Love to Laugh and Learn

Fun and interesting learning activities to do with the children in your life

Learning Fun at Disney: Manners

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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

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Teaching Shapes to Preschoolers: An Overview of Fun Learning Activities

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When I taught preschool, I always introduced colors before shapes. I did the same thing at home with my own children. Looking back, it makes sense. Children seem to notice colors first. So, I followed their natural curiosity and used it as a guide.

Just like with colors, our first lessons on shapes weren’t formal. My kids learned about them during everyday routines—like getting dressed or playing with toys. I made a habit of talking to them throughout the day. Throughout our routine, I would point out circles, hearts, or stars and describe what we saw together. Sometimes I’d say, “Look at those colorful stars on your socks,” or “This strawberry looks like a heart!”

Whether your child is just a few days old or a curious three-year-old, talking to them consistently helps. It builds vocabulary, observation skills, and a strong foundation for future learning. Their understanding of the world will grow faster than you expect—especially when it’s grounded in love, play, and shared discovery.

Learning Through Play

Most early learning should come through play and conversation. Read books together, do simple crafts, play on the floor, and talk about what you’re doing. These small moments are powerful teaching tools.

In the posts below, you’ll find shape-themed book recommendations, craft ideas, fun snacks, and hands-on activities that introduce common forms in playful ways. You can explore one shape a day, mix and match, or follow the full series—it’s completely up to you. Just remember: the most important thing is to have fun. When children are having fun, they’re learning!

 

Related Posts

The Lessons – Overview
Circles: Learning Activities for Shapes
Ovals: Learning Activities for Shapes
Squares: Learning Activities for Shapes
Rectangles: Learning Activities for Shapes
Triangles: Learning Activities for Shapes
Diamonds: Learning Activities for Shapes
Stars: Learning Activities for Shapes
Hearts: Learning Activities for Shapes
Learning Should Be Fun
Colors – Overview

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Celebrating the 4th of July with Children

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Celebrating the 4th of July with Children

Illustrated image of a family sitting on a red-and-white checkered blanket, watching fireworks on the 4th of July, with the text “Celebrating the 4th of July with Children – Love to Laugh and Learn” over a starry night sky.

 


4th of July! A time to celebrate the birthday of the United States of America. For me, the 4th of July is the 2nd biggest holiday of the year. I love celebrating the 4th and all it represents. I believe we, too often, fail to remember what it took to become a nation.

People traveled across the ocean, in uncomfortable conditions, to get to the New World. Once here, they experienced many hardships, including sickness and death. Settlements were established but then they realized they wanted to make their own laws and govern themselves. They had to fight to become independent and begin building their own nation. The freedoms we have today are granted to us because of the people that sacrificed their lives fighting for it. We need to appreciate and celebrate their sacrifices.

Patriotism has always been taught and celebrated in our family. It is something I have tried to instill in my children and now I hope to pass it on to my grandchildren. Now that I have a son-in-law serving in the Armed Forces, it means even more to me.

Celebrating the 4th of July with Children

You might be wondering how to teach your children the deeper meanings of the 4th of July. If you have been following me for very long you know I like to start with books. You will find several that I have read and reviewed below in the Story Time section. Choose a couple books and share them with your child. You will be surprised the conversations that will come up. Maybe not at the time you are reading but sometime over your 4th of July celebration, someone will bring up something you read to them in a book.

Start teaching your children how to respect the United States flag. Did you know that during a parade you are supposed to stand for the American Flag? You don’t have to stand every time you see one because, especially during an election year, many groups or floats might have the American flag with them. The very first American flag in a parade (usually carried by an Honor Guard) should be shown our respect by standing (removing head coverings) and placing your right hand over your heart. It’s not a time for chatting and goofing around but for remembering what the flag stands for and the cost of freedom. My 23 month old grandson is all ready learning this.

Craft

4th of July Puzzle from Craft Sticks

D.I.Y. Flag Puzzle

I got the inspiration for this from Ginger Snap Crafts. I did not use the 3 ½” sized sticks to hold all the pieces together because I wanted it to be a puzzle. Instead I put magnets on the back of each of the large sticks so my grandson could put them together on the metal pan he plays with.

I also found a new product: foam craft sticks. I was going to use the large wooden craft sticks for this craft but when I found the color foam sticks I decided to give them a try.

Foam Craft Sticks
Foam Craft Sticks

Materials Needed

Foam craft sticks (tongue depressor size)
Small star stickers
Magnets
White foam sheet
Glue
Scissors

Directions

  1. Cut the rounded end of 3 blue foam craft sticks into 3 inch pieces.
  2. Get 3 red foam craft sticks.
  3. There were no white craft sticks in the set I purchased so I bought a white piece of craft foam and cut out 2 white craft sticks, using one from the package as a pattern.
4th of July Craft: White foam craft sticks for flag puzzle craft.
4th of July Craft: White foam craft sticks for flag puzzle craft.
  1. Line up the longer foam sticks starting with a red stick, then alternate white and red.
  2. Glue the 3 short blue pieces on top of the top three large craft sticks. This makes your blue field for your stars.
  3. Add stars to the blue field. I couldn’t find white stars to purchase so I use a star shaped punch and punched them out of white card stock. I was hoping to punch them out of the white foam but the foam was too thick to get inside the punch. (updated 6/22/25, with affiliate link) I just found this punch on Amazon and it says it will punch foam. Star Punch on Amazon
4th of July: Stars for Flag craft stick puzzle.
4th of July: Stars for Flag craft stick puzzle.
  • Turn the sticks over and add magnets to the backside.
    • 4th of July Craft: Attaching magnets to back of foam pieces.
    4th of July Craft: Attaching magnets to back of foam pieces.
  • Now you can put your flag puzzle together.
    • 4th of July Craft: Flag Craft Stick Puzzle
    4th of July Craft: Flag Craft Stick Puzzle

    Using the foam sticks made the project go quickly but if you want to make it more of a craft for your child, then I suggest using the wooden craft sticks and letting your child paint them the colors you need.

     

    Story Time

    (affiliate links included below)

    Celebrate Independence Day: With Parades, Picnics, and Fireworks by Deborah Heiligman

    Reading Level: Ages 6 to 10 yrs old
    This is a picture book with bright illustrations and lots of information. Your child will learn a little of our history and a lot about celebrating. It shares many different ways American’s celebrate the 4th of July. You might dress in red, white and blue or you might head to the beach. If you need some ideas, you will find plenty in this book.

    Independence Day (Our Country’s Holidays) by Sheri Dean

    Reading Level: Ages 4 to 8 yrs old
    Although this book mainly covers Independence Day for the United States, it also talks about Canada’s special independence day, which is called Canada Day. This is a great book for the younger child. It explains Independence Day in general terms. I like that it points out that Independence Day is our country’s birthday. Even young children understand the concept of a birthday and the fact that we celebrate it.

    Independence Day (Holiday Histories) by Mir Tamim Ansary

    Reading Level: Ages 6 to 8 yrs old
    Although this is a picture book, it is packed with loads of information. If your child is interested in learning a little more about how the United States formed this book will be a great choice. It shares a little of the history of our ancestors coming from England. It talks of the first 13 original colonies and how they were treated by England. Your child will learn why we wanted our independence from England and ways we celebrate our nation’s birthday.

    Independence Day (Holidays and Festivals) by Rebecca Rissman

    Reading Level: Ages 3 to 6 yrs old
    This is a great book to introduce the 4th of July to younger children. The text is fairly simple. It covers a little of the history of the United States without going into too much detail. The illustrations are a mixture of bright photographs and drawings.

    Independence Day (Rookie Read-About Holidays) by Trudi Strain Trueit

    Reading Level: Ages 5 to 8 yrs old
    This is a cute little picture book that will help your child learn about Independence Day (4th of July). Your child will learn a little about our history and breaking from England. They will learn about some of the symbols and traditions for our 4th of July celebrations. How do you like to celebrate the 4th of July?

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    The American Flag and Its Hidden Message Celebrating Flag Day
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    Teaching Your Child Colors

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    Teaching Your Child Colors




    Teaching Your Child Colors

    Learning colors is a concept that can start at birth. Just by talking with your child you are teaching them. As you get them dressed you say things like, “Let’s get this red shirt over your head.”

    A lot of the teaching of concepts to young children does not have to be in a formal setting. That is one of the things I love so much about teaching preschool. The learning comes through playing and it should be the same way in your home. Don’t stress about teaching formal lessons, just have fun playing and talking with your child. You will find out that they are learning through your playtime together.

    A suggestion for a fun time with your child would be to have a special color day. Use part of the day or the whole day and dedicate it to one of the colors. I start with the primary colors. Although I didn’t teach the term “primary colors” until they were in pre-kindergarten, I like to start with the basics so I begin with red, blue and yellow. By the way, always be watching for signals that your child is ready for the next learning concept. For instance your child may ask, “How do you get the color green.” That is your clue that you can introduce the learning concepts of primary and secondary colors.

    In the subsequent posts I will give different ideas of activities you can do for each of the colors. Use all of them in one day or use the different activities over several days. Just enjoy the time with your child and the learning will follow.

    Related Posts:

    The Lessons – Overview
    A is for Apple: You Can Learn More Than Your ABC’s from Apple
    Pumpkins are Orange; and Other Learning Concepts
    Learning Activities for the Color Red
    Learning Activities for the Color Blue
    Learning Activities for the Color Yellow
    Learning Activities for the Color Green
    Learning Activities for the Color Orange
    Learning Activities for the Color Purple

    Learning Activities for the Color Red

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    Learning Activities for the Color Red





    Here are some learning activities for the color red. Remember to have fun learning and laughing together.

    Clothing

    Dress you child in something red; a red shirt, red pants, etc. Join in the fun and wear red too.

    Toys

    Go through your child’s toys and pick out the red ones to play with; red legos or duplos, red wooden blocks, a fire engine, Strawberry Shortcake, Elmo etc. Use these toys for playtime today.

    Make or buy red play dough. Play dough is great for sensory play. If you have plastic colored cookie cutters to use with your play dough, just get out the red ones today. Click the words, play dough, to find a couple of recipes to make your own play dough at home.

    Craft

    Torn Paper Apple Craft

    Learning Activities for the Color Red: Materials Needed for Torn Paper Apple Craft
    Learning Activities for the Color Red: Materials Needed for Torn Paper Apple Craft

    Materials Needed:

    1. Red & green construction paper
    2. Small white paper plate
    3. Glue
    4. Foam applicator or paint brush
    5. Scissors

    Instructions:

    1. Give your child a small white paper plate and a red piece of construction paper.
    2. Have him/her tear the red construction paper into pieces. (I just used 1/2 piece of construction paper.)

    Learning Activities for the Color Red: Torn Paper Apple Craft
    Learning Activities for the Color Red: Torn Paper Apple Craft

    3. Squirt some glue onto the small paper plate.
    4. Give your child a paint brush or foam applicator to apply the glue to the plate with. (My favorite is the foam applicator. It covers large surfaces quite a bit easier than a paint brush.) Have your child spread the glue all over the plate. Make sure to get the edges.

    Learning Activities for the Color Red: Torn Paper Apple Craft
    Learning Activities for the Color Red: Torn Paper Apple Craft

    5. Then apply the torn pieces of red construction paper one piece at a time. Cover up all the white.

    Learning Activities for the Color Red: Torn Paper Apple Craft
    Learning Activities for the Color Red: Torn Paper Apple Craft

    6. Have a stem and a leaf cut out and ready so your child can glue them to the top of the apple. If your child is a little older let them cut out their own stem and leaf.
    7. Some of the red construction paper was sticking over the edge of the plate so I trimmed that off to give the apple it’s circular shape back.

    Learning Activities for the Color Red: Completed Torn Paper Apple Craft
    Learning Activities for the Color Red: Completed Torn Paper Apple Craft

    Red Foods for snack or meal time

    Strawberries, cherries, watermelon, raspberries, red pepper, apples

    Finger Play

    Ten Red Apples

    Ten red apples growing on a tree
    (hold both hands up and out to make a tree)
    Five for you and five for me
    (shake one hand, then the other)
    Help me shake that tree just so
    (act like holding tree trunk and shaking it)
    And ten red apples fall down below
    (lower hands while fluttering fingers)
    One, two, three, four, five
    (count fingers on one hand)
    Six, seven, eight, nine, ten.
    (count fingers on other hand)

    – Author Unknown

    Story Time

    “Apples Here!“ by Will Hubbell
    Reading Level: Ages 3-8
    I would encourage you to read this to your child before you do the Torn Paper Apple craft. It gives a very simplified story of how apple trees and apples grow. The simple theme is that “there are apples here”; whether looking at buds or blossoms or tiny little knots on the branches, there are apples growing there.

    “Clifford The Big Red Dog” by Norman Bridwell
    Reading Level: Ages 4-8
    Several generations of children have fallen in love with Clifford the Big Red Dog. Norman Bridwell has written many different adventures for Clifford and Emily. I’m sure that you will find plenty of adventures that you and your child will love.

    “The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear (Child’s Play Library)” by Audrey Wood and Don Wood
    Reading Level: Ages 5-8
    The Little Mouse wants to save his strawberry from the Big Hungry Bear. Do you like strawberries? Maybe you can help the Little Mouse. Read this cute story for some smiles and expect to have a craving for strawberries.

    Music and Singing

    Little Red Caboose

    Bumping Up And Down In My Little Red Wagon

    Related Posts

    Colors – Overview
    A is for Apple: You Can Learn More Than Your ABC’s from Apple
    Pumpkins are Orange; and Other Learning Concepts
    Learning Activities for the Color Blue
    Learning Activities for the Color Yellow
    Learning Activities for the Color Green
    Learning Activities for the Color Purple
    Learning Activities for the Color Orange