Love to Laugh and Learn

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

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

Happy Birthday, America! (Almost 250 Years Old!)

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Happy Birthday, America! Did you know the United States of America is getting ready to celebrate a BIG birthday?

Next year — in 2026 — our country will turn 250 years old! That’s called a Semiquincentennial. (Whew, that’s a big word. Let’s say it slow: semi-quin-cen-ten-nial.)

But guess what!? Someone else just had a birthday too — and they’re older than the United States!

The United States Army turned 250 years old THIS year!

Yes, the Army is actually one year older than our country! That’s because the Army was created in 1775 — before the Declaration of Independence was even signed. People knew they would have to fight for freedom, so they got organized early!

So How Did All This Happen?

  • Long ago, people lived in 13 colonies that were controlled by England.
  • The colonists wanted to make their own rules and have their own government.
  • On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed, saying “Hey England, we’re doing our own thing now!”
  • But England wasn’t thrilled about that… so a big war (the Revolutionary War) happened.
  • Spoiler alert: We won!

Now every July 4th, we say, “Happy Birthday, America”, by celebrating that brave step our ancestors took to start a brand-new country. That’s why we wave flags, shoot fireworks, and eat way too many hot dogs. (Okay, maybe that last one is just for fun!)

Fun Fact Zone

  • The first American flag had 13 stars — one for each colony.
  • Fireworks were first used in China over 2,000 years ago! Now we use them to celebrate birthdays… and freedom!

Mini Activity: Firework Feelings (free printable)

Let kids celebrate America’s birthday in a thoughtful way! In this Fireworks Feelings activity, children can write words inside each burst that describe how they feel about living in the United States. A perfect addition to your Happy Birthday America celebration — great for classrooms, homeschool, or family fun! 👉 Click here to get your FREE Fireworks Feelings printable!

Looking for Ways to Celebrate?

If you’re looking for some fun and educational ways to help your kids enjoy the 4th of July (while sneaking in a little learning), check out my earlier post:
👉 Celebrating the 4th of July with Children

It includes:

  • A fun flag craft puzzle that uses magnets and foam sticks.
  • A collection of great children’s books about Independence Day and American history.

Want something easy and fun to print?

Check out my free Patriotic Coloring Pages on Teachers Pay Teachers — perfect for calming down after the fireworks or keeping little hands busy at a picnic table.

And if you’re looking to show your American pride, I’ve also created a brand new T-shirt design featuring the American Flag — great for parades, barbecues, or just wearing with pride.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What Can Kids Do to Get Ready for America’s 250th Birthday?

We have a whole year to get ready — and YOU can be part of the celebration! Here are a few fun ideas:

  • Read books about America’s history — you might be surprised how interesting it is!
  • Make red, white, and blue snacks or crafts.
  • Explore your family’s own history — where did your ancestors come from?
  • Create a time capsule with what life is like in 2025. What would kids 250 years from now want to know?
  • Write a letter to America — what do you love, what would you change, and what do you hope for the future?
  • Create a Happy Birthday, America card – design your own card to celebrate America’s special day and share what you love about our country!

A Special Salute

Since the Army is already 250 years old, let’s give them a little extra love this 4th of July. If you know someone in the military, say thank you. Maybe even make a card or draw them a picture!

Story Time

The 4th of July Story by Alice Dalgliesh

Reading Level: Ages 7 to 10 yrs old This book has more content than most of the ones I usually share, but it’s packed with so much great information that I didn’t want you to miss out. It covers a lot of our country’s history in easy-to-understand language. Your child will learn more about the thirteen original colonies, including how they sometimes got along—and sometimes didn’t. The book explains, in a bit more detail than others I’ve reviewed, the struggles involved in becoming a free country. I love the little details, like how Thomas Jefferson wasn’t a good speaker but loved to write, which is why he ended up doing most of the work on the Declaration of Independence. I believe anyone of any age who wants to learn more about the beginnings of our country will enjoy this book.

The Fourth of July (Symbols of America) by Debra Hess

Reading Level: Ages 7 to 10 yrs old This is a great book for slightly older children. It’s still a picture book, but it gives a little more detail than some of the others. The book is divided into three short, simple chapters. Your child will learn about the history of the United States of America, as well as some of the ways we celebrate this special day. It talks a bit more about the taxes England imposed on the original colonies and how they reacted. It also tells how the Liberty Bell was used to announce the Declaration of Independence for the first time. And last, but not least, it shares some of the ideas behind the American dream.

Independence Day (Holidays, Set II) by Julie Murray

Reading Level: Ages 5 to 8 yrs old Do you have a young child who wants to learn more about the 4th of July? If so, this is the perfect book. It’s a picture book with just a few sentences per page, but those few sentences are packed with information. Your child will learn about the history of our country, including the thirteen original colonies and the Declaration of Independence. They’ll also discover some of the symbols of independence and how we celebrate this special day. This is a wonderful little book for learning more about our country and its birth.

What is the 4th of July? (I Like Holidays!) by Elaine Landau

Reading Level: Ages 3 to 8 yrs old I read this to my 2-year-old grandson, and he loved it. It gives very basic descriptions of what the 4th of July is and how we celebrate it. The pictures are bright and entertaining. This would be a great book to share with a preschool class or a young child.

Now Go Celebrate!

Whether you’re heading to a parade, watching fireworks, or just hanging out with your family, remember why we celebrate: because people fought for our freedom, and we’ve been growing ever since.

So wave your flag, cheer a little louder this year, Happy Birthday, America!… and get ready. Next year, we throw the BIG party!

P.S. I’ll be sharing more fun ideas for kids and families to get ready for America’s 250th birthday right here on Love to Laugh and Learn. Stay tuned!

Related Posts

The American Flag and Its Hidden Message

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Celebrating the 4th of July with Children

Memorial Day for Kids: Fun Activities That Teach Honor and Respect

Memorial Day Learning Activities

The American Flag and Its Hidden Message

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Flag Day is here again! Every year, the United States celebrates National Flag Week, with Flag Day on June 14th. It’s a time to honor one of our most important national symbols: the American flag.

Why Do We Celebrate the Flag?

You might wonder — why celebrate a flag? After all, it’s just red, white, and blue cloth… right?

Have you looked closely at an American Flag? Did you know that there is a hidden message? Can you find it? Here’s a picture. Take a moment and look at it closely. 

Do you see the message yet? I will give you a hint. The American Flag is telling you a story.

Now do you see it? 

Where’s The Story?

No, it doesn’t have tiny words on it but if you know what to look for, it’s full of meaning.  The American Flag tells you how our country began. Are you ready to hear how it tells its story?

How It Began

Before America was the United States, it was a group of colonies ruled by England. Some people came for freedom to worship God the way they wanted, some for adventure, and others simply to make money.

So how many colonies were there? The flag gives us a clue!

Count the stripes — yes, there are 13.
These stripes remind us of the 13 original colonies that started it all. No states yet, just a group of determined settlers starting something new.

There is still more to the American Flag’s hidden message. The colors are each telling you a different part of America’s story. 

What Do the Flag’s Colors Mean?

🔴 Red stands for valor
That means bravery — being strong and courageous even when things are hard. Red can also remind us of the brave people who fought to protect our freedom.

⚪ White stands for purity
This color reminds us to have a kind heart, do what’s right, and treat others with honesty.

🔵 Blue stands for justice (or loyalty)
Blue is for fairness and staying true — to your friends, your family, and your country. It reminds us to stand up for what’s right.

What Does the Flag Tell Us About the States?

Do you know how many different states there are in America today? It’s right there in the American Flag’s hidden message. Have you found it?

The answer is in the stars. No, not the stars in the sky, the ones on the flag tells you how many states there are. Just count them. There is one star for each state. 

How many stars did you count? 

That’s right, 50 stars, so that means there are 50 states!

Mystery Solved

So now you know the secret: the flag tells a story.

  • It reminds us of where America started.
  • It tells us how we should act — with courage, kindness, and fairness.
  • And it shows how far we’ve come — from 13 colonies to 50 states strong.

That’s more than a flag… it’s a legacy.

Related Posts

Celebrating Flag Day – Check out my 2015 post with fun ideas, snacks, and picture book reviews!

Flag-Themed T-Shirts and items – Celebrate in style with my patriotic tee, hats and other items. Perfect for Flag Day and the Fourth of July!


Memorial Day for Kids: Fun Activities That Teach Honor and Respect

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Memorial Day is more than just the start of summer or a day for backyard barbecues. It’s also the perfect time to explore meaningful Memorial Day activities for kids that teach honor, gratitude, and remembrance in age-appropriate ways.

It’s a special time to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives while serving in the U.S. military. And yes, even young children can begin to understand the values of sacrifice, gratitude, and remembrance.

As a mom, teacher, and proud military family member, I believe in making learning meaningful—and fun! Below are some simple, heartfelt ways to help children learn about Memorial Day in age-appropriate and engaging ways.

 Leave a Coin to Show You Care

One Memorial Day, our family visited a military memorial together—my daughter, son-in-law (who is in the Army), my grandkids and me. As we walked around looking at the names and the memorials, we took part in a simple but powerful tradition: leaving coins on the headstones or memorials of veterans.

Each coin has a special meaning:

  • A Penny on a headstone is a common sign that someone visited the grave to show respect. 
  • A Nickel means that the visitor shared basic training with the deceased. 
  • A Dime means that the visitor served with the deceased service member. 
  • A Quarter is the most significant coin. It means you were with the veteran when they passed away.

Leaving a coin is a quiet way to say: “I remember and I’m thankful for your bravery.”

Watching my grandson point to the symbols and asking questions was a reminder that children are always learning. They may not fully understand everything, but they feel the importance of the moment. They learn by seeing, by doing, and by sharing these experiences with the people they love.

Family visiting 1st Cavalry Division Memorial at Fort Hood/Fort Cavazos, leaving coins to honor fallen soldiers on Memorial Day. Grandson pointing to symbols on monument.

📍 The memorial in our photos is located at Cooper Field near Legend’s Way at Fort Hood (now Fort Cavazos), Texas. It honors the 1st Cavalry Division troopers who served in the Persian Gulf War and Operation Iraqi Freedom, with the names of 69 brave individuals etched into its stone.

Free Printable: Thank You Cards to Leave With a Coin

To make this activity even more special, I created a free printable your child can leave with their coin. These small cards (there are 4 to a page) are the perfect size for little hands and include a space, on the back, for them to sign their name or write a short message.

📍 Click here and leave your email to get the free printable card set. Start a meaningful Memorial Day tradition with your family this year.

More Fun Ways to Celebrate and Learn

  • Visit a local veterans’ memorial and talk about the symbols and names you see.
  • Watch a short Memorial Day video made for children.
  • Read books that help kids understand bravery, honor, and loss (see below!).
  • Color a flag or soldier-themed coloring page.

You can also grab my Free Patriotic Coloring Pages available on Teachers Pay Teachers. They’re great for quiet time or creative reflection:  Get the free coloring pages here

More Memorial Day Resources

If you’re looking for even more ideas, be sure to visit my earlier blog post: Memorial Day Learning Activities

In that post, you’ll find:

  • A fingerprint poppy craft
  • A list of recommended children’s books about Memorial Day and military families that I reviewed myself.

Memorial Day is a wonderful opportunity to help children grow in understanding and gratitude. With just a few simple activities, you can help them connect with the deeper meaning of the day in a way that’s age-appropriate, loving, and memorable.

And remember—you don’t have to teach it all at once. Little hearts grow big with small, thoughtful lessons.

Wishing you a meaningful and memorable Memorial Day,
Mama Carmody

Related Posts

Celebrating the 4th of July with Children

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