The letterboxing activity can be done on its own, but can also be combined with map-making and compass reading activities
Materials: Stamps, ink pads, marker or pencil, index cards or paper, boxes for hiding.
Place a stamp, ink pad and marker or pencil in each box and find a suitable hiding spot in the area. Write directions, either by describing landmarks, by using compass headings, or by making a map.
Here’s some examples:
- Compass directions- head north 20 paces, turn northeast and walk 20 paces, turn east and walk 5 paces.
- Map directions- Plot box location on map made by students, difficulty can be increased or decreased with level of detail on the map.
- Landmarks- Head to the playground, turn to the left at the slide, go to the fence, count 11 fence poles, look behind the fence.
When boxes are found, finders can use the stamp to mark their book, paper, or notecard to indicate that they found each box. Encourage letterbox hiders to give good directions, and congratulate them when other children find their boxes.
Activity is probably best to be performed outside, as there will be more room for hiding and designing interesting maps and compass directions.