Create mailboxes for your classroom. Use shoe boxes, milk cartons or an over-the-door shoe caddy. Print each child's name (and perhaps their photo) on one of the boxes or pockets. Set the mailboxes up in your classroom in a spot that is easy for you and your students to access.
At the beginning of the school year, show your class the mailboxes, discuss what they are and how they are to be used. Explain to children that after they have unpacked at the beginning of the day, they are to place any important papers, such as homework or notes from their parents, into their mailboxes and at the end of the day, they will be given time to collect any papers that have been placed inside their mailboxes throughout the day - artwork, complete assignments, notes from you or other school personnel or permission slips.
Show students which mailboxes belong to them. Point out the children's names and pictures.
Practice using the mailboxes. Provide each student with a blank piece of paper. Call on three to five students at a time and instruct them to place the papers into their mailboxes. Use the same process to have them practice removing the papers from their mailboxes. Stress the importance of keeping the mailbox area orderly.
Remind students to place papers in and to remove papers from their mailboxes daily. Keep practicing using the mailboxes until students are comfortable using them and they become a regular part of the classroom routine.