A cardboard mailbox gives drawings, jokes and small thank-you notes somewhere to go.
A family post office makes room for children who write confidently and children who tell their stories through pictures. Letters can contain a joke, a drawing, a question or simply a page covered in somebody's favourite colour.
What you need
One clean cardboard box
Paper and crayons
A glue stick or paper tape
Several large paper rectangles for pretend stamps
An adult's scissors
Prepare the counter
An adult cuts a wide posting slot in the box and checks the edges. Keep the scissors put away afterward. Choose a low shelf or table for the post office, away from doors and walkways. Use first names or drawn symbols; there is no need to put real addresses on display.
Start delivering
Decorate the box with a large envelope symbol so everyone recognises the mailbox.
Make a simple list of household recipients. A picture can stand for each person, including family members who do not read yet.
Fold a sheet of paper in half. Draw or write a message inside, then add the recipient's symbol on the outside.
Glue on a pretend stamp and post the letter through the slot.
Take turns opening the box, matching letters to recipients and making deliveries.
Let each recipient decide whether to read their message aloud or keep it private.
Keep it going
Agree on one delivery time rather than interrupting somebody each time a letter arrives. An older child might make opening-hours signs; a younger child can sort mail by colour. A visiting grandparent can receive a letter in person at their next visit.
Finish by writing one thank-you note together. Keep unused paper in the box and recycle scraps. Ask before throwing away anyone's letters, and keep the post office a game rather than a requirement to write neatly or produce a certain number of messages.
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