[teacheramycnd]

I would like to purchase a mailbox this year for students to put "secret" messages to me and for them to use it to put their pen pal letters in on the "due date." Where can I find a studry mailbox for a reasonable price?

[Ilvtching]

I don't know how sturdy they are, but I have seen them listed in their magazine.

I would guess you could get them at Lowe's or the Home Depot also.

Amy

[mab]

I think I've seen them in their catalog.

[brett158]

I got mine at Wal-mart for 10$ last year. They are the heavy duty grey metal ones just real plain and standard, but NICE!!

[Gloria]

Walmart, Lowes. or Home Depot. You can find one for arould 10.oo. It's plain but you could deocrate it with clings for the seasons or your themes.

I use a medium sized trash pail with a swinging lid that I got from the dollar store a few years ago. It works great too!

[azfarkas]

I am curious about this, what type of messages would the students write? I think the idea of a mailbox is really neat! Are there any other things you plan to do with it or anyone who has one, what do you with it?

[teacheramycnd]

First, I want it so the students can turn in their pen pal letters.

Second, I would like for the students to put notes (from their parents) in it, in the morning.

Third, I have a "desk change" form. It's basically a short survey about where their desk is located and what they do or do not like about it. I don't always honor their request but I don't always know things that may be happening behind my back and this is a way for them to contact me.

Fourth, I want students to have a way to "secretly" contact me if they have a problem/issue. I've found that children don't really use this as much but they feel good knowing it's there! :-) It also saves me from losing something on my desk. I keep my desk clean but it seems like every corner has a small pile of something!

[Meg_n]

I just wanted to say how cute of an idea i think this mailbox is. I think i might use something like this in my classroom. Thanks for the idea! Great job!

[teacheramycnd]

Thanks for the thanks! We teachers love to be thanked! :-)

[KAN]

and I use a mailbox for students to write to me about any problems or questions they have that they do not want to discuss in front of the class. Over the years I have had students write about problems at home, with bullies, or just understanding a concept. Middle school age kids are so worried about being cool and accepted by their friends that is sometimes hard for them to speak up when they have a question. A couple times a week I will have the entire class answer a question on a scrap of paper and have them put their responses in the mailbox on the way out of the room as an "exit pass". I do this to allow students who are afraid to being seen leaving me a note a chance to do it without standing out.