Posting boxes are a great fun way to get your toddler used to the names of lots of different items.
Try making a postbox for your little one and finding all sorts of items for them to post through it - it could be anything they are familiar with, from favourite toys to household items with fun textures and colours.
What are the language benefits of posting boxes for children?
- Posting objects into your homemade postbox together helps your little one learn new words.
- You can add to your child's vocabulary, for example, if they say 'bye, bye' as they post the object, you can add the name of it, such as, 'bye, bye, spoon' or 'bye, bye, paper.'
- Let your child take the lead to choose the objects they'd like to post, this will build their confidence. By adding in a game of your turn, my turn your child will learn from you and you can encourage them to tell you what to do!
- By asking your child to post the object, they are learning to follow simple instructions.
How to make the most of this fun activity
The great thing about having a posting box is that you can be as creative as you like! Firstly, you could make your postbox with your little one out of an old box. Together you could draw on it or add stickers to make it more eye-catching.
Once you've got your postbox finished, you can choose any safe, small objects that will fit through the slot - and not break!
You could ask your little one what they'd like to post. Perhaps you could start with traditional things like letters, cards, or paper and then move on to other objects.
Try to get your child to give as much detail as possible about the objects they are posting. For example, what is its name? Is it big or small? If they don't know these words yet, don't worry! Simply start introducing them, for example 'Look at this small ball.'
There are lots of great activities that can encourage your little one to become familiar with other everyday activities, such as hanging up the laundry together or playing the name game when out and about.
Whatever you choose to do, it's bound to bring lots of smiles to your little one's face. Happy posting!
Image caption, You can make a simple posting box by cutting a slot into an empty cardboard box.
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