Put Your Stamp on Life

 People still write cards and letters, which they even mail – along with packages. And stamps have other uses too. Stamp out ignorance by doing these fun activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Watch why stamps were invented – and why collect them – at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4UaYDxL3w8
• Get fun facts about US postage stamps from the source: at https://facts.usps.com/stamps/
• Explore stamp stories at https://postalmuseum.si.edu/stamp-stories

 

CREATE:

• Be crafty with these 25 stamp activities: https://www.playideas.com/25-super-crafty-diy-stamps-for-kids/
• It’s fun and games for all ages at the National Postal Museum; try some at https://postalmuseum.si.edu/fun-games
• Design your own postage stamps at https://www.pbssocal.org/education/family-math-activity-design-your-own-postage-stamps

 

CARE:

• Show you care by making and mailing cards for hospitalized kids or the elderly; get the details at https://www.doinggoodtogether.org/bhf/create-greeting-cards
• Sadly, some people sell fake stamps; get the lowdown at https://www.uspis.gov/news/scam-article/counterfeit-stamps
• Watch how people feed their families on a food stamp budget at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXKkakwf6Vk

 

CAREERS:

• Want to be a mail career? Watch what they do at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXfL1CdkGT4
• Working for the post office isn’t limited to walking around the neighborhood with letters. See the possibilities at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddvVveMJ2mw
• Watch how stamps get designed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKh3lq6SV84
• OR you can do rubber stamping for fun and profit: https://www.musicalexpert.org/what-is-rubber-stamping.htm#:~:text=Rubber%20stamping%20has%20become%20more,only%20limited%20by%20your%20imagination

The Mail Must Go Through!

As we approach the holidays, we can expect more mail. How do we get that mail? It takes lots of people from creating to sending it. These activities will send you the message that mail is indeed important!

CONNECT:

• Read about the history and other facts about postage stamps at https://kids.kiddle.co/Postage_stamp
• Watch how the US Postal Service works at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WX16-52bHvg
• See how mail is delivered around the world at https://www.citipostmail.co.uk/blog/postal-delivery-across-the-world-overseas-mail-distribution/
• Learn about the surprising short history of the Pony Express at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vrzi-BEjWs

CREATE:

• Make your own postcard and do other related activities at http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/student-interactives/postcard-creator-30061.html
• Create personalized postage stamps with these vendors approved by the US Post Office: https://www.usps.com/ship/custom-mail-stamps.htm
• Collecting postage stamps can be fun and rewarding. Get started at https://www.ducksters.com/hobbies/stampcollecting.php
• Play post office following the visual directions at https://teachingmama.org/post-office-dramatic-play/

CARE:

• For this upcoming holiday season, make thank your cards with these inspirations: https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/easy-diy-thank-you-cards-4114929
• Watch how to wrap packages for the Post Office: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZU2U_bUzpg
• Try these cool stationary-related ideas as a family activity to keep supplies handy  -- or to give them as gifts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hv9nFNd4hM
• Here are some tips for safe, kid-friendly email: https://www.pcworld.com/article/153381/safe_kids_email.html

CAREERS:

Mail is an international communication channel – and career. From creating careers to mailing and delivering mail. See the possibilities here.

https://about.usps.com/careers/

https://study.com/articles/Mail_Handler_Career_Info_and_Requirements_for_Becoming_a_Mail_Handler.html

https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/how-to-become-greeting-card-writer-hallmark