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Open Minds & Messy Hands

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Mummy Mason Jar: Simple Halloween Decor

Mummy Mason Jar: Simple Halloween Decor

October 6, 2016 By Katie Chiavarone Leave a Comment

This mummy mason jar doubles as really simple Halloween decor that kids can make and a candle holder! We do seemingly some type of crafting every day during Fall and the Halloween season, there are just so many fun ideas. I recently saw something similar on a trip to the

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Filed Under: Uncategorized

6 Fall Busy Bags to Keep the Kids Occupied

6 Fall Busy Bags to Keep the Kids Occupied

October 3, 2016 By Katie Chiavarone 3 Comments

Busy bags are perfect for waiting rooms, church,  car rides, quiet time, and more. They typically involve some fine motor skills and foster creativity, all while being quite portable and easy to put together. These are most often used with the intent of keeping kids occupied, so you want to

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Filed Under: Fall, Learn Through Play, Preschoolers, Toddlers, Uncategorized Tagged With: fall

5 Little Pumpkins Fine Motor Busy Bag

5 Little Pumpkins Fine Motor Busy Bag

October 3, 2016 By Katie Chiavarone 3 Comments

The Five Little Pumpkins book is a favorite in our house. Once the leaves start to change color and a cool breeze fills the air, we start singing this rhyme. This 5 Little Pumpkins fine motor busy bag is perfect for practicing pre-handwriting skills by clipping the clothespin to sit

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Filed Under: Uncategorized

35+ Car Themed Learning Activities for Kids

35+ Car Themed Learning Activities for Kids

October 2, 2016 By Katie Chiavarone 1 Comment

Crafting with kids, cooking in the kitchen and preparing snacks, and doing hands-on activities are some of the best ways to learn. The book, The Undeniable Power of Play, focuses on just this, learning through play and hands-on activities. Want to engage in more playful learning with your kids? Check

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Filed Under: Uncategorized

Monster Sensory Bin: Fun by Day, Spooky by Night

Monster Sensory Bin: Fun by Day, Spooky by Night

September 29, 2016 By Katie Chiavarone 1 Comment

This monster sensory bin is the perfect way to engage in pretend, Halloween play without being too spooky or scary for little ones. During the day, the eyeballs are fun to squish and look for, and then at night, they glow, which has quite a different effect! What a fun Halloween

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Filed Under: Elementary, Fall, Halloween, Holidays, Learn Through Play, Preschoolers, Sensory, Toddlers, Uncategorized

Fall Tree Button Practice Busy Bag

Fall Tree Button Practice Busy Bag

September 21, 2016 By Katie Chiavarone Leave a Comment

Busy bags are fantastic to have on hand for quiet time, waiting rooms, church, etc. I like to have fun themed ones to take out for different seasons. This button practice busy bag practices and encourages fine motor skills, while allowing for some creativity and imagination when decorating the scene. To

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Filed Under: Arts & Crafts, Fall, Learn Through Play, Preschool Arts& Crafts, Preschoolers, Thanksgiving, Toddlers, Uncategorized Tagged With: fall

Fine Motor Sharing Game for Toddlers

Fine Motor Sharing Game for Toddlers

September 19, 2016 By Katie Chiavarone 1 Comment

Sharing is a difficult concept for young kids to grasp. This social skill is a fundament to early friendships and engaging in play with peers. One of my favorite ways to discuss (and practice) sharing with kids, is through play and taking turns. This activity based on the book, Should

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Filed Under: Learn Through Play, Mess-Free Sensory Play, Preschoolers, Sensory, Toddlers, Uncategorized Tagged With: book club, elephant, friendship, ice cream, piggie, sharing

Simple Activities for Baby Play

Simple Activities for Baby Play

September 16, 2016 By Katie Chiavarone 11 Comments

As a parent, especially a first-time one, helping your baby play can be kind of a daunting task. The days can seem long, and finding ways to occupy a baby who now has interests outside of eating and sleeping can be tough. However, play is a really wonderful way to

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Filed Under: Babies, Learn Through Play, Sponsored Work, Uncategorized Tagged With: here are some cool baby games

DIY No-Sew Elsa Cape for Pretend Play

DIY No-Sew Elsa Cape for Pretend Play

September 15, 2016 By Katie Chiavarone Leave a Comment

Kids love to dress-up and engage in pretend play. This type of play is integral to development and is a great way for kids to practice imaginative and creative play. My daughter has recently asked for an Elsa cape for a “show” that she has been meticulously planning for a

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Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: cape, costume, diy, dress up, elsa, frozen, Halloween, kids, no sew, play, pretend play

How to STEM at Home the Simple Way

How to STEM at Home the Simple Way

September 15, 2016 By Katie Chiavarone Leave a Comment

STEM (science, technology, engineering & math) is all the rage, and it’s no wonder. So many incredible skills can be learned by exploring these topics starting at a young age. And, it’s FUN! Check out how you can STEM at home by getting a box full of fun delivered right

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Filed Under: Elementary, Learn Through Play, Preschool Science, Preschoolers, science, Sponsored Work, Toddler Science, Toddlers, Uncategorized Tagged With: Homeschool, kids, moms, preschool, science, STEM, subscription

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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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