Home Address

Let parents know what's happening so they won't inadvertently spoil the game by opening the kids' letters. See also MATH: "Mail Carrier Game."

Objectives

Children ages 5-6 years of age will be able to tell home address (number and street) SH V
children 5 years will know the name of their street SH V
and they will be able to print the capitols of their name FM II
Children 4-5 years will be able to describe their own house Lang. IIIA
and ages 4 will be able to trace letters and numbers of addresses FM II
All of the children participating will be able to put the gum in and lick the envelopes.

Materials

Note cards with address of each child; envelopes; felt pens; chewing gum; stamps; pictures of houses; maps of city or pictures of city blocks (optional).

Procedures

1. Seat a small group of children at table. Show pictures of houses. Discuss the different kinds of homes people live in. Discuss the mail carrier who brings letters to their houses. How does he/she know what letters to leave at which house?

2. Talk about their streets and the fact that the mail carrier needs a house number to know where they live (show map or picture of cities). Give each child an envelope and have each write his/her name. Help those who need it. Next have them copy from a card or trace their number and street name. Add the city and state and zip for them. Give each child a piece of gum to put in the envelope. Have the children open the envelopes, place the gum inside, lick the flap and seal the envelopes.

3. Talk about the need for a stamp and show children where to put the stamp (draw a square in the corner of the envelope if necessary).

4. Walk to the mailbox and mail the letters. Discuss where the gum will go next and when they should receive it.

5. On subsequent days, ask children which ones have received their surprise letter.