Unintended Benefits

I once had a colleague who collected PEZ dispensers. Colorful, playful, vibrant little characters lined her bookshelves in her classroom evoking smiles and chatter. “Where on earth did you find this one?” “When did you start collecting?” So many questions and wonderings about these inexpensive delights that were proudly displayed around the room. There were all types of characters, Disney, Superhero, different movie icons and they all brought a relatable joy to those who came across them.

I never intended to start a collection of my own, but one Christmas three hysterical rubber ducks were gifted to me and thus, my collection began. As I placed the first few on my shelf in my third grade classroom, slowly but surely, a collection started to grow. Students, parents, colleagues, friends and family added to my collection over the years and now I have over 400 rubber ducks that adorn my shelves in my office. Shockingly, there are very few duplicates, and each of them now holds some sentimental value as I recall the child or adult who thought to bring one to me and share in my delight!

The collection is odd, and not everyone’s cup of tea…but it has had unintended benefits. As a principal, when an escalated child comes into my office, they offer a distraction and an opportunity for play or conversation. Just today, a kindergarten student who was disregulated and needed a quiet space, came into my office and played with the ducks…lining them up, talking to them, until she was calm and ready to return to class. Believe it or not, adults are curious too. I love it when parents come into my office and just “have to know the story” behind why I have this mass of rubber ducks. The collection offers a distraction, a focal point, and an opportunity to connect about something non-threatening.

I am not suggesting that you should start a collection to share in your office or classroom, but I stand by the opinion that sometimes the little things (like rubber ducks or PEZ dispensers) create a platform for something not so little – the unintended benefit of connection and curiosity.