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Archives for July 2018

Upcycled Kleenex Box for Box Top Collection – Be a Classroom Hero!

Upcycled Kleenex Box for Box Top Collection – Be a Classroom Hero!

July 31, 2018 By Katie Chiavarone Leave a Comment

  This upcycled Kleenex box serves as the perfect place to collect Box Tops at school. Great as a back to school classroom gift.  This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Kleenex® Facial Tissue.   Back to school season is synonymous with shopping! Parents scramble to

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Filed Under: Arts & Crafts, Parenting

Busy Mom-Hack for Simple Weeknight Meals

Busy Mom-Hack for Simple Weeknight Meals

July 30, 2018 By Katie Chiavarone Leave a Comment

We all need a little bit more time in the day. This simple weeknight meals hack will help you earn back some of that time on those busy family nights.   This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Tyson Foods, Inc. All opinions are entirely my

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Filed Under: Parenting, Sponsored Work

Safari Animal Sensory Bin with Rice

Safari Animal Sensory Bin with Rice

July 27, 2018 By Katie Chiavarone Leave a Comment

This safari animal sensory bin combines white rice and stones for a fun and engaging sensory base for animals. Kids can scoop and practice fine-motor skills.    Sensory bins are excellent for early learning, and great for children with sensory-seeking behaviors. They provide opportunities for rich learning for kids as

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Filed Under: Learn Through Play, Sensory

Simple Shark Sensory Bin: Water Play for Kids

Simple Shark Sensory Bin: Water Play for Kids

July 26, 2018 By Katie Chiavarone Leave a Comment

A simple shark sensory bin that uses rocks, sand and water to create a natural water play sensory bin with a shark theme for kids.   We love sensory play that we can take outside! This shark sensory bin is super simple to set up and is perfect for playing with

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Filed Under: Outdoors, Sensory, Summer

A Dinosaur Lunch Kids Will Love + Printable Dino Lunchbox Notes

A Dinosaur Lunch Kids Will Love + Printable Dino Lunchbox Notes

July 24, 2018 By Katie Chiavarone Leave a Comment

This dinosaur lunch uses dinosaur shaped chicken nuggets and fun fruit and veggies to create a dinosaur themed bento box lunch for school! Also included are free dinosaur lunchbox notes to print. This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Tyson Foods, Inc. All opinions are entirely

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Filed Under: Parenting, Sponsored Work

Must-Have Sensory Bin Tools and Starters for Kids

Must-Have Sensory Bin Tools and Starters for Kids

July 22, 2018 By Katie Chiavarone Leave a Comment

The formula for the perfect sensory bin. Everything you need to know about making these for kids, and exactly what sensory bin tools you should be using.   Sensory play is SO beneficial to kids, and one of the easiest ways to incorporate sensory play into your child’s learning is

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Filed Under: Sensory

The Genius Napkins that Get Kids Talking at Dinnnertime

The Genius Napkins that Get Kids Talking at Dinnnertime

July 17, 2018 By Katie Chiavarone Leave a Comment

Kids need help talking at dinnertime? These Mardi Gras Napkins are a game changer. With fun questions and illustrations, dinner just got a lot better!   Thank you Mardi Gras Napkins for sponsoring this post. Visit your local retailer to get the conversation going in your home! There are many

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Filed Under: Parenting, Preschool

Top 5 of Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach + Giveaway

Top 5 of Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach + Giveaway

July 15, 2018 By Katie Chiavarone 2 Comments

Attractions and family activities at Casino Pier and Breakwater Beach in Seaside, NJ. From water slides to rides, see our top 5 must-do’s. *This post is sponsored by Casino Pier and Breakwater Beach. I received vouchers in exchange for this post. All opinions expressed are my own. Summer is synonymous

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Filed Under: Sponsored Work, Tri-State Family Fun

Colored Salt and Black Bean Space Sensory Bin

Colored Salt and Black Bean Space Sensory Bin

July 10, 2018 By Katie Chiavarone Leave a Comment

This space sensory bin uses colored salt and beans to create a fun space scene for kids to play in. Play with the PJ Masks and their Mission to the Moon!  This post is sponsored by Entertainment One and Scholastic. Although I received compensation, all opinions expressed are my own.

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Filed Under: Learn Through Play, Sensory

How to Dye Oats for Sensory Play

How to Dye Oats for Sensory Play

July 10, 2018 By Katie Chiavarone Leave a Comment

This super easy step by step tutorial shows you how to quickly, and easily, dye oats for sensory play. Perfect as a sensory bin base for babies.    Sensory play can provide wonderful and rich learning experiences to kids. Sensory bins are a really fun way to do this. By

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Filed Under: Uncategorized

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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
  • Build a Jack-o-Lantern Sensory Craft
  • Breakfast Smoothies for Kids with BlendJet Portable Blender
  • 12 Outdoor Painting Ideas for Kids
  • Educational Sensory Bin Ideas
  • 12 Animal Sensory Bin Ideas for Kids
  • 10 Insect Themed Sensory Bins
  • 12 Bee Crafts for Kids
  • 15 Easter Chick Crafts for Kids
  • 15+ Earth Day Crafts for Kids
  • St. Patrick’s Day Emotion Cut and Paste Printable Activity
  • Valentine’s Day Charades Words
  • Printable Color by Number Valentine’s Day Cards for Kids
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