2.5y–4.2y10 minArtFree playFamily time
Mini Post Office: Leave a Message
A playful mini ‘post office’ where your child experiments with writing by making and delivering messages; you treat any marks as meaningful and notice everyday print together.
What you'll need
Essentials
- paper (any size) or torn paper strips
- chunky crayons/markers or a pencil
- a small bowl/box/bag (as a ‘postbox’)
- tape (optional if you want to stick messages somewhere)
Nice to have
- an envelope (or folded paper) for ‘letters’
- stickers (as ‘stamps’)
- a favourite toy (as a message recipient)
Movement level: low
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneGives meaning to own drawings or marksMind· 2.8y–3.8y· core
- MilestoneReenacts familiar experiencesMind· 2.2y–3.8y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneUses mark-making toolsBody· 22mo–2.8y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneExpresses own preferences and interests.Heart· 22mo–3y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneSorts Objects by AttributeMind· 2.3y–3.2y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneGroups category membersMind· 2y–3y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneWrites name-related lettersMind· 3.3y–5y· stretch
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Provide activities during which children will experiment with writing, for example, leaving a message.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)