Starting a Collection--What Kids Can Learn

    That ever growing collection that threatens to take over your child’s room may look like clutter to you, but to your child it looks like treasure. So which it it…clutter or treasure? Read on to find out how starting and maintaining a collection teaches your child valuable skills. You might soon be looking at that same collection as a golden opportunity.

Collections Strengthen School Skills

    Children learn as they enjoy their collections. Hilary Mitchem, a fifth grade teacher and Olathe mother of two, says, “The biggest benefit of collections would be that they learn to classify things. Grouping things is a huge math and science skill.” She adds that classification is also an important reading skill. Furthermore, collections of any sort can boost the imagination. She has noticed that children get tired of simply looking at their collections and begin to ask themselves, “What can I do to entertain myself?” Parents can encourage their children to learn by asking questions. Mitchem suggests asking your child things such as whether he can find the biggest train, smallest rock or the red marble. Make the questions harder as your child gets older. Your child will be happy you are playing with him and you’ll enjoy the quality time even more knowing the skills your child is mastering.

Personal and Social Skills Development

    According to Dr. Debra Johnson, a clinical psychologist at the Responsive Centers for Psychology and Learning in Overland Park, “Kids are drawn to anything that can be a reflection of self.” She adds that “one of the main goals of childhood is developing a sense of self.” They may even like to display their collection as means of self expression.

In addition to helping them grow personally, collections provide an avenue for children to gain important social skills. Sharing a common interest helps children to develop relationships with their peers. Whether they are trading baseball cards, connecting train tracks or playing with their dolls, children are learning how to interact in different social settings.

Making Memories

    Both Bryan Allen and Stacey Schauer admit that they aren’t naturally collectors. However, both have seen positive effects on their families as a result of a shared interest.

     Allen is a Leawood father of four. As a child he remembers always having a room full of trains. Once or twice a year he would get a new model train as a present. “It’s really special to go pull out a box of trains and remember when I got them and what I did with my dad.” He continues the tradition with his children. The main attraction in his children’s playroom is an impressive train board. In addition to spending time together at home, Allen has been able to make memories by taking his children to different train shows and exhibits.

     Schauer, an Olathe mother of two, says her children enjoy collecting marbles and baseball cards. “The biggest benefit is it’s a family affair,” says Schauer. Together they sort through their baseball cards and put them in order. She believes her children have learned quite a bit as they interpret statistics on the back of the cards and talk with each other.

Schauer also knows that her children’s collections have helped them learn about responsibility. “If they want baseball cards, they need money. If they want money, they need to do chores,” she explains. After working hard for the latest pack of baseball cards or handmade marbles, her children are more likely to take care of their possessions.

    There are many opportunities for starting collections. Regardless of your child’s interests, Johnson reminds parents that it is “important to support your child’s interests and encourage them.” Mitchem agrees and tries to be understanding of her young son’s desire to collect recyclables. He enjoys turning the various plastics and papers into special creations. However, as with all of parenting, it can be important to set limits. Mitchem’s son would also like to collect trash. “That’s where I put my foot down,” she says.

Elizabeth Welter lives in Olathe with her husband, three children, several stuffed animals, hundreds of toy cars and many, many Littlest Pet Shop toys.