Mailbox Letter Writing Station

A shoebox to make into a mailbox (cut a slot in the top)

Paper

Crayons and markers

Stickers for decorating (optional)

Envelopes

Make a mailbox from a shoebox — cut a slot and let your child decorate it.

Set out paper, crayons, markers, and envelopes.

Ask: "Who do you want to write to? Grandma? A friend?"

Help them start: "What do you want to tell Grandma?" Write their words as they watch, or let them write/draw.

Encourage a picture: "Draw what you did today."

Help them write their name at the bottom.

Fold, envelope, and "address" it (scribbles count!).

Deliver to the mailbox. Write a response letter for them to find later!

Letter writing introduces the concept that writing is communication — you put thoughts on paper and someone else reads them. This is a huge leap in understanding that many children don't make until they have a real reason to write.

The response letter is the secret ingredient. When your child checks the mailbox and finds a letter addressed to THEM, it closes the communication loop and makes the whole thing feel magical and real.

Scribbles and letter-like marks are valid writing at this age. Don't correct their "spelling." Emergent writing is about the intention to communicate, not accuracy.

Mail the letters for real when you can. Grandma receiving an actual envelope from a 4-year-old is a gift, and your child learning that mail travels to people is mind-expanding.

Keep the mailbox up permanently. Kids will write spontaneous letters for weeks.