Making the most of small spaces with the mailbox corner

Turning this small space into a Mailbox Corner

Do you have small spaces? We certainly do so we have to get super creative in how to make the most of our small spaces. Each week or so, we change up this little corner to create a new dramatic play experience. Today’s version that I am sharing with you is the Mailbox Corner.

Our Mailbox Corner

We don’t have the space in our classroom for a full dramatic play area so we turned this space into a mailbox corner. Included in the corner were old paper boxes I had saved, some paper, pencils, stickers, scissors, tape, and DIY construction paper postcards, and a few other odds and ends. Oh, and there were some calculators and phones just in case anyone needed to call the mailroom or purchase a few extra stamps. The reality is, we never know how the students will use the materials we provide so we add an assortment of materials that will facilitate a broad range of play and conversation.

mailbox

We also added our big blue mailbox so the children could send their mail right away. The big blue mailbox does have a hole in the back but the children still haven’t discovered that hole. They will soon enough! We left the table next to the shelf mostly empty so the children had some space to work. After all, they needed to get their packages and letters ready for the mail.

All morning long, the children explored the process of creating and sending their mail. Some of the children preferred to whip up a few letters while other were more interested in sending out a few packages. The biggest deciding factor was what would actually fit inside that tiny slit of the box.

Of course, our packages didn’t fit very well in our mailbox and it was hard to see what happened to the mail once it was dropped inside. Oh how these curious minds are always working. Children really are natural explorers and learners.

mailbox corner

So much learning happening through play and exploration. From discovering the process of writing and sending a letter, figuring out what will and will not fit into our mailbox, to even reading about this little guy who got lots of very unusual packages in the mail. This book is titled, “It Came in the Mail” by Ben Clanton.

mailbox corner

Our little mailbox corner was a great way to change up our tight little dramatic play corner!  Speaking of centers, we are talking about centers in the Honey Bee Hive this week. There are so many wonderful ways to set up centers around the classroom and when you get the hang of it, they make a difference in helping you keep your students engaged in constructive play throughout each day!

mailbox corner

More Dramatic Play Ideas!

Everyday Dramatic Play!

DIY Pizza Box Kitchen

Available on Amazon

Deborah J Stewart

Deborah J Stewart

Every time I think I know everything I need to know about teaching young children, God says, "Hold on a minute!" and gives me a new challenge.

Let me tell ya...

With each new challenge that you overcome, you will find yourself better equipped and more passionate about teaching young children.

God didn't call wimps to lead, teach, or care for His children. Nope, he has high expectations, so get ready. You will have to give your very best but after teaching for over 30 years, I can tell you that it is a wonderful and rewarding journey.

Whenever your calling feels hard, just remember, 'He who began a good work in you (and in the children you serve) will be faithful to complete it.'

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