Preview draft. Activities have not been tested with caregivers.
Paper · The activity desk
Kindness mail box
Decorate a box and exchange handmade Valentine messages.
Let's play →
A little plan for play
Open interactive activity →Add to play journal →What you need
A clean empty box with a removable lid, full sheets of paper, and child-appropriate crayons.
Age: 3–5 years; choose for the individual child.
Stay with the child throughout. Check the space and supplies, including anything within reach of younger siblings. Skip any activity that is unsuitable. Stop if a child puts non-food material in their mouth or becomes distressed. Use intact books, full sheets of paper, a large child-appropriate crayon and a clean, dry towel. Follow product labels; remove torn paper and keep broken crayons and caps away from children. Adult handles and stores supplies.
Set up: An adult checks the box for sharp edges and removes any staples or packaging remnants.
Adult's role: Help the child open the box and write messages, and stay beside them during play.
Let's make it happen
- Decorate the outside of the box with drawn hearts and patterns.
- Draw or write a kind message on a sheet of paper and fold it.
- Open the lid to deliver the message, then take turns opening and reading your mail together.
Make it simpler: Draw one picture together and place it inside the box.
Clean up: Put away crayons and save the messages or recycle the paper and box.
Use a box large enough to avoid small loose parts. Do not place the box over a child's head.