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A copy paper box works well for making your own mailbox. Use one that has shipped two stacks of paper bundles side-by-side and has a removable lid. Cut away the rim of the lid using a craft knife, leaving a flat cardboard piece. Measure 4 inches down from one short side on the copy paper box bottom and mark. Center and draw a rectangle 3 inches tall by 7 inches wide below the mark. Cut out the rectangle using the craft knife. This is the mail slot on the front of your mailbox.
Stand the box up with the mail slot facing you and at the top. Turn the box to one side and cut a door 4 inches wide by 7 inches long. Position it 2 inches up from the bottom and centered on the side of the copy paper box. Be sure to keep one long side of the door intact, so that it will open and close. Place the cut box lid over the open back of the mailbox and attach its cut edges to the box with masking tape. Completely cover the seams. -
Paint the entire outer surface of the mailbox using bright blue tempera paint. Have your kids or your students do this on the first day for best results. Repeat with additional coats to completely cover any words or printing on the cardboard box. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly. Use 3-inch tall letter stencils and a pencil to trace the word "MAIL" one inch below the front mail slot. Paint the letters using bright yellow or red tempera paint.
Measure an inch in from the opening edge of the door, on the side of the mailbox. Find the center between the top and bottom of the door. Mark the measurement. Poke a hole through the mark with a nail. Insert an old cupboard knob through the hole as the handle to open and close the door.
