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3 Gift Guides for Every Kid on Your List

3 Gift Guides for Every Kid on Your List

November 30, 2016 By Katie Chiavarone

I write often about the power of play on my site. It is how kids learn best, by engaging their senses and exploring open-ended, creative and dramatic play. There are many ways in which kids can play without toys, however, we all know how much kids love to play with toys,

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Filed Under: Christmas, Holidays, Learn Through Play, Parenting, Preschoolers Tagged With: christmas, gifts, Holidays, kids, moms, play, Toys

Why Is Play In Childhood SO Important? An Interview with The Genius of Play

Why Is Play In Childhood SO Important? An Interview with The Genius of Play

March 8, 2016 By Katie Chiavarone 1 Comment

Play in childhood really is SO important in childhood. An IBM survey says CEOs value employees with creativity, which is fostered via childhood play. Additionally, researchers say free play can significantly improve kids’ problem-solving skills and is one of the best ways to stimulate children’s brain development, while make-believe play

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Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Dramatic Play, Learning Toys, play, pretend play, toddlers, Toys

Gift Guide for the Active Mind: Ages 3-8

Gift Guide for the Active Mind: Ages 3-8

December 3, 2015 By Katie Chiavarone 3 Comments

Does your child have a mind with wheels that never seem to stop turning? I’m sure it is one of those qualities that you absolutely adore, however, you are probably constantly trying to find ways to engage them and keep them occupied in a constructive way. My little guy falls in this

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Filed Under: Christmas, Gift Guides, Holidays, Parenting, Preschool, Sponsored Work, Uncategorized Tagged With: critical thinking, gift guide, gifts, Holidays, imagination, preschool, present, Toys

Gift Guide for Toddlers and Preschoolers: Dramatic Play Toys

Gift Guide for Toddlers and Preschoolers: Dramatic Play Toys

December 2, 2015 By Katie Chiavarone 15 Comments

Do your kids love to play pretend?  Quickly outgrowing the baby toys, yet not quite big enough for smaller-piece toys, it can be a challenge to find developmentally appropriate and safe toys for the 2-3 year old age range. Notice that some of my favorite brands included are Melissa & Doug,

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Filed Under: Christmas, Gift Guides, Holidays, Parenting, Sponsored Work Tagged With: Dramatic Play, gift guide, gifts, Holidays, learn through play, presents, reviews, shopping, toddlers, Toys

STEM Education at Home with the StikBot: Review

STEM Education at Home with the StikBot: Review

October 23, 2015 By Katie Chiavarone Leave a Comment

I’ve said it before in previous articles, but I’m going to say it again…I’m obsessed with STEM education. I don’t know if it’s because I’m SO left-brained or if it’s my admittedly nerdy fascination with math OR my disdain for writing (wait, what?!), but I just think it makes sense.

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Filed Under: Elementary, Learn Through Play, Sponsored Work Tagged With: animation, Blogging, creativity, imagination, review, sharing, social media, Toys, video

Design & Drill Review: STEM Education Through Play

September 9, 2015 By Katie Chiavarone Leave a Comment

As a stay at home mom of three little ones, I am ALWAYS searching for something to occupy my kids and keep them entertained for periods of time. Don’t get me wrong, I encourage (and like) them to help me around the house doing laundry, dishes, cooking, etc…but occasionally, I

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Filed Under: Elementary, Learn Through Play, Preschoolers, Sponsored Work, Toddlers, Uncategorized Tagged With: Bloggers, fine motor, math, Mommy Blogger, patterns, Preschool Homeschool, pretend play, STEM, tools, Toys

I Survived Blogger Bash Part 2: All About the TOYS! My Top 10 Picks for 2015

I Survived Blogger Bash Part 2: All About the TOYS! My Top 10 Picks for 2015

July 23, 2015 By Katie Chiavarone Leave a Comment

  Alright you guys…if you missed part 1 of this series check it out to see how I got here…to most possibly the greatest event on earth…SWEET SUITE at Blogger Bash!!   I’m here talking about my experience at Blogger Bash- my first ever blog conference- one that I HIGHLY recommend

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Filed Under: Sponsored Work, Uncategorized Tagged With: blogger, Blogging, Conference, pretend play, reviews, Toys

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

  • Summer Olympics Bingo Game Printable
  • Constellations for Kids: Constellation Coloring Pages, Flashcards and Science Experiment Printable
  • St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt Printable
  • St. Patrick’s Day Printable Favor Toppers
  • Drawing Garden Game to Print for Kids: Roll and Draw!
  • Printable Valentine’s Day Lunchbox Jokes

What’s New:

  • Summer Olympics Bingo Game Printable
  • Constellations for Kids: Constellation Coloring Pages, Flashcards and Science Experiment Printable
  • St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt Printable
  • St. Patrick’s Day Printable Favor Toppers
  • Drawing Garden Game to Print for Kids: Roll and Draw!
  • Printable Valentine’s Day Lunchbox Jokes
  • Valentine’s Day Color by Number Printables
  • Pin the Carrot on the Snowman Printable Game
  • Printable Christmas Puzzles for Toddlers
  • Christmas Tic Tac Toe Printable Game
  • Christmas Charades Printable Game
  • Printable Coffee Gift Card Holder for Christmas
  • The Gift of Christmas Printable Board Game
  • Christmas Countdown Printable
  • Santa Says Printable Christmas Game
  • Christmas Tree I Spy Printable for Kids
  • Thanksgiving Picture Charades Printable Game for Young Kids
  • Christmas Countdown Dollar Store Craft
  • Roll a Gingerbread Man Christmas Board Game
  • Winter Color by Number Printables

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