We've Got Mail

Last Sunday Zusha rummaged through my stationery and emerged with envelopes in his hand. "I want to send a letter," he announced.
It sounded like a great idea! They love to throw letters in the mailbox, so I let them throw in bills and other things that I need to mail out. They also know that the mailman brings us letters from other people. They see mail trucks around and have toy mail trucks.

I realized this would be a fun and educational project for the boys, so I replied, "Okay, let's send letters to Babushka! First draw a picture for her to put in the envelope."
So they did. Lesson #1: They didn't realize before that there is something that goes into the envelope before mailing.

Zusha wanted to cut his paper so it should fit into the envelope. I explained to him that we don't need to. We will fold it and it will fit. So Zusha learned lesson #2. He drew a truck and wrote "Babushka" on top of the paper. Gedalya drew what he explained as a machine that cuts papers.
I brought out stamps. Each boy chose the ones he wanted and stuck them on.

Then Zusha changed his mind.
Zusha: Let's give it to Babushka ourselves.
Me: Why? We'll mail it and the mailman will give it to her. We're only doing this because you wanted to mail a letter.
Zusha, looking a bit uncomfortable: But... uh... how will the mailman know who it's for and where to bring it?
Me: See this? This is the name and address that I wrote on the envelope. The mailman will read this and know where to go.
Zusha, in wonder: He'll know who Babushka is and which is her mailbox by looking at what you wrote?
Me: Yes! He'll put it in and she'll take it from there.
(Lesson #3)
Now Zusha probably thinks the mailman is some sort of omniscient super-presence. LOL.

So off we marched to the corner mailbox.
Zusha threw his letter in first.


What a proud and satisfied look! He mailed a letter on his own!


Then Zusha held the door open for Gedalya so he could throw his letter in.


And another look of satisfaction!

Funny boychiks!