Strange Collections: Why Do People Collect Weird Things?
Learning Goals:
- Learn new words about collecting and unusual items.
- Talk about why people have collections and what kinds of things they collect.
- Read about a man who collected strange things from the past.
- Listen to people talk about their own unique collections.
- Write about your own special collection or one you would like to have.
Key Words:
- Collection: A group of objects that someone gathers together.
- Collector: A person who has a collection.
- Obscure: Strange, unusual, not common.
- Rare: Hard to find, not seen very often.
- Artifact: An object from the past, often with historical value.
Let’s Talk About It!
- What are some common things people collect? (Stamps, coins, dolls, etc.)
- Have you ever collected anything unusual? Or do you know someone who has a strange collection?
- Why do you think people collect things? (Because they like them, they’re valuable, they remind them of something, etc.)
Let’s Read a Story!
Sir Alfred was a rich man who loved to collect things. But he didn’t collect ordinary things. He collected very old and rare items from all over the world. He had pieces of pottery from ancient Greece, old tools from China, and even a ring that might have been worn by a king thousands of years ago!
Questions about the Story:
- What did Sir Alfred collect?
- Why were his items special?
- What was his most valuable item?
Listen and Learn!
(Teacher plays a short clip of people talking about their unique collections. It could be anything from vintage video games to old cereal boxes.)
Talk with a Partner!
One of you is a reporter interviewing a collector. Ask about their collection and why they collect those items.
Example:
- Reporter: “What do you collect?”
- Collector: “I collect sugar packets from around the world.”
- Reporter: “Wow, that’s unique! How did you get started?”
Homework:
Write a short paragraph about a collection you have or a collection you would like to have. Explain why those items are special to you.
Extra Fun:
If you can, bring in an item from your own collection (or something you would like to collect) to show the class.
