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Learning Fun at Disney: The Importance of Imagination

September 10, 2020 by Mama Carmody Leave a Comment

Disney, the land (or world) of fun and imagination. It can also be a fun place to learn. Some of these learning ideas can be used in other settings such as home, at the store or at other amusement parks but some learning activities will be especially for Disney. 

First, let’s discuss imagination. Some people may not understand how important it is but it is, oh, so important. Sometimes very intelligent people feel that they don’t need to use it. They feel using their imagination is childish. 

Let’s look at the definition of imagination. According to Merriam-Webster, it is “the act or power of forming a mental image of something not present to the senses or never before wholly perceived in reality”. It is “a creation of the mind,” “fanciful or empty assumption”.

Yes, sometimes imagination can be fanciful, seemingly silly and useless but think of the great things that have been accomplished and the wonderful inventions that have been created all because of someone’s “creation of the mind”.

Flying
Imagination Takes Flight

My grandson and I recently flew on an airplane to Disney World. I am always in awe as  the plane gathers speed. Then all of a sudden this big metal contraption lifts up, off the ground and we are flying above the houses and eventually above the clouds. What kind of an imagination must the Wright Brothers have had to believe that they could fly through the air like a bird? They didn’t simply give up and say, “There is no way we can ever do what a bird does.” No, they imagined the possibility of fight and then used their brains to figure out how to make this dream a reality. 

This is what inventors do. They use their imagination to dream about some fanciful new gadget or way to travel. Then they use their brains and education to test and experiment with everyday items in new and different ways. The great imaginers of today will be the outstanding inventors of tomorrow. 

imagination
Journey into Imagination with Figment

Disneyland and Disney World are places full of imaginative activities but you can find an extra helping of imagination at Disney World Epcot. There you can enjoy a ride on Journey to Imagination with Figment. Figment is a little purple dinosaur. He is an adorable figment of some Imagineer. He helps you to learn how much fun and how important it is to imagine new and wonderful things.

Being smart and learning as much as you can are wonderful objectives but don’t forget to add in a large dose of imagination. You might come up with the next great invention because you were able to imagine it. 

Figment of your imagination.
Use Your Imagination

Related Posts

When Do Children Start Learning

Learning Should Be Fun

Ready to Plan Your DisneyTrip?

We always have great family time and make special memories when we travel to Disney. Click here to purchase tickets and start making your special trip plans.

Filed Under: Attractions and Events, Learning Activities Tagged With: Disney, Disney World, figment, figment of your imagination, imagination, learn at Disney, learning, learning at Disney, love to laugh and learn, love to learn

Learning Fun at Disney: Manners

May 23, 2023 by Mama Carmody Leave a Comment

I think learning should be fun. I can’t think of a more delightful place to learn than Disney!

Manners

Today, we are going to tackle manners. Using good manners is such an important attribute. Your child will have many opportunities to use their manners and to see manners exhibited while at Disney.

Please and Thank You

The first, in my book, is the simple, “please” and “thank you”. The cast members work hard and sometimes in less-than-ideal situations. It can be really hot or stormy and the cast members still have to be there to care for you. A simple thank you can add some joy to their day.

There will be many opportunities, during the day, to use your manners. One of my favorite times is mealtime. 

     “Will you please pass the salt?”

     “Thank you for letting me get dessert.”

My family came from the south. We were taught to throw in a “please” or “thank you” when answering a question.

     “Would you like tomatoes on your salad?”

          “No, thank you.”

 “Would you like ice cream for dessert?”

          “Yes, please.”

The Napkin

Another manner, that is not so widely practiced, is the placing of your napkin. If it’s a restaurant with cloth napkins, we place them in our laps. 

Did you know you can send a secret message to your server by where you place your napkin? (Of course, that is, if your server knows the code.) If you leave the table, but will be returning, place your napkin on your chair.

When you are totally finished with your meal, place your napkin on the table next to your plate. This lets the server know they can start taking away your dirty dishes and bring you the bill. 

I hope this post on manners has been fun and has given you some ideas of how to use them. What other manners might you use, while on your trip? Don’t forget to continue using them when you get home.

Related Posts

Learning Fun at Disney: The Importance of Imagination

Ready to Plan Your Disney Trip?

We always have great family time and make special memories when we travel to Disney. Click here to purchase tickets and start making your special trip plans.

Filed Under: Attractions and Events, Learning Activities Tagged With: Disney, love to laugh and learn, Mama Carmody, manners, napkin, please, thank you

Dig into Gardening: Fun Activities, Science Projects, and Healthy Eating Tips

May 7, 2025 by Mama Carmody Leave a Comment

Children and an adult planting vegetables together in a garden, promoting fun gardening activities for kids and healthy outdoor learning

Gardening with kids is a joyful, hands-on way to spark curiosity, teach science, and encourage healthy eating habits. Whether you’re planting a single pot on a balcony or creating a full backyard garden, there are endless opportunities to have fun while learning. In this post, you’ll discover gardening activities for kids that blend science, creativity, and delicious rewards. Plus, we’ll share free printables to help your little gardeners dig right in!

If you enjoy gardening with kids, be sure to check out our earlier post, Earth Day: Gardening with Children, for even more fun ideas!

Plant a Rainbow Garden

Planting a rainbow garden is a colorful and exciting project for children. Choose fruits and vegetables that represent each color of the rainbow—red tomatoes, orange carrots, yellow peppers, green lettuce, blue blueberries, and purple eggplants.

Activity Idea: Use our free Rainbow Garden worksheet to have children draw or write the name of a plant for each color. Challenge them to think of more options than just the examples provided!

Fun Science: How Plants Grow

Gardening is packed with natural science lessons. Talk about the life cycle of a plant—from seed to sprout to flower to fruit. Let kids track their plants’ growth with our free Garden Observation Sheets, perfect for ages 4-12.

Activity Idea: Start a “plant journal” where children record weather conditions, measure growth, and sketch what they observe each week.

Young child and adult exploring worms together in a garden bed.

Worm Watching: Nature’s Garden Helpers

Introduce kids to worms and the magic they do underground! Worms help aerate the soil and break down organic matter to create rich, fertile dirt.

Activity Idea: After a rainy day, go on a “worm walk” to find worms in the garden. Discuss their important role in helping plants grow.

Colorful kid-friendly fruit and veggie snacks displayed in fun shapes like rainbows, caterpillars, and flowers.

Taste the Garden: Healthy Eating Fun

Kids are more likely to try new fruits and vegetables when they’ve grown them themselves! Create simple, healthy recipes using their harvest.

Snack Ideas:

  • Rainbow Veggie Skewers: Thread colorful veggies onto skewers and serve with a tasty dip.
  • Healthy Banana Splits: Use bananas, yogurt, and an assortment of fresh fruits like kiwi, pineapple, and apples.
  • Apple Nachos: Thinly slice apples and top with nut butter, grapes, and mini chocolate chips.
  • Cucumber Sandwich Bites: Use cucumber slices with cream cheese or hummus, topped with cherry tomatoes or peppers.

Activity Idea: Host a “garden picnic” where kids pick, prepare, and eat their homegrown snacks.

Story Time (affiliate links)

“Container Gardening for Kids” by Ellen Talmage, featuring colorful illustrations of vegetables, flowers, and creative plant containers, designed to teach kids about growing plants in small spaces.

Container Gardening for Kids by Ellen Talmage

Reading Level: Ages 7 to 12 yrs old This book is bursting with creative and unique ideas for turning all kinds of containers into mini gardens—some you can even make yourself! From boots to buckets, it encourages kids to think outside the (plant) box.

Not only does it inspire creativity, it also teaches important plant care tips. Your young gardener will learn why it’s important to avoid overcrowding, how to divide plants into new containers, and—even cooler—how trimming the roots can actually help a plant stay healthy and stress-free. (Yes, I even learned something new too!)

This book is a great guide for kids who want to get their hands dirty and show off their green thumbs in fun, personal ways. Let the container garden adventures begin!

Errol’s Garden by Gillian Hibbs

Reading Level: Birth to 8 yrs old Errol’s Garden is a charming picture book that celebrates the love of gardening—even in unexpected places. Errol dreams of growing plants, but living in an apartment doesn’t offer many options. That is, until he discovers the rooftop! Follow along as Errol and his neighbors come together to create a beautiful rooftop garden, proving that community and creativity can help gardens grow anywhere.

Growing Vegetables by Tracy Nelson Mauer

Reading Level: Ages 7 to 12 I discovered this gem at my local library. It’s perfect for young gardeners! This book is packed with practical, age-appropriate information on how to plan, plant, and harvest your very own vegetable garden. It covers everything from choosing the right location and tools to understanding when to water, weed, and pick your produce. While I wasn’t able to find this book on Amazon at the time of writing, I highly recommend checking your local library or school collection. It’s a fantastic resource to pair with garden activities and outdoor science lessons!

Cover of the children’s book “Ready, Set, Grow!” by DK Books, featuring a smiling sunflower face and subtitle “Quick and Easy Gardening Projects,” designed to teach kids simple, hands-on gardening activities.

Ready, Set, Grow! – Quick and Easy Gardening Projects by Deborah Lock (DK Books)

Reading Level: Ages 7 to 11 DK Books never disappoint—and Ready, Set, Grow! is no exception! This colorful, photo-packed gem is perfect for young gardeners who are ready to dig in. Before planting a single seed, kids will learn to think like a garden pro: How much space do you have? Is it sunny or shady? The book covers it all!

From clever ideas for quirky containers to super cute DIY garden decorations, this book makes gardening both practical and playful. Kids will also discover which insects are garden heroes (hello, ladybugs!) and which ones might cause trouble. There’s a garden full of information inside these pages—and it’s all presented in a way that’s fun, easy to understand, and sure to grow confidence.

Whether you have a backyard plot or just a sunny windowsill, this book will help your young gardener bloom! 

“Secrets of the Vegetable Garden: A Shine-a-Light Book” by Carron Brown and Giordano Poloni, featuring colorful illustrations of garden plants, animals, and a watering can, with a flashlight icon showing how to reveal hidden images through light.

Secrets of the Vegetable Garden (A Shine-A-Light Book) by Carron Brown & Giordano Poloni

Reading Level: Ages 2 to 8 Secrets of the Vegetable Garden is part of the delightful Shine-A-Light series, and it’s both magically entertaining and educational. I own this one along with Secrets of the Seashore, and my grandchildren absolutely love them!

In this interactive book, young readers are asked engaging questions like, “What three things does a seed need to grow?” and “What’s growing in the pods?” The fun twist? To reveal the hidden answers, you shine a flashlight behind the page in a dim room—it’s like discovering secret worlds hidden in the illustrations!

This book teaches real facts about gardening and the wildlife you might encounter, all through a hands-on, visually exciting experience. It’s a wonderful way to spark curiosity and learning through play.

Tiny Green Thumbs by C.Z. Guest

Reading Level: Ages 3 to 9 Tiny Green Thumbs is a sweet and educational story about a little bunny with a big dream—growing his own garden. With the loving guidance of his wise grandmother, Granny Bun, Tiny Bun learns all the steps it takes to grow something from the ground up. The book blends a heartwarming storyline with practical gardening tips, making it both entertaining and informative. Join Tiny Bun and Granny Bun as they dig, plant, and grow their way to a garden full of joy and learning!

Free Printables to Grow and Learn

Don’t forget to grab your free Garden Observation Sheets and Rainbow Garden Worksheet! These tools help make your garden adventure even more educational and fun.

Wrap-Up: Grow, Learn, and Laugh Together

Gardening with kids builds skills, sparks curiosity, and promotes healthy living. It’s a fun way to connect with nature—and each other! Whether you’re growing a few pots of herbs or a full backyard farm, these gardening activities for kids will plant seeds of wonder that last a lifetime.

Show Off Your Green Thumb in Style!

I’ve created two fun gardening-themed T-shirt designs that are perfect for kids, families, and anyone who loves to dig in the dirt! You can find them in my storefront, Mama Carmody’s Corner Store, available on TeePublic, TeeSpring, and RedBubble.

Each platform offers different items and runs unique sales, so be sure to check them all out for the best deals and product options!

Shop Now:

Look for my designs “I Dig Dirt – Little Gardener in Training” and “Grow Your Own Greatness – Roots, Rain and a Little Grit” — great for garden-loving kiddos and grownups alike.

This cute kids gardening shirt is perfect for little ones who love outdoor play, planting vegetables, and learning in nature.
“Grow Your Own Greatness – Roots, Rain and a Little Grit.” Perfect for garden lovers of all ages.

Filed Under: Gardening Tagged With: educational activities, family friendly, family friendly activities, free printable, fun learning, gardening, gardening with children, gardening with kids, love to laugh and learn, Mama Carmody, vegetable gardening with kids

Love to Laugh and Learn at the Apple Orchard

September 23, 2013 by Mama Carmody 24 Comments

Love to Laugh and Learn at the Apple Orchard


Learning experiences at the apple orchard can be so much fun. I like to incorporate a little learning in everything I do but I don’t want it to be heavy handed. I don’t want the kids to actually realize they are learning. All I want them to experience is fun.

There is so much learning that can happen at an apple orchard. The lessons can be complex, such as learning about how bees pollinate or the growing cycle of an apple. Or the lesson can be very simple, like learning that the apples in the grocery store actually grow on trees.

Today, We Go for Simple

We are headed to the apple orchard with our 2 year old, great-nephew. I like to start learning opportunities with a book so we began by reading, “Picking Apples” by Gail Saunders-Smith. It was a great book for a young child; lots of pictures and a small amount of descriptive text. It describes picking apples from the tree to storing them in large wooden crates and finally trucking them everywhere. We were able to see the big wooden crates at the apple orchard; just like in the book!

We decided to head to Stuckey’s Farm today because they grow my husband’s favorite apples; McIntosh. When we arrive a gentleman gives us a basket and a bag to gather our apples in. Jeremiah wanted to carry the basket.

Love to Laugh and Learn at the Apple Orchard – Carrying the basket

We climbed onto a wagon behind a big tractor, to get a ride out to the area that the McIntosh apples were at.

Love to Laugh and Learn at the Apple Orchard – Riding on the Wagon

The Art of Picking Apples

The first apple Jeremiah picked came right off the tree with no problem…

Love to Laugh and Learn at the Apple Orchard – Picking Apples

…but the next one wouldn’t let go so Uncle Pat stepped in to explain if you just turn the apple a couple of times, it will come right off the tree.

Love to Laugh and Learn at the Apple Orchard – Picking Apples with Uncle Pat

This only had to be explained once and then Jeremiah became an expert apple picker.

Love to Learn and Learn at the Apple Orchard – Picking Apples Collage

We finished our day up with a frozen apple cider slushie…

Love to Laugh and Learn at the Apple Orchard – Frozen Apple Cider Slushie

…and a special apple Bento meal. Bento meals come from Japan and are in divided boxes. They do some pretty creative things with food and I find them fun for kids. Jeremiah’s apple themed meal consisted of a peanut butter and apple butter sandwich, cut with an apple shaped cookie cutter. There were a couple of apple cars, made from apple slices and grapes, and some cooked carrots.

Love to Laugh and Learn at the Apple Orchard – Apple Bento Meal

We spent a little time at the playground before we left.

Love to Laugh and Learn at the Apple Orchard – Playing

Stuckey’s Farm is opening a new fun area called Adventure Acres. It consists of a 20′ tall tube slide, a barrel train pulled by a real tractor, pedals cars and more. We are going to have to go back and check that out, once it opens.

Learning Opportunities Jeremiah had at the Apple Orchard

1. That apples in the grocery store come from apple trees.

2. He got to see the big wooden crates the apples are stored in; just like we read about in the book.

3. He was able to watch a machine wash the apples then some workers sorted them and put them in bags.

4. He got the experience of receiving and following directions on how to get stubborn apples off the tree.

5. He was able to experience nature and enjoy climbing around and under the trees.

Future Learning Opportunities at the Apple Orchard

1. We can learn about bees because there is a beehive that you can safely observe from inside the orchard store.

Love to Laugh and Learn at the Apple Orchard – Bee Hive at Stuckey’s

2. We can learn about the life cycle of an apple tree; from seed to apple.

3. We can see how apple cider is made. They make their own apple cider. You can watch the machines make it and fill the bottles but they weren’t manufacturing any the day we were there.

4. We can take apples home and make applesauce and other recipes. Cooking has so many learning opportunities and it’s fun.

We had so much fun at the apple orchard. I can’t wait to go again. Have you been to an apple orchard? What did you like about your trip? Maybe you live in an area where you go to orange groves instead of apple orchards. I would love to hear about your experiences.

You can find more fun activities with apples on an earlier post called, “A is for Apple: You Can Learn More Than Your ABC’s from Apples”.

More Books about the Apple Orchard:

Out and About at the Apple Orchard by Diane Mayr
Reading Level: Ages 5 to 8 yrs old
This is a very good book that describes the activities that go on at an apple orchard. The book explains how the apples start as flowers and how the bees help the flowers change into fruit. Your child will learn about the many things the orchard workers need to do to help the apples grow. It is a fun little book. The pictures in this book are brightly drawn illustrations. Although, I prefer photo illustrations in books I am using for learning purposes, the drawings are quite adorable.

Related Posts:

Pumpkins are Orange; and Other Learning Concepts
A is for Apple: You Can Learn More Than Your ABC’s from Apples
Colors – Overview
Shapes – Overview
Fun with Music – Overview

Filed Under: Attractions and Events, Learning Activities Tagged With: apple orchard, apples, family friendly, family friendly activities, family friendly events, fun learning, laugh, learning, learning fun, learning opportunities, love to laugh, love to laugh and learn, making learning fun, picking apples

📸 Capture the Moment: First and Last Day of School Signs for Every Grade

July 11, 2025 by Mama Carmody Leave a Comment

Can you believe it? In some places, school is already starting this month. One of my daughter’s favorite back-to-school traditions is taking a First Day of School photo of my grandkids — it’s a simple moment that turns into a sweet keepsake. That’s why I created a fun, colorful set of First Day of School signs and Last Day of School signs for kids from Preschool through 12th Grade — and I’m giving away a free version to help you capture those memories. Whether you homeschool, teach, or are simply trying to remember what day it is, the new school year always seems to sneak up on us.

First Day of School signs & Last Day of School signs – What’s Included?

I designed three different styles of the first day of school signs to match different age groups:

Preschool – 4th Grade

Bright and playful — with crayons, scissors, and paint trays.

5th – 8th Grade

Still fun, but a little more grown-up — featuring globes, books, and backpacks.

High School (Freshman–Senior Year)

Clean, classic, and stylish enough for teens who “don’t do cute.”

Each design includes:

  • A First Day of School sign
  • A Last Day of School sign
    (Perfect for comparing just how much they’ve grown!)

Want the Free Printable Version?

You can download the non-editable version of the signs for FREE when you sign up to receive updates from Love to Laugh and Learn.

These free signs show the grade level only (no name or date fields), and they are ready to print and use instantly.

And yes — the watermarks will be removed when the signs are delivered to your inbox!

Click here: 👉 Free First and Last Day of School Signs

Want to Personalize Them with Your Child’s Name and Date?

If you’d like to customize the signs digitally, I also offer a fully editable version in my Teachers Pay Teachers store for just $5.

The editable set includes:

  • Canva links for all 3 styles
  • The ability to type in your child’s name and date before printing
  • Matching first and last day signs for every grade from preschool through 12th
  • Free graphics (no Canva Pro needed!)

Start the School Year with a Smile

These signs are an easy way to start a new tradition or continue an old one. Whether you use the free version or grab the editable one, I hope they help make your child’s school year just a little more special — and a lot more memorable.

With love,
Mama Carmody

📍 P.S. I’d love to see your First Day photos! Tag @LoveToLaughandLearn or send me a message — it truly makes my day!

Related Posts

Teaching Shapes to Preschoolers: An Overview of Fun Learning Activities

Teaching Your Child Colors – Overview

Filed Under: Free Printables Tagged With: Back to School, back to school printables, editable school signs, end of school year, family friendly, family friendly activities, first day of school printable, first day of school signs, free printable, free printable school signs, free resources for parents, last day of school signs, love to laugh and learn, Mama Carmody, school photo signs

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  • Learning Through Laughter: Why Learning Should Be Fun
  • Learning Fun at Disney: The Importance of Imagination
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