A simple letter 'writing' activity and display provide a great introduction to a topic about the Post Office. The activity enables the children to learn new vocabulary that will be needed for future work related to the topic and develops confidence in emergent writing.
The activity works best when working with pairs of children. This ratio makes them feel more confident about engaging in discussion and problem solving.
Planned learning intentions
To extend their vocabulary, exploring the meanings and sounds of new words To attempt writing for various purposes, using features of different forms such as lists, stories and instructions
To use a pencil and hold it effectively to form recognisable letters, most of which are correctly formed
To use developing mathematical ideas and methods to solve practical problems.
Resources
* A selection of envelopes * 1p stamps * paper * a selection of crayons, pencils and pens
Step by step
* Spread the envelopes on the table and ask, 'What are these called?' I was amazed at the response. Most of the children didn't know the word 'envelope', but they knew what came inside, and this prompted a good discussion.
* Let the children draw a picture, make a card or write a letter using the paper and crayons.
* Talk about the sizes of the letters, cards and envelopes and ask which envelope they are going use. Ask problem-solving questions such as: 'How is your letter going to fit in the small envelope? Why won't the envelope close? What do you think you need to do to make your letter fit in the envelope?' Some of the children were able to solve the problem quite quickly while others needed support. Let the children fold their own letter or card - remember this is their activity, so it doesn't matter if it's not perfect!
* Ask the children who the letter is for and how the postperson will know where to deliver their letter. Again some children needed support in working out that they should write the recipient's name and address on the envelope. One little boy came up with the idea that if he drew a map on his envelope the postperson would know where to go!
* Let the children use adult pens and write their own address. Many of the children needed a lot of encouragement before they could be persuaded to put pen to paper. It was disheartening listening to them saying, 'I can't write'. But with praise, their faces started to beam and their envelopes were soon covered with lots of emergent writing!
* Let the children stick their real stamp on to their envelope - this is a very successful part of the activity! Ask if they know who the woman is on the stamp and why we need to put a stamp on the envelope.
On display
Make the children's envelopes part of an eye-catching display which is quick to create.
Resources
* Black backing paper * yellow border * postbag * parcels (that the children have wrapped) * the children's envelopes and notices.
Step by step
* Before starting the display, put up a notice asking if a parent/carer or other relative working in the Post Office can bring in a postbag.
* Back your board with black paper and add a bright border. I found yellow brought out the colours in the postbag.
* Staple the postbag on to the board at an angle. Criss-cross your staples to hold the postbag securely to the board.
* Staple the envelopes and parcels around the postbag to make them look as if they have fallen from the bag.
* Staple some letters to the postbag. Instead of simply stapling the letters flat to the board, give the display depth by curving the letters.
* Finally, label the display with a notice that will create conversation between the children and their parents/carers. For example, I used, 'Oh no, the postperson has tripped and all the envelopes and parcels have fallen out of the postbag.'
