First Grade Play Center Suggested Materials: paper (for writing letters), postcards,
envelopes, stamps, boxes, bubble wrap, packing peanuts,
mailbox, pens, post office employee hat/ badge, fake money
for customers, & signage (open/closed, hours of operation,
P O S T O F F I C E price menu etc.)
Academic Purpose:
ELA/Writing skills will be
developed and enhanced as
students write letters to
friends and family members.
This play center also includes
the opportunity to help
students with their math skills.
Students are provided with a
menu listing prices of various
items at the post office
(stamps, envelopes, boxes,
paper etc.) and play money so
that students can practice
adding money. A more real-life
application of this play center
is teaching students how to
properly address an envelope.
None of the students in my
class knew how to so, before
implementing the play center
we had a mini-lesson on the
skill. At the center, I provided a
template for students to follow
if they could not remember.
Center created & implemented by Hailey Fortenberry
Developmental Benefits:
Overall, structured dramatic
play helps students develop
language and communication
skills. Additionally, students
learn valuable lessons in
conflict resolution and how to
interact with peers in a social
setting. The post office play
center provides benefits for
students' physical, social, and
cognitive development.
Physical: Fine motor skills
developed through writing
activities, gluing stamps,
folding paper, and playing with
the bubble wrap/packing
peanuts.
Social: Students practice social
skills by taking on the roles of
employees and customers.
They interact with classmates
as they would with people
they would meet in the
community.
Cognitive: Students practice
math and writing skills in real-
life situations.