Welcome to Ping and Echo, a daily newsletter that links to one amazing podcast episode that is guaranteed to be a great listen for kids and their families. Each newsletter includes links to articles, videos and activities related to the podcast so you can turn every episode into an adventure.
Today’s podcast episode is from 99 Percent Invisible and we chose it because of some recent news. The U.S. Postal Service is facing a funding crisis, one that has been exacerbated by the economic slow down related to coronavirus, and in the last few days it has become a political issue with the White House pushing back on emergency aid for the service. This reminded us of a 2017 episode of 99 Percent Invisible on “The Revolutionary Post,” which explores the remarkable history of the Postal Service and how - in many ways - it made America what it is today, from our roads to our free press. You’ll learn about a Post Office at the bottom of the grand canyon, the birth of the pony express, and why women used to carry stamps in lockets around their necks. In the activities below you can find yourself a pen pal, make a cardboard mailbox and more.
Podcast: 99 Percent Invisible
Episode: The Revolutionary Post
URL: https://99percentinvisible.org/episode/the-revolutionary-post
Length: 24 minutes
🧐 You Should Know
I’ll always give you a heads up if there is anything in the podcast that might surprise or worry kids. There is a passing reference to prostitutes who used to hang out at post offices.
💡 Try This
After you listen to the episode you can try your hand with letter writing and more with the links and activities below:
How to Find a Modern-Day Pen Pal - Martha Stewart
Make a DIY Cardboard Mailbox - Little Red Window
🔎 Explore More
Read up on amazing history of the post office behind this episode with these links:
21 Things You'd Be Surprised You Can Actually Mail - BuzzFeed
Video: United States Postal Service: Systems at Work - The Kids Should See This
The name Ping and Echo comes from sonar technology which relies on sending out “pings” and receiving back “echos” to discover the world around you. You can send us pictures of the art and activities created by your kids. Email them to pingandecho@gmail.com and we’ll post all your echos on our Instagram and our Twitter page.
Thanks for lending us your ears and your inbox.
Toby, Josh, and Ruby