This article examines the importance of encouraging children's interests and the pursuit of collections and hobbies as strategies for developing talent and abilities. The author presents a review of selected research in the field and cites excerpts from eminent people's lives as examples of early interests/collections and eventual success. In addition, American children, ages 11 and 12, write to the author about their collections after an afternoon of sharing, and an American elementary school principal reflects on the role of her collection — nesting dolls.
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