arts & Crafts, Elementary, Learn Through Play, Preschool Arts& Crafts, Preschoolers, science, Sensory, Toddlers Tagged With: galaxy, planets, space, space activities, STEM

Felt Emoji Busy Bag

Felt Emoji Busy Bag

July 31, 2017 By Katie Chiavarone 2 Comments

We use busy bags all the time. Most of the ones we have created are best for toddlers and preschoolers, but my 6 year old loves them too! This felt emoji busy bag is great for toddlers and big kids alike, especially as the Emoji Movie premiers. My oldest loved

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Filed Under: Arts & Crafts, Elementary, Learn Through Play, Preschool Arts& Crafts, Preschoolers, Toddlers Tagged With: busy bag, emoji

Back to School Affirmations: Printable Mini Book

Back to School Affirmations: Printable Mini Book

July 27, 2017 By Katie Chiavarone 1 Comment

Back to school time can be one of stress, excitement, anxiety and nervousness for many kids. Often even in the most familiar of settings, there is still some unknown with beginning a new grade and a new year. Words of affirmation can be very beneficial for kids of all ages.

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Filed Under: Gentle Parenting, Parenting

Dino Dig at the Liberty Science Center + Giveaway!

Dino Dig at the Liberty Science Center + Giveaway!

July 25, 2017 By Katie Chiavarone 6 Comments

Kids love dinosaurs. Getting to be a paleontologist for a day is such a memorable experience for them! We recently had the opportunity to check out the new Dino Dig at the Liberty Science Center (which just happens to overlook the beautiful New York City skyline!) and it was too

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Filed Under: Sponsored Work, Uncategorized

Soap Foam Sidewalk Paint

Soap Foam Sidewalk Paint

July 25, 2017 By Katie Chiavarone Leave a Comment

Hands-on,  are the best for learning! So many simple boredom busters can be used as educational activities, and bonus if they can be taken outside. This soap foam sidewalk paint puts a spin on soap foam sensory play. Check out how we used it on the sidewalk for some fun

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Filed Under: Learn Through Play, Outdoors, Sensory, Spring, Summer

#PlayVision Sensory Challenge: Sands Alive, Floof & Play Dirt

#PlayVision Sensory Challenge: Sands Alive, Floof & Play Dirt

July 24, 2017 By Katie Chiavarone Leave a Comment

We took the #PlayVision sensory challenge! My kids LOVE sensory play, so when given the opportunity to check out three amazing sensory materials, we jumped all over it. *This post contains affiliate links. We received these products in return for an honest review of the materials. I think you will

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Filed Under: Learn Through Play, Sensory, Sponsored Work

Space Sensory Bag – Mess-Free Play for Babies and Toddlers

Space Sensory Bag – Mess-Free Play for Babies and Toddlers

July 18, 2017 By Katie Chiavarone 2 Comments

Kids are fascinated with space. Planets, nebulas, UFOs, aliens, it all appeals to them. One of our favorite sensory tools are sensory bags and sensory jars. Namely, because they are mess-free and fun to make! (We love a good messy activity, but I need to be prepared for those.) This

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Filed Under: Arts & Crafts, Babies, Learn Through Play, Mess-Free Sensory Play, Preschool Arts& Crafts, Sensory, Toddler Arts & Crafts, Toddlers

Space Coloring Pages: Color by Addition

Space Coloring Pages: Color by Addition

July 17, 2017 By Katie Chiavarone 3 Comments

My kids love to talk and learn about space. My oldest is fascinated with the idea of it, and is constantly asking me to give him some addition problems. I created these space coloring pages as a way for him to have some fun with space and addition, and get

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Filed Under: Arts & Crafts, Elementary, Learn Through Play Tagged With: addition, color by code, first grade, freebie, printable, space

Dragonfly Kids Craft with Recycled Squeeze Pouch Caps

Dragonfly Kids Craft with Recycled Squeeze Pouch Caps

July 10, 2017 By Katie Chiavarone Leave a Comment

Whenever I find little recyclables I have a hard time tossing them in the trash! One of our favorite ways to make kids crafts is to use recycled materials, find inspiration, and see what we can create. My son and I always comment that the tops of the applesauce pouches

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Filed Under: Uncategorized

Activities for 1 Year Olds You Can Do Every Day + Printable

Activities for 1 Year Olds You Can Do Every Day + Printable

July 10, 2017 By Katie Chiavarone Leave a Comment

Let’s face it, one year olds can seem tough to know what to do with all day long. They are busy and on the go, but still put everything in their mouths, are easily overstimulated, and have a tendency to want to get into that which they are not allowed.

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Filed Under: Babies, Learn Through Play, Printables

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Welcome to Views From a Step Stool!

Welcome to Views From a Step Stool!

I am a mom to three little ones and love to create and explore every day with them! We have open minds and messy hands, come join in our adventures!

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What’s New

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What’s New:

  • 12 Snowman Crafts for Kids
  • 10 Elf on the Shelf Printables to Download
  • 12 Elf on the Shelf Ideas
  • Candy Corn Sensory Bin
  • Emotions Sensory Bag
  • 10 Thanksgiving Handprint Crafts
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  • 12 Outdoor Painting Ideas for Kids
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