Setting up a Mail Center

Materials 

1. table and chairs
2. paper
3. markers, pencils, and crayons

Instructions

1. Inform parents (ideally at the beginning of the year) that their children will be welcome to send mail from school with the help of teachers.
2. Invite parents occasionally to send in addressed and stamped envelopes with their children, including the return address. Also ask them to let you know when there is a specific occasion, such as a grandmother's birthday, and aunt's new baby, or a friend who is sick, so their child can mail out appropriate letters or cards.
3. Let the children visit the mail center during their free choice time and at least complete a picture for their letter. Encourage them to also write their names and a short message. You might want to suggest that they dictate a message for you to write for them.
4. Children may need help folding their letters carefully to fit them in the envelopes.
5. Walk with the children to a nearby mailbox or outgoing mail slot in your center so they can mail their letters.

Instructions

1. Visit a local flower shop to show the children what goes on in that type of
business.
2. Ask someone to pretend to deliver flowers to the classroom with a note
attached. Read the note to the group and discuss with them that when
flowers are sent to people, they come with a little note from the person who
sent them.
3. Put the materials in the dramatic play area. Encourage the children to write a
note before they deliver any flowers. Be available to take dictation and assist
the children with their notes.