Inspired by Experience

Collected Cards was founded in 2024 by Kylie Gannon, an educator with nearly two decades of experience as both a teacher and a school administrator.

Recognizing that students of all ages, genders, and backgrounds were struggling with processing and managing emotions, Kylie created Collected Cards for children and their caregivers.

Collected Cards is a technology-free tool for children to evaluate their feelings, make connections between their feelings and their choices and behavior, and design their own action plans in the form of something tangible and beautiful.

Upon completion, the cards can be collected and used to start a conversation, identify a pattern, or provide a visual reminder of an action plan. Or, the card can be discarded as a symbol of a fresh start.

No matter how they are used, Collected Cards provide children with a pathway to return to the classroom or home environment calm, collected, and more empowered to take ownership of their decisions and behavior.

Why Collected Cards?

Collected Cards provide a quick, targeted opportunity for mindfulness and a supportive way to begin conversations about behavior, feelings, goals, and consequences.

Collected Cards

  • are simple, portable, and technology-free.

  • provide flexible, personal opportunities for resolving conflicts, resetting behavior, setting goals, and starting conversations.

  • appeal to multiple learning styles.

  • provide non-verbal children with a tool for expression and communication.

  • provide targeted, timely qualitative and quantitive data for parents, caregivers, and educators.

  • cultivate independence thorough mindfulness, conflict management, emotional regulation, and goal setting.

  • are printed with plant-based inks on post-consumer, FSC certified paper.

  • are recyclable, biodegradable, chlorine-free, and compostable.

  • support multiple small businesses and are designed, printed, and shipped in the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • In short, it still takes a village to raise a child. Our village is louder, more competitive, and more connected than ever, but data shows that we spend more time alone, less time actually talking to each other, and have fewer close friends and connections than ever before (Haidt, 2024).

    Youth mental health has received a lot of attention recently in the wake of some staggering statistics regarding youth self-harm, anxiety, and addiction. Additionally, the US Department of Health and Human Services' recent report on the state of Youth Mental Health in America (link posted below) makes a strong statement about the role we all must play in supporting our kids and their families.

    Childhood may look different now, but parents and teachers want their kids to learn, mature, and thrive. Kids need the tools and skills to recognize their feelings, but they also have to be able to move forward after experiencing emotions like disappointment, failure, and anxiety. Taking responsibility for our actions is a life skill and a pathway to adulthood. Being able to talk about how we feel can benefit all facets of life. Learning from negative experiences is a bonus.

    Sources:

    HAIDT, J. (2024). Anxious generation: How the great rewiring of childhood is causing an epidemic of mental illness. PENGUIN.

    https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/priorities/youth-mental-health/index.html

  • No directions sheet here!

    Collected Cards are a tool, and they are designed to build awareness, create action plans, and set goals. The cards are designed to be flexible and are appropriate for a variety of situations and settings.

    Generally, children can complete a card when they (or their caregivers - we've all been there!) need a mindful break.

    The cards are designed for both positive and negative emotions, and they can assist with making connections between feelings and actions. Or, they can be used as a journal with pretty pictures to color.

    Upon completion, Collected Cards can be used to start conversations about behavior, choices, and goals. Some children may want to display or frame their work (which is why we print on high-quality paper), or some children may want to burn, bury, or recycle their work (which is why we print on non-toxic, compostable, and biodegradable paper).

  • Coloring is good for our mental health! National Institute of Health studies have shown that coloring increases mindfulness, relieves stress and anxiety, and encourages us to let go of perfectionism - all good things!

    In addition, research published by the National School Boards Association suggests that artistic expression is an important part of brain development, and studies show strong connections between arts participation and positive impacts on social emotional development and academics, overall engagement in school, graduation rates, problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

    The nature-inspired art on Collected Cards has been thoughtfully designed and created by independent artists and based on childhood development research that supports "strong interactions with nature at critical stages in childhood development to enhance independence, critical thinking, self-confidence, creativity, and cognitive skills" (Summers, et al., 2019).

    Beyond the research, sometimes it's nice to think about only one inch or in one color at a time...

    Sources: https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/parents-educators/conversation-starters/whats-connection-between-art-and-brain-development

    https://www.nsba.org/ASBJ/2020/February/Not-Only-Arts-Sake

    Summers JK, Vivian DN, Summers JT. The Role of Interaction with Nature in Childhood Development: An Under-Appreciated Ecosystem Service. Psychol Behav Sci. 2019 Nov

  • Of course! And thank you for your commitment and service to our communities and families.

    If you are interested in using Collected Cards in your classroom or school, please contact Kylie@collectedcards.com for special educator options and pricing.

    Please note that we will require proof of employment for the current school year in order to offer an educator discount.

  • Standard USPS shipping is free with any purchase!

    Upgraded shipping options are available at checkout for those emergency "we have a trip to grandma's house on an airplane this weekend" situations.

    All items shipped with standard USPS shipping are mailed in curbside-recyclable packaging.

  • Due to the nature of our product, we do not accept returns.

    If you discover a problem with your order upon delivery, please reach out to us at Kylie@collectedcards.com so we can do our best to fix it!

  • Yes, we will consider selling wholesale and fulfilling bulk orders.

    If you are interested in carrying Collected Cards in your retail space or school, please contact us at Kylie@collectedcards.com to start a conversation.

  • Collected Cards was not created to be used in lieu of, as a substitute for, or in the place of, professional mental health counseling or services.

    Collected Cards and the information on this website are intended for educational purposes only, and are not a substitute for medical advice or treatment.

    Collected Cards is not intended to cure, treat, mitigate, or prevent any disease, and use of our products is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health services, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

    Please contact a medical professional if you seeking medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

    Collected Cards is not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information contained on this site or products.

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