Visit to the Postal Service / Post Office

Organisation piloting the Good Practice

JU Srednja poslovno-komercijalna i trgovačka škola, Sarajevo / Secondary School of Business, Commerce, and Trade

Country

Bosna i Hercegovina

Description of the good practice

The activity involved taking children with developmental difficulties and various impairments to a post office to teach them practical skills related to mailing letters, parcels, direct mail, and money orders. This hands-on experience was designed to familiarize the students with the post office environment and the processes involved in sending mail.

Background

The practice was implemented to address gaps in students’ understanding of everyday tasks that promote independence. Many of the students lacked exposure to such activities due to their developmental challenges or impairments. The visit aimed to teach them how to navigate the post office, interact with postal staff, and understand the processes required to send mail. This also fostered their confidence in managing real-world tasks.

Steps to take if you want to implement the good practice from planning to execution and evaluation if included

1. Planning

  • Identify the learning objectives (e.g., understanding mailing processes, improving communication skills).
  • Coordinate with the local post office to schedule a visit, ensuring accessibility and a supportive environment for the students.
  • Inform parents/guardians about the activity and secure their consent.
  • Prepare materials such as letters or parcels for the students to bring to the post office.

2. Execution

  • Brief the students beforehand about the activity, including what they will do at the post office.
  • Arrange safe transportation to and from the post office.
  • Guide students through the process step by step (e.g., filling out forms, interacting with postal workers, and paying for services).
  • Ensure adequate support from teachers and assistants during the activity.

3. Evaluation

  • Discuss the experience with the students afterward to understand what they learned.
  • Evaluate their understanding through follow-up activities, such as writing letters or role-playing the steps of sending a parcel.
  • Gather feedback from parents/guardians and postal staff for improvement.

Target group/s of the practice

Primary target group: Students with developmental difficulties and various impairments who participated in the visit to the post office.

Number of students involved

10 students with developmental difficulties and some sort of impairment.

Benefits, impact on the students and learning outcomes

Benefits

  • Increased confidence in performing real-world tasks.
  • Improved communication and social interaction skills.
  • Enhanced understanding of how a post office operates.

Impact

  • Students developed greater independence and self-reliance.
  • They experienced a sense of achievement by completing practical tasks.

Learning outcomes

  • Understanding the steps involved in mailing letters, parcels, and money orders.
  • Familiarity with basic forms and processes at a post office.
  • Enhanced problem-solving and critical thinking skills when handling tasks.

Suggestions for future users of this good practice

  • Ensure the post office is prepared and aware of the needs of the students in advance.
  • Conduct a role-play or simulation activity before the visit to build students’ confidence.
  • Be patient and flexible during the activity, as some students may require extra time or assistance.
  • Follow up with a discussion or reflective exercise to consolidate the learning experience.

Other languages

Albania – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Kosovo – Montenegro

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