Make a Valentine Mailbox
A great way to store your child’s seasonal fan mail
What you need:
• The Love-Me Bird, by Joyce Dunbar (optional)
• shoebox
• non-toxic tempura paints
• a paintbrush
• conversation hearts
• scissors
• glue
• glitter, sequins, feathers, stickers, etc.
What to do:
1. If available, read The Love-Me Bird with your child. This beautiful collage-style book tells the story of a "Love-Me" bird who learns that being loved means loving someone in return. Tell your child everything you know about Valentine's Day, and then explain the custom of Valentine's Day cards. Tell you child that she will be making a Valentine mailbox.
2. Hand over the box and lid and paints to your child. After she has painted the shoebox and its lid to her heart's desire, let everything dry.
3. Help your child glue on conversation hearts to spell out her name.
4. Cut a large half-circle on one of the smaller sides of the box, the highest part of which should be about an inch and a half away from the top. Be sure not to cut all the way down to the bottom of the box; leave about two inches free. Gently pull out the flap you've created and bend it forward so that your child will be able to open and close it easily.
5. Glue the lid on the top and let your child finish decorating.
6. Catch your breath so you and your child can get to work making Valentine cards!
• encourages creativity
• reinforces holiday traditions
