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Views From a Step Stool

Open Minds & Messy Hands

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M is for Mouse: Letter Craft for Kids

July 15, 2014 By Katie Chiavarone Leave a Comment

      My most recent obsession is teaching phonics and letters in a fun and meaningful way! My 3 year old is really benefiting and connecting to this while my 1 year old is thoroughly enjoying the art projects, its a win-win all around!   Tape resist art is

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Filed Under: Arts & Crafts, Learn Through Play, Preschool Arts& Crafts, Preschoolers, Toddler Arts & Crafts, Toddlers, Uncategorized Tagged With: arts & crafts, Homemade, Letter of the Week, letters, m is for mouse, mouse, Preschool Homeschool

Why agricultural education is important

July 12, 2014 By Thena Leave a Comment

Agricultural education has been a vital part of human society since the beginning of agriculture, and it continues to be important today. In modern times, however, agricultural education has taken a backseat in many families due to urbanization, globalization, and modernization. Yet, the importance of agricultural education cannot be overstated,

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Filed Under: Uncategorized

A is for Alligator: Easy Craft for Kids

July 11, 2014 By Katie Chiavarone 1 Comment

      Today’s post is all about Ava! I had this activity planned as one of ‘The Letters in My Name’ theme for the month but Mack decided that he was too tired today (pretty out of character so I gave him a pass!).  I decided to let Ava

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Filed Under: Arts & Crafts, Learn Through Play, Preschool Arts& Crafts, Preschoolers, Toddler Arts & Crafts, Toddlers, Uncategorized Tagged With: Letter of the Week, Preschool Homeschool

4th of July Suncatchers

July 3, 2014 By Katie Chiavarone Leave a Comment

    These suncatchers are super easy to make and can be made into a variety of shapes for various holiday decorations!        Start by cutting out your shape, we made stars for the 4th of July.      Then you want to fold the shape in half

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Filed Under: Arts & Crafts, Holidays, Learn Through Play, Memorial Day/4th of July, Preschool Arts& Crafts, Preschoolers, Toddler Arts & Crafts, Toddlers, Uncategorized

Red, White and Blue Spaghetti: Edible Sensory Play

Red, White and Blue Spaghetti: Edible Sensory Play

June 26, 2014 By Katie Chiavarone Leave a Comment

Our red, white and blue spaghetti is a really fun way to make some patriotic sensory play! Colored spaghetti is so easy to make and the kids just love it. I love edible sensory play for two reasons; 1) any age child can play with it and 2) my dogs help

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Filed Under: Edible Sensory Play, Holidays, Memorial Day/4th of July, Sensory, Uncategorized Tagged With: american, culture, edible preschool homeschool, food coloring, Holidays, patriotic, preschool, Sensory, sensory play, spaghetti

Fire Science for Kids

June 6, 2014 By Katie Chiavarone Leave a Comment

      We have been talking about campfires all week as part of our indoor camping theme. One of the opportunities this theme has given me is the chance to discuss fire safety with my 3 year old before we go camping next week – eek! I’m super excited

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Filed Under: Preschool Science, science, Uncategorized

Foam Puzzle Printing

Foam Puzzle Printing

May 30, 2014 By Katie Chiavarone Leave a Comment

I found these great foam puzzle/building pieces on clearance at Michael’s and figured I could think of some fun activities to do with them! I love to ‘collect’ items like then when I find them on sale because they can serve so many different purposes! For today’s activity I thought I

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Filed Under: Arts & Crafts, Learn Through Play, Preschool Arts& Crafts, Preschoolers, Toddler Arts & Crafts, Toddlers, Uncategorized

Share the Love Summer Giveaway!

Share the Love Summer Giveaway!

May 28, 2014 By Katie Chiavarone Leave a Comment

  var addthis_config = {“data_track_addressbar”:true};   I am doing a giveaway on my Facebook Page!  To enter, comment on the giveaway post and share my page on either your personal page or fan page. The prize is a beach bag containing materials to complete some of the beach activities from

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Filed Under: Uncategorized

Sidewalk Paint Fireworks in an Eggshell

May 25, 2014 By Katie Chiavarone Leave a Comment

To kick off Memorial Day weekend we decided to take a new approach to a couple of fun activities that we have been wanting to do. Around Easter I saw so many posts floating around blogland  of people filling eggshells with paint and throwing them at a canvas or poster

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Filed Under: Arts & Crafts, Elementary, Holidays, Learn Through Play, Memorial Day/4th of July, Outdoors, Preschool Arts& Crafts, Preschoolers, Spring, Summer, Toddler Arts & Crafts, Toddlers, Uncategorized

Erupting Letters and Name Exploration

Erupting Letters and Name Exploration

May 22, 2014 By Katie Chiavarone Leave a Comment

  One of my favorite ways to occupy some time when I need to get dinner cooked is to set out a tray of baking soda, colored vinegar and some eye droppers. It never gets old and can keep my 3 year old entertained for at least 30 min! Because

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Filed Under: Learn Through Play, Preschool Science, Preschoolers, science, Toddler Science, Toddlers, Uncategorized Tagged With: Preschool Homeschool

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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

  • 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

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
  • Valentine’s Day Kindness Countdown Calendar: Free Printable
  • Valentine’s Day Pixel Art Color by Number: Free Printables

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