I like to provide my girls with lots of “real-life” writing opportunities – helping with the grocery list, writing letters, making signs, etc. They draw pictures, scribble-write, use invented/phonetic spelling, or copy words from a variety of sources. I have been wanting to set-up a family mail center for a long time and we finally did it!
I think I have had all kinds of elaborate ideas in my mind, but I decided to go super-simple and use some white mailing envelopes we had on hand. I cut off the flap and cut a semi-circle on the front half for easy mail delivery and retrieval. I pulled them out one evening after dinner and we all sat and decorated our own envelope – the girls loved this part! We should definitely be doing more family art projects. I taped them up, set out a stack of paper, and we were all set!
We have been enjoying all kinds of letter-writing and reading. Daddy can write notes if he leaves for work before the girls are awake. He likes to give them riddles, codes or math problems to solve. I can leave a note telling about something fun we will be doing. The girls write lots of lovey notes, plus requests for playing games, making a special treat, or going to the park. So, the girls are getting practice with writing and reading — plus, who doesn’t love getting mail?
This week I am going to set-out a stack of notes with the words, I am thankful for you because…., printed across the top. I can’t wait to tuck some of these notes into their pockets and read the ones they write for me!
Why did I wait so long to set this up? 
Tip of the Day: Gather up a few supplies and make a family mail center today! You can use envelopes, shoe boxes, buckets, anything you have around the house. Put all the “mailboxes” together, or hang them from each person’s door knob. Have fun writing together!
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my hubs travels a lot so we had talked about setting up a little mailbox for him so the kids could write little notes about things we did while he was away. mainly just a way to keep him in the loop when he’s not around, but i really like the idea of a family mail center and two-way communication!
Love it!!!
We need this! Thanks for the lovely idea!
Last yr around Valentines day we got some little mailboxes from the Target $spot and we labeled each one with our names. The “Mailman” leaves notes, stickers or activity sheets. We have so much fun with it.
wonderful idea! not only a good practice for reading and writing, also for a good family communication! Thank you very much for the idea!
What a great idea. Everyone loves receiving mai and what a perfect set up. You will certainly have a special collection of notes, stories and pictures.
I have made a special envelope for my three year old little girl where I will put notes, colouring pages, pictures of activities we are going to do etc. But, I am also going to make up an envelope for every family member so that we can all particpate.
What a great idea. I bet my kids would, especially my son would love this.
On the list for tomorrow! I would love a place to actually put his magazines and such that he gets in the mail (I usually retrieve the mail in the evening while he is reading so he doesn’t see it until the next day). Or a special book I picked up for him. And of course all the random fun little notes we can leave each other!!! Fun, fun – can’t wait to get it up and running
What a great idea and so simple. I can’t wait to decorate mine.
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