Love to Laugh and Learn

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

Learning Through Laughter: Why Learning Should Be Fun

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A colorful vertical Pinterest image collage with photos of children learning through fun activities like crafts, cooking, and music. Text reads: “Learning Through Laughter: Why Learning Should Be Fun.”

“A joyful heart is good medicine…” – Proverbs 17:22

My Mission

From the very beginning of Love to Laugh and Learn, my mission has been simple: to show that learning should be fun — not serious and stiff, but filled with joy and meaning. In fact, the more joy we bring into it, the more it sticks.

Natural Learners

Children are natural learners—curious, creative, and constantly absorbing the world around them. But here’s the key: they learn best when they’re having fun.

Whether it’s identifying colors, discovering shapes, or exploring the roles of community helpers, I’ve always believed in making learning hands-on, engaging, and joyful. Flashcards have their place, and repetition absolutely helps secure knowledge—but I believe that repetition works best when it’s wrapped in meaningful play, exploration, and real-life application.

Love to Laugh and Learn Has Grown

Over the years, Love to Laugh and Learn has grown—just like the little ones it serves. My background is strongest with early childhood (birth to Kindergarten), but now that I’m a grandmother to kids who are 9½ and 12, you’ll notice the blog is expanding to include content for older children, too.

You’ll find posts that cover:

  • Early learning basics like colors, shapes, and numbers
  • Themed units like Fun with Music, where we explore instruments and sounds
  • Holiday activities filled with crafts and conversations
  • Community helper studies that bring real-world roles into focus
  • Printable resources, educational games, and more!

In the early days of the blog, I often highlighted family-friendly attractions and events around Indianapolis, where I used to live. Now, after a decade in Texas, I’m looking forward to doing the same here—especially once my daughter, son-in-law, and grandkids move back nearby. I’m excited to start reviewing local sites and activities again that make learning an adventure.

My Goal

It is still my goal is to support families and teachers alike in creating joyful, meaningful learning moments. Most ideas can be adapted wherever you live and whatever stage your learners are in—whether you’re homeschooling, supplementing school lessons, or simply having fun at home.

Science Behind Learning Should Be Fun

And in case you need some science to back it all up: Dr. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and professor of psychology at Temple University, says:

“Play is not a break from learning. It’s the way young children learn.”
Research shows that playful learning boosts cognitive development, social-emotional skills, and long-term memory retention (Zosh et al., 2017, American Academy of Pediatrics).

So whether you’re a parent, grandparent, teacher, or caregiver, I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s laugh, explore, and learn together—because learning should be fun, every step of the way.

Most sincerely,
Mama Carmody
Love to Laugh and Learn

Related Posts

Learning Should Be Fun (my blog’s first ever post)

Colors – Overview

Teaching Shapes to Preschoolers: An Overview of Fun Learning Activities

Love to Laugh and Learn at the Apple Orchard

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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

Hearts: Learning Activities for Shapes

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Hearts: Learning Activities for Shapes

Hearts: Learning Activities for Shapes

 

Are you ready for some fun with hearts? Although you see a lot of them around Valentine’s Day, anytime of year is a good time to have fun with hearts. Below you will find books and craft ideas to allow your child to enjoy learning with them.

Seal Made from hearts.
Seal Made from Hearts


Content:

Toys
Craft:
Fun With Hearts
Snacks
Story Time
Related Posts

Toys

You might have a shape puzzle with a heart on it or maybe some heart-shaped beads to string. Do you have a shape sorter with a heart? When I taught preschool I used the Lauri Toys Shape and Color Sorter in my classroom. It has a heart shape and the children loved playing with it. Maybe you have a special stuffed animal you received for Valentine’s Day that has a heart on it. Please share with me what type of heart shaped toys you have by leaving me a comment.

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Craft

Fun with Hearts

This craft idea came from a book so before you do the craft either purchase or borrow from the library, My Heart is Like a Zoo by Michael Hall, and read it to your child. It is a very cute story and the animals in the story are made out of endearing shape. So for this craft provide your child with a bunch of hearts of different shapes and different colors. If your child is old enough to use scissors have them cut them out his/her self.

Materials Needed:

Craft ideas to make with hearts.
Material for Heart Craft

My Heart Is Like a Zoo by Michael Hall
Different color  and size hearts or a tub of foam hearts
Different colored construction paper, if your child can cut out their own hearts
Glue
Wiggly eyes

Directions:

1. First read the book to your child.

2. Using the book as inspiration have your child create animals with the hearts. They may want to copy some of the animals in the book or they may create their own animals. Just have fun.

Seal Made from Hearts
Seal Made from Hearts

I made a seal from hearts like the one in My Heart Is Like a Zoo.  What are you going to make?

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Foods for snack or meal time

I could not find any naturally occurring heart shaped foods but there were a lot of cute ideas on Pinterest of how to create heart shaped items but it would be fairly easy to trim a strawberry to look like one. You can use a heart shaped cookie cutter on fruits and vegetables as well as meats and cheeses.

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Story Time

The Day It Rained Hearts by Felicia Bond
Reading Level: Ages 3 – 8 yrs old
What would you do if it started raining hearts and it was close to Valentine’s Day? Pick up this cute little book to find out all the things that Cornelia Augusta did with the hearts she collected. You will enjoy finding out who her special friends are and the perfect Valentine she made for each of them.

My Heart Is Like a Zoo by Michael Hall
Reading Level: Ages 3 and up
This is such a cute rhyming book. Each of the animals in the zoo are made from hearts. They are quite creative. This book would not only be fun to read but also fun to try and make some of the animals that you find in it.

One Heart: A Valentine Counting Book by Maryann Cocca-Leffler
Reading Level: Ages 3 and up
There are lots of hearts to look at and count as the little girl shares hearts wherever she goes. There was one special heart she put in her pocket at the very beginning of the book. I wonder who that is for? Pick up this cute little book and find out who the final Valentine is for.

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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
Learning Should Be Fun
When Do Children Start Learning
The Lessons – Overview

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The True Meaning of Christmas

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The True Meaning of Christmas





As I stated in my post, The Santa Claus Debate, although we included Santa in our Christmas celebrations, he was not the center of our Christmas holiday. Teaching our children the spiritual meaning behind the season was what we focused on. My posts for December are going to include different symbols of Christmas and their spiritual meanings. I will include crafts and books that you can use to make the learning fun.

As I was doing research for my different lessons, I found this story and thought it summed everything up very well. If you are not including Santa in your Christmas celebrations you could easily tell this story without putting Santa in it. If you need help with that, just let me know and I could edit it for you.

This story would make a great object lesson too. Find a very small table-top tree and purchase the different items that are talked about. We have stores here in Indiana where you can buy things for just $1. You could find most of the items for this story at one of those stores. The children could then help out in the telling of the story by pulling the different items out of a bag and adding them to the tree.

Have fun celebrating this very special time of year with your children as you teach them the true meaning of Christmas.

Teach the Children the True Meaning of Christmas

One December night, many years ago, I had just finished decorating for Christmas when I heard a noise at the front of the house. I turned on the porch light and opened the door. To my surprise just as I stepped outside, I saw Santa Claus climbing out of his sleigh. He placed his fingers over his lips, silencing me before I cried out.

“What are you doing…” I started to ask…but the words choked up in my throat as I saw he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner, the eager, boisterous soul we all know, was gone. He composed himself by clearing his throat, then answered me in a whisper. “Help teach the children.”

I was puzzled. What did he mean? He anticipated my question, and with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from behind the sleigh. As I stood there bewildered, Santa stated again but more firmly, “Teach the children. Teach them the true meaning of Christmas. The meaning that has long been forgotten.”

I invited him in to warm by the fire as I tried to tell him that I wasn’t sure if I knew what he meant… when Santa reached into the toy bag and pulled out a brilliant shiny star.

“Teach the children that the star is the heavenly sign of promise,” he said. “God sent a Savior to the world and the star was the sign of that promise being fulfilled. The countless shining stars in the heavens, one star for each person on earth, represents the hope of all mankind.”

Santa gently laid the star on the fireplace mantle and brought from the bag a bright red Christmas tree ornament.

“Teach the children that red is the first color of Christmas. It was first used by the faithful people to remind them of the blood that was shed for all the people by the Savior. Christ gave His life and shed His blood that every man might have God’s gift of Eternal Life. Red is deep, intense, and vivid — the richest color of all, and it is a symbol of the greatest gift from God.”

“Teach the children,” he said as he pulled a small Christmas tree from the bottom of the toy bag. He placed it near the fireplace and gently hung the red decoration on it.

“The deep green branches of this tree is a perfect background for this ornament. This is the second color of Christmas,” he continued. “The pure green color of this evergreen tree remains this color all year round. This represents the everlasting plan for mankind. Green is youthful, hopeful, and the abundant color of nature. The needles on the tree point heavenward — symbols of man’s prayers as they go toward heaven. Trees have been man’s best friends. They have sheltered him, warmed him, and made beauty for him.”

Again, he pulled something from his bag; I heard a soft tinkling sound of a bell.

“Teach the children,” he said, “that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring for every person too, that they might find their way back — it means guidance and return. It further signifies that all are precious in the eyes of the Lord.”

As the soft sound of the bell faded, Santa lit a candle and placed it on the mantel. The soft glow from its tiny flame cast a glow about the darkened room. Odd shadowy shapes slowly danced and wove pictures upon the walls.

“Teach the children,” whispered Santa, “that at one time candles were placed on Christmas trees. They glowed brightly against the dark green branches showing man’s appreciation for the star of Bethlehem of long ago. Now, strings of colored lights have taken their place in remembrance of Christ’s birth.”

Santa turned the small Christmas tree lights on and placed a gift under the tree.

He pointed to the bow and said, “A bow is placed on a present to remind us of the spirit of brotherhood of man. We should remember that the bow is tied as all of us should be tied together, with the bonds of good will toward each other. Good will forever is the message of the bow and the gift, a gift of love.”

Santa reached for a candy cane, and held it out towards me.

“Teach the children that the cane represents The Shepherd’s staff. The crook on the staff helps bring back sheep that have strayed away from the fold. The candy cane represents the sweetness of giving not only at Christmas time, but also throughout the entire year. The spiral design is a symbol that we are, our brother’s keepers.”

Santa looked about the room, then again at the tree. His love and great feeling of satisfaction shone from his eyes. He could not help but sense the wonderment and admiration that I felt for him in my heart.

One last time, he reached into his bag and brought forth a large beautiful wreath. As he placed it on the door he spoke gently with love, “Please teach the children that the wreath symbolizes the eternal nature of love: it never ceases, stops, or ends. It is one continuous circle that only grows greater and greater when expressed. The wreath, the circle of love, plays a double role. It is made of many things and has many colors. It reminds us of God’s unconditional love and the true reason for Christmas. Please teach the children.” (Author Unknown)

Related Posts:

The Santa Claus Debate
Christmas Angels to Laugh and Learn With
The Christmas Star
Love to Learn About the Nativity
Love to Learn the Meaning of Candy Canes for Christmas
Review – Christmas on Monument Circle, Indianapolis

Hands-On Learning for Families: Celebrating 14 Years

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A colorful celebration graphic with brushstroke textures and the title “Love to Laugh and Learn Turns 14 Years Old.” Below are three real-life photos labeled Cooking, Music, and Literature. The first shows a child learning about pumpkins in the kitchen. The second is a collage of a family dancing at an outdoor concert where the blog author's husband was performing. The third shows children enjoying Dr. Seuss Day with themed food. At the bottom is the message: “Helping Families Enjoy Learning Together Through Hands-On Fun.”

My, how time flies! I can’t believe my little blog is turning 14 on October 7th, 2025. When I started Love to Laugh and Learn, my heart was set on one thing: hands-on learning for families. Over the years, life has brought big changes and unexpected challenges—but this blog has remained a joyful constant, and I’m so thankful to still be here creating with you.

A Personal Journey

Mama Carmody is Relocating: Texas Bound

In 2015—my blog’s 4th year—my husband and I moved from Indiana to Texas. Just a year later, in 2016, he passed away after a battle with cancer. His loss turned my world upside down. For a long time, I struggled with grief, finding my footing, and simply learning how to live on my own again.

While I haven’t always been able to post consistently, my passion for fun, meaningful learning has never left. This blog has been a source of healing, purpose, and connection—and I’m honored that some of you have been with me from the beginning.

What You’ll Find Here

I’ve created dozens of activities and free printables to support hands-on learning for families. Whether it’s exploring colors and shapes, gardening with kids, or diving into music and literature, my goal is to make learning a joyful experience.

  • Colors and shapes
  • Holiday and patriotic activities
  • Gardening with kids
  • Fun with music
  • Cooking and food-themed learning
  • Community helpers and themed learning units

Whether you’re a teacher, homeschooler, or just a curious parent or grandparent, you’ll find fun ideas here that sneak in learning while making lasting memories.

A Sweet Book from My Heart

After my husband passed away, I wrote a children’s book to help my grandchildren understand what had happened to their Papa. That book became Someone I Love Has Gone to Heaven: A Sweet Object Lesson – a spiritual, gentle explanation of death for young children, using a “sweet” object lesson to illustrate the difference between the body and the spirit.

What started as a healing tool for my own family is now available to help others too. You can find the book online at Amazon, Walmart, and Barnes & Noble.

Teachers Pay Teachers (and You!)

I also create educational resources and printables that I sell on Teachers Pay Teachers—but don’t let the name fool you! It’s not just for teachers.

My store includes:

  • Affordable, ready-to-use learning materials
  • Several free items (yes, really free!)
  • Family-friendly printables for holidays and everyday learning

Even if you never spend a penny, I invite you to grab the free downloads and explore what’s there.

Fun, Wholesome Products for the Whole Family

In addition to printables and blog activities, I’ve also started creating fun, wholesome products for families—including T-shirts, home decor, and more that reflect the same heart and message behind Love to Laugh and Learn. They’re available on platforms like Redbubble, TeePublic, and TeeSpring. Each store has different types of items and different sales, so take a look at all of them.

Whether you’re looking for a cute holiday shirt, a homeschool design, or a meaningful reminder of something you’ve read on the blog, I hope you find something that brings a smile.

More Places to Laugh and Learn

In addition to the blog, you can now find me on:

Each platform has a little something different, but they all carry the same heart: making learning fun for families.

What’s Next?

In recent months, I’ve been posting more regularly – and let me tell you, the ideas are flowing! I’ve got so many things I want to share with you. It takes time to pull it all together, but I’m working on it, one joyful piece at a time.

I’d also love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like me to cover—or a learning idea you’re searching for—please let me know in the comments. My specialty is still early childhood, but now that my grandchildren are 9½ and 12, the blog is growing right along with them!

A Final Word of Thanks

Early in my blogging journey, I learned something valuable from Bob Lotich (Christian Personal Finance) and Jonathan Milligan (Blogging Your Passion):

“Choose a blog topic you’re passionate about—something you’d love even if you never made a penny.”

That’s exactly what Love to Laugh and Learn has been for me. A labor of love. A creative outlet. A way to honor the childlike joy in all of us.

Thank you for being part of this journey. I can’t wait to see what the next chapter brings. It will definitely include even more hands-on learning for families everywhere.

With Love,
 Mama Carmody


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