The Jolly Postman
or Other Peoples Letters

The Jolly Postman

Today, we’re diving into the charming world of "The Jolly Postman or Other People's Letters" by Janet and Allan Ahlberg. This delightful book is a treasure trove for creative teaching and hands-on learning, perfect for sparking imagination and engaging young minds. Let's explore some fun and practical ways to incorporate this gem into your curriculum!

First up, Storytelling and Literacy: "The Jolly Postman" is a fantastic springboard for teaching storytelling. Each page offers a new letter or card for your students to read, making it a great way to discuss different types of writing. Why not have your students write their own letters to one of the characters? Encourage them to think about the character's perspective and voice. This not only boosts their writing skills but also helps them understand empathy and creative expression.

Next, let's talk about Geography and Social Studies: The book takes readers on a journey through a whimsical fairy-tale land. Use this as an opportunity to create a map activity. Have your students draw and label the places the Jolly Postman visits. You can even expand this into a discussion about real postal services and how mail travels around the world. This helps students make connections between the story and the real world, enhancing their understanding of geography and community roles.

Lastly, Art and Craft Fun: Get those little hands busy with some creative projects! Have your students design their own envelopes and stamps, inspired by the book. They can decorate them with drawings of their favorite fairy-tale characters or scenes. This not only nurtures their artistic skills but also makes the learning process enjoyable and memorable.

So there you have it: a whimsical, educational journey with "The Jolly Postman." We hope these ideas bring a spark of joy and creativity to your teaching. Happy reading and creating!

Illustrator: Janet Ahlberg

Janet, along with Allan Ahlberg, created some of the world's most popular picture books, including EACH PEACH PEAR PLUM and THE JOLLY CHRISTMAS POSTMAN, both winners of Greenaway Medals, and THE BABY'S CATALOGUE, inspired by their daughter Jessica. Janet died in 1994.

Author: Allan Ahlberg

Allan Ahlberg, a former teacher, postman, plumber's mate and grave digger, is in the super-league of children's writers. He has published over 100 children's books and, with his late wife Janet, created such award winning picture books as EACH PEACH PEAR PLUM and THE JOLLY POSTMAN - both winners of the Kate Greenaway Medal.

Book Details:

  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Format: Hardback
  • Print length: 48 pages
  • Dimensions: 267mm x 10mm x 204mm
  • Reading age: 2 - 5 years old
  • Publication date: 31/10/2002
  • ISBN: 9780670886241

Read alongside these topics:

Why should reception aged children listen to The Jolly Postman or Other Peoples Letters?

Illustrator: Janet Ahlberg

Listening to The Jolly Postman or Other People's Letters offers numerous educational benefits for reception-aged children, enhancing their literacy skills and engagement with storytelling.

Engaging Storytelling

The book features a unique interactive format where children can open envelopes and read letters addressed to familiar characters from nursery rhymes and fairy tales, such as Goldilocks and the Big Bad Wolf. This hands-on experience captivates young readers, making the story more engaging and memorable.

Literacy Development

The narrative encourages various literacy skills, including reading comprehension, vocabulary expansion, and writing. Activities based on the book can help children practice writing their own letters, fostering creativity and improving their writing skills. The book's rhyming text and playful illustrations also support phonemic awareness, which is crucial for early reading development.

Curriculum Connections

The Jolly Postman is linked to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, providing structured activities that align with educational standards. These activities cover themes such as storytelling, role play, and even basic geography through mapping the postman's route. Such integration helps reinforce learning across different subjects while keeping it fun and interactive.

Encouraging Imagination and Role Play

The book's imaginative premise allows children to explore roles related to postal services, which can spark interest in real-world professions. Through role play and drama activities inspired by the book, children can express themselves creatively while developing social skills.

Overall, The Jolly Postman or Other People's Letters serves as a multifaceted resource that not only entertains but also educates young children in a variety of essential skills.

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