Love to Laugh and Learn

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

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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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.

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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!

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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.

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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

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Celebrating Father’s Day: Crafts and Gift Ideas

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Dad. Father. Pops. Just a few of the names for the first man in your life. Father’s Day is a wonderful time to pause and celebrate the love, laughter, and life lessons he’s shared with you. That’s why I’ve gathered some meaningful Father’s Day crafts and gift ideas to help you show just how much he means to you.

Vintage photo of a smiling father holding his infant daughter on his lap in a striped chair, used in a Father's Day blog post celebrating dads and special memories.

What are some of your favorite memories with your dad?

I remember going fishing with my dad. Sitting in his lap as he taught me to read is another favorite memory. And then there was his calm nature. Like the time I slammed on the brakes and nearly launched my mom into the front seat from the back. Without missing a beat, he looked over his shoulder and said, “Well, you told her to slam on the brakes.” That was my dad. Calm, even in chaos.

Finding ways to celebrate him was always a challenge. He never asked for anything. However, he appreciated everything.

So, if you’re stuck on what to get the special man in your life, here are a few ideas to inspire you. Some are handmade with love. Others are ready to buy. These Father’s Day crafts and gift ideas are easy for kids to help with and are sure to bring a smile.

Father’s Day: Crafts and Gift Ideas

🎨Handprint Keepsake

One of my favorite crafts to do with my preschoolers was a special handprint picture. I would paint Dad’s hand and press it to the paper, then paint the child’s hand and place it right inside Dad’s.
I’m including a free printable with a sweet quote to go along with this keepsake—just print and create!

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🖼️ Popsicle Stick Picture Frames

These are simple to make and full of heart. Here are two easy ideas:

“I’m Nuts About You!”
 Glue small hardware nuts (the kind that go with bolts) to a frame and write this pun along the bottom. Add a photo of Dad and child.

“Love You to Pieces!”
Use those leftover puzzle pieces from broken puzzles and glue them randomly around a frame. Add this fun message and a favorite photo together.

For sturdier frames, I recommend jumbo craft sticks like these (affiliate link):
👉 Jumbo Craft Sticks on Amazon

Or if you’d rather skip building the frame from scratch, I found this great kit on Amazon. It includes pre-assembled frames and even comes with fun Father’s Day-themed stickers—perfect for quick decorating!👉 Check it out here (affiliate link)

Quick & Easy Father’s Day Gift Ideas

If crafting isn’t your thing, here are a few fun gift ideas (yes, these include affiliate links, which help support my blog if you make a purchase):

📚 Dad Joke Books

Got a dad who loves to joke around? Here’s a whole page of dad joke books that’ll keep him laughing (and you rolling your eyes) for days: 👉 Dad Joke Books on Amazon

🔥 Grill Gloves for the BBQ King

My son-in-law is a grill master, and he loved the heat-resistant grill gloves I gave him for his birthday:
👉 Grill Gloves on Amazon

🍖 BBQ-Themed Aprons & Shirts

I’ve designed several BBQ-themed aprons that celebrate America’s most beloved grilling styles—Texas, Kansas City, Memphis—and just plain BBQ fun.
They’re available on Redbubble as aprons or t-shirts, perfect for the grill-loving dad: 👉BBQ Aprons 👉BBQ T-Shirts

However you choose to celebrate, I hope this Father’s Day is filled with laughter, love, and a few unforgettable moments. Whether it’s a handmade gift, a quiet afternoon together, or just a great big hug, the time you share is what truly matters.

Let’s honor all the amazing men who help shape little lives—dads, grandpas, uncles, and bonus dads, too. They deserve to be celebrated for the love, strength, and smiles they bring.

From my heart to yours,
Mama Carmody