Mail is a fascinating topic for kids. Our kids are no exception. We used craft supplies we already had at home to make Letter Openers for Pretend Play. These are for pretend play because there is no sharp edge for safety reasons. Our kids also thought these would make great magic wands.
Letter Openers-a Fine Motor Craft for Pretend Play
You will need:
- Wood dowels (we used 12″)
- Decorative ribbon (ours was fabric ribbon), enough for it to be wrapped at least halfway (or more) around the dowel
- Glue (you can either use white glue or an adult can use a hot glue gun to secure the ribbon
- Decorative Pipe Cleaners (if desired)
- Foam Stickers (if desired)
- Junk mail or sealed envelopes
If you are using white glue, have the child put white glue all over the part of the dowel that is to be covered with ribbon. If you are doing the hot glue version, have an adult secure the ribbon to one end using hot glue. Then, in either version, have the child wrap the ribbon tightly around the dowel so that the dowel is covered with the ribbon at least half way leaving enough wood uncovered to open the letter. Secure with hot glue or white glue.
The wrapping of the ribbon will present varying levels of challenge as it is a tricky fine motor task to hold the dowel while tightly wrapping the ribbon. For children who are struggling, an adult or another child can hold the dowel while the child wraps.
Then, have the child add the decorative elements. Children can decorate by wrapping a pipe cleaner around the part of the dowel wrapped in ribbon. Foam stickers can be added to the top as shown. Have a supply of junk mail or sealed envelopes available with a small section torn so the dowel can be inserted. Have the children use their letter opener by inserting it into the opening and then sliding it across as you would with a real letter opener. This takes a surprising amount of coordination and is great for fine motor skills.
Here are some more Mail Themed Educational Activities from the #TeachECE team:
amzn_assoc_placement = “adunit0”;
amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = “true”;
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = “ca30c-20”;
amzn_assoc_ad_mode = “auto”;
amzn_assoc_ad_type = “smart”;
amzn_assoc_marketplace = “amazon”;
amzn_assoc_region = “US”;
amzn_assoc_textlinks = “”;
amzn_assoc_linkid = “2aef756e4b56e41e056d04298c6ecccd”;
amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = “165793011”;
amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {“type”:”search”,”value”:”post office pretend play”};
amzn_assoc_default_category = “All”;
Cerys Parker says
Ohhh brilliant – we'll be making some this weekend the kids are starting to write letters so that they can get their own post back and this will be fantastic for them to use to open the letters.
Theresa says
Hi Cerys.
I hope your kids enjoy making them this weekend. That is wonderful that they are starting to write letters.
: 0 ) Theresa
Kimberly Cox says
Such a cute idea. Definitely pinning this one. Thank for sharing.
Theresa says
Hi Kimberly.
Thanks for pinning. I hope you enjoy it.
: 0 ) Theresa
Danielle Buckley says
What a cute idea! I love how they turned out!
Theresa says
Thank you Danielle.
: 0 ) Theresa
Natasha Johnson says
I think this is a cool idea. I know my kids would have fun making them then bug me to open the mail.
Stefanie / The Monarch Mommy says
What a fun craft idea! My son loves getting mail!
Theresa says
Thank you Natasha.
If you get junk mail like we do, then they will have plenty to keep them busy!
: 0 ) Theresa
Theresa says
Thank you Stefanie.
Our kids love getting mail too. So do I when it is personal. I hope our kids have pen pals some day to practice writing and to do fun exchanges in the mail.
: 0 ) Theresa
Growing Book by Book says
What a fun idea! My kids love to open the mail.
Theresa says
Thank you Growing Book by Book!
: 0 ) Theresa