The Cardboard Mailbox

Children are mail carriers delivering letters (paper plates) by slipping them through the slots of cardboard box mailboxes set at different heights. It builds turning the hand and object to fit a narrow opening.

How to play

1. The teacher shows the mailboxes: boxes with a long slot at tummy, chest and knee height (2 min).
2. Each carrier takes a letter from the bag, walks to a mailbox and pushes it edge-first through the slot (3 min).
3. Now turn the letter to fit the mailbox whose slot is vertical (2 min).
4. The teacher names a mailbox color and carriers deliver only to that one (2 min).
5. Post letters from one step away, letting go through the slot without touching the box (2 min).
6. Open the mailboxes, take out all the letters and put them back in the bag (1 min).

Rules

• I carry one letter at a time.
• The letter goes through the slot without breaking the mailbox.
• If a carrier is at the mailbox, I wait behind.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: put a mailbox with a wide slot on a table or at wheelchair height.
• Visual impairment: outline the slot with high-contrast tape and foam so it can be found by touch.
• Autism: assign one mailbox with the child's photo and a set number of letters to deliver.

Learning goals

• Turn the hand and object to fit through an opening.
• Adjust posture to different heights.
• Play at a familiar community job.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Cardboard boxes: 4
• Paper plates: 30
• Basket: 4

Teacher tip

Cut slots an inch wider than the plate so kids don't get frustrated. Before playing, you could take them to see the school or neighborhood mailbox.

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