Many would think this a perfect activity for Valentine’s Day, and they are right! However, hearts and love are not exclusive to February alone. Tell friends and family you love them with handmade cards that include a lot of glue, stickers, and love any time of the year. Any day is a good day to spread love. Then, have your child help you mail them to learn about the postal system. Read on to see the surprise ending!

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The inspiration.

The Day it Rained Hearts by Felicia Bond inspired this preschool activity. I highly recommend this whimsical book about a little girl who gathers hearts that rained from the sky. She meticulously selects each heart to match the perfect recipient before mailing them out. Overall, an excellent way to start this activity. You can probably find it at your local library. 

Send handmade cards through the postal system.

Crafting supplies.

Do you have a bunch of leftover or random crafting materials lying around? Another reason I love this activity is because I can haul out the countless sticker books, glitter, tissue paper, and other random supplies. In addition, we regularly utilize items such as stencils and stamps that do not see frequent use.

For the activity this time I noticed we didn’t have many hearts so I made our own. Nothing went to waste because the boys used the cut out hearts and negative space in different cards. Get creative!

The only consideration to have here is if it will fit in an envelope and not be too bulky. If you do not mind using an extra stamp or possibly a small manila envelope then offer the pom-poms, pipe cleaners, etc. 

Who is the postal system delivering the letters to?

Now that all the supplies are out, it’s time to consider who will receive cards? Include your child in this. Encourage them to choose friends and family. Those who live near and far.

After making your selection, you can guide your child through the process of customizing individual designs. Ask them who’s card they are working on now? What does that person like? What is their favorite color?

For instance, my 5 year old chose sea creatures for his grandparents’ card because they love the ocean and beach. My 3 year old chose rainbow poop stickers for his friend…because they are boys and that is funny. He also used orange for his grandma’s card because that is her favorite color. 

Mailing the love.

Once the creations are complete they may still need time to dry like ours did. While we waited we learned how to address an envelope. I fold the cards and write on them to guarantee their safe arrival. The other task I try to allow my kids to complete.

I allowed my son to fold a picture once. The letter came back because it seemed too bulky. Also, an excellent learning experience for how important the return address is! 

They enjoy stuffing the envelopes and placing the stamp on the top right corner. I am close at hand to guarantee proper placement.

As I fill out the front of the envelope I read aloud what I am writing. Then I guide them on where to place the postage stamps. The number of postage stamps depends on the weight and bulk of the creation inside the envelope. Keep this in mind, you may need more than one. Sometimes my eldest requests that my name is not there because the card is not from me, it is from him after all. 

Now, you simply need to place the letters in the mailbox. Be careful since most mailboxes are by busy roads. Assist your child and invite them to raise the flag. Explain why the flag needs to be up.

If your mail is consistent at what time it arrives everyday. Try to be outside ready to watch your mailman or mailwoman arrive to pick it up. Once that is complete there is nothing to do but wait.

The surprise ending.

Bring it all together by asking the recipients to take a picture with their newly arrived mail. Another option is to video chat! The postal system simply needs to show that it delivered the card to the intended recipient. This way your child sees the order of events from beginning to end.

Teach your child about the postal system by spreading the love.

All-in-all, this perfect play-based learning experience begins with a creative start, continues with an educational middle, and ends by expressing love to others. Your child will eagerly share their feelings of love with others.

I know mine absolutely loved this activity and we are going to try doing this a couple times of year. Valentine’s Day and in the summer because any moment is an opportune time to express care and love to others

If you did this activity consider dropping a comment on craft supplies you used to inspire more creativity. Remember everyday is a good day to spread the love.

Beyond the postal system: more heart themed activities.

Explore more heart activities at Hh is for Heart if you enjoyed this activity. From free anatomy printables to instructions for making a classic childhood game educational. You won’t want to miss out! Simply follow the button below.

Send Hearts by Mail

Activity Instructions