Every parent knows that children love to play with boxes, sometimes even more than they enjoy playing with the toys that came inside. This is just another imaginative way for them to play with all those boxes.
Make a mailbox that looks like a public mailbox by cutting the box to form a slot. Punch a hole in the top center of the slot and thread a piece of string or a rubber band through it. Tie it in a knot. This will make the slot easier to pull open. Paint and decorate the box to make it look more realistic.
Inside the box, place a smaller box or a dishpan or basket so the mail can fall into it as children drop items inside. You can give them junk mail to use (we all have plenty of that!) or you can let them make their own mail. A box of envelopes only costs about $1.00 and children can use stickers for stamps or create their own stamps. They can write letters and make postcards for different members of the family. Small boxes work great as packages, and Mom or Dad can slip a note, a card, or a package into the mailbox from time to time to surprise each child.
Next, make personal mailboxes for each member of the family. Saltine boxes work great or you can use canisters from quick oats. Let the kids paint and decorate the containers then label one for each person. They can be placed near each bedroom door for easy access.
This is a great way to teach little ones to recognize other family member’s names, to learn their address, and to sort items. Give each mail carrier a bag or bin to carry mail for delivery. You can find canvas tote bags at any craft store and paint the word MAIL on the side. If you really want to go all out, make a costume so your child can dress up as a mail carrier.