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Views From a Step Stool

Open Minds & Messy Hands

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Brain-Boosting Activities for Big Kids

August 21, 2016 By Katie Chiavarone Leave a Comment

Big kids need quiet time too. Unplugged or ‘plugged’, there are a number of activities with brain-boosting power that kids can engage in that will offer down-time, creativity and imagination. The 5-9 age range can be a bit of a tough one to find activities for. Your kids are growing out of preschool/toddler-hood but are not

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Filed Under: Uncategorized

How to Help Kids Manage Stress

August 20, 2016 By Katie Chiavarone Leave a Comment

When we hear ‘back to school,’ we often think about school shopping, packing lunches, and homework. But what about the social and emotional well-being of the child? Addressing these aspects is just as important for ensuring a successful school year. In today’s evolving world, even adults are seeking ways to manage stress and anxiety. Some

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Filed Under: Parenting, Uncategorized

Counting Money Busy Bag for Big Kids

August 17, 2016 By Katie Chiavarone 5 Comments

Counting money is an activity that kids can easily take an interest in, and is something that we want to encourage. Doing this in a visual, hands-on way is best for learning. However, we don’t always want to give our kids access to tons of real money to practice this. Here is a super simple and cheap

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Filed Under: Elementary, Learn Through Play, Preschoolers Tagged With: Busy Bags, fun stuff, Homeschool, kindergarten, learning, moms, preschool

34 Fine Motor Activities to Improve Pincer Grasp

August 11, 2016 By Katie Chiavarone 3 Comments

Did you know that you can improve pincer grasp without a pencil? It’s true. There are plenty of fine motor activities that build the muscles in small fingers to help with future handwriting skills. Here are quite a few awesome ones to give little fingers a workout! Fine Motor Activities for Babies/Toddlers Magic Glow Stick Game

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Filed Under: Arts & Crafts, Learn Through Play, Preschool, Sensory, Uncategorized Tagged With: fine motor, fun, Homeschool, kids activities, moms, play, preschool, toddler

Pocket Fidgets for Kids Who Can’t Sit Still

August 8, 2016 By Katie Chiavarone 1 Comment

If you are a parent of a child who can’t sit still, one of your biggest concerns is most likely how they will fare in school. How will they sit for hours at a time without getting in trouble? Better yet, how will they do this and still be able to learn? For kids who

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Filed Under: Gentle Parenting, Parenting, Preschool, Sensory, Uncategorized Tagged With: ADHD, fidget, fun, kids, moms, play, school, spirited

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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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