Do you ever wish that when you open your mailbox, you’ll find a check or the newest issue of your favorite magazine? Our kids also like to get mail. This activity pairs with a fun read-aloud. The kids will enjoy delivering mail to their classmates. This literacy activity uses names, those important first words for preschoolers.
It Came in the Mail Book and Literacy Activity
The literacy skills covered in this activity include:
- enjoying and valuing reading
- demonstrating knowledge of the alphabet and letter sounds
- following directions
- recognizing their own name
The Book: It Came in the Mail
Gather the kids together and invite them to tell you about something they have received in the mail. Ask the students to look at the front cover of the book and identify what the boy found in his mailbox.
Read the story to the children. After reading the story, ask the students the following questions.
What items did the boy find in his mailbox?
Why do you think the boy chose to give many of the items away to other kids?
Name Mail Delivery Activity
Materials Needed for this Activity
- It Came in the Mail book by Ben Clanton
- 1 piece of chart paper
- index cards (one for each student)
- stickers (1000 Stickers by Roger Priddy is helpful)
- markers
- adhesive velcro or adhesive magnets
- play mailbox
Setting Up the Activity
1. On the chart paper write each child’s name in a column. You can make two columns on the chart paper. Underline the first letter of each name or use a different color for the first letter.
2. On each index card write a child’s name. Use the same colors as you used in step one.
3. Place a sticker preferably one that matches the same beginning sound of each child’s name on the index cards.
4. Place velcro or magnets on the back of each index card and on the chart.
5. Hang the chart and place a mailbox filled with the index cards near the chart.
This activity can be done during a whole group circle time and then added to a literacy center. It works especially well in a post office dramatic play area.
Deliver the Mail
The kids work together to deliver the mail from the mailbox to the correct person’s “mailbox” by matching the name on the card to the name on the chart.
Encourage the children to look at the beginning letter on each card and find the same beginning letter on the chart. They can also use the picture on the card to practice connecting the beginning letter sound.
Variations and Modifications
If kids need a visual cue for each child’s name, place a picture of each student next to the correct name on the chart.
Students can sort the postcards by beginning letter before delivering to the “mailboxes” on the chart.
The kids will enjoy playing post office while building literacy skills. Grab even more resources for the kids to use during their post office dramatic play with our Dramatic Play Post Office.
BIO: Jodie is the creator of Growing Book by Book. She believes that we can meet the needs of all our growing readers. She guides you with developmentally appropriate book lists, reading and writing activities, and literacy-building tips for young children. Check out her Exploring with Preschoolers resources! You can connect with her on Facebook and Instagram.
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