Curiosity May Be the Single Most Important Trait for Success in School

This week I came across an article that really hit home with me and confirmed my thoughts on the importance of creativity and why parents and educators should encourage this trait. New research published in the journal Pediatric Research in April suggests there may be one simple trait that can help kids learn and succeed in school, regardless of their socioeconomic background.

Researchers who looked at the reading and math scores of 6,200 kindergarteners in 2006 and 2007 found that those kids whose parents rated their children’s behavior as most curious did the best in school, regardless of socioeconomic status. The results were consistent for both boys and girls, too.

The high-performing kids from all walks of life liked trying new things, and were rated as more imaginative in both work and play by their parents.

These kids “seek answers to the unknown,” lead study researcher Prachi Shah, a developmental pediatrician and research scientist at the University of Michigan, said in a release. (Source: Business Insider). I have always loved that about my daughter – her zest for life and various interests. She could chat you up if you are a Sneakerhead (a person who collects, trades, or admires sneakers as a hobby), gamer (particularly Overwatch) or Funko Pop collector. What are some of your kid’s hobbies or interests?

Did you know kids lose their creativity as they age? Or that the creativity scores of American children have consistently dropped every year for the last 28 years? PBS Kids new show Pinkalicious & Peterrific, based on the best-selling books series by Victoria Kann, is dedicated entirely to the arts and creativity. We really love this show and if you are fans of Victoria’s books you are going to fall in love with the show as well. Starting May 14th you can find new episodes of Pinkalicious on your local PBS Station. Happy viewing! And be sure to try out some of the activities they recommend after viewing the episodes. I can’t tell you how many times I helped Kate build a fort – with anything and everything – found in our living room! Looking back now those are really sweet memories.

EPISODE 111

“Pink Lemonade”

Pinkalicious and Peter start a lemonade stand to save up money to buy new art supplies and toys. The only problem? No customers! If they want to make some money, they’ll have to get creative…but how?

”Pink Shoes”

Hopscotch-Palooza is here, and Pinkalicious can’t wait to play, but her favorite pink sneakers are too small. With a little help from her mom, she makes a new pair that are even more pinka-perfect than her old shoes.

Interstitial: Kids create an anti-litter campaign by making posters and creating a jingle to help raise awareness and clean up a park.

EPISODE 112

“Gnome More Nonsense”

Pinkalicious and Peter are thrilled when they discover Norman the Garden Gnome living in their backyard. He is great at keeping the bunnies away from their flowers, but he’s not so great at playing pretend. It’s up to Pinkalicious to show Norman that using your imagination can be both helpful and fun!

“Space Dancing”

Pinkalicious and her friends are putting on a dance show, but Peter gets discouraged when he keeps making mistakes. It’s up to Pinkalicious to show him that he shouldn’t give up – practice makes pinka-perfect!

Interstitial: Kids play Frozen Statues, a game where they use their bodies to act out different types of animals, people or things.

EPISODE 113

“Indoor Camp-In”

Pinkalicious and Peter have been looking forward to having a campout in their yard, but plans change when it starts raining. That won’t stop them, though. With a little imagination, some scissors and paint, indoor camping can be just as fun as camping outside!

“The Flutterbugs”

Pinkalicious and her friends are all set for a pinkerrific tea party – that is, until some unexpected guests buzz in. She thinks the flutterbugs are there for the cupcakes, but discovers what they really love is her singing.

Interstitial: Kids plan a staycation and bring the beach into their living room! Using everyday objects, they create a sandy beach, a palm tree, and even an ocean to swim in!

EPISODE 114

“Secret Sculpture”

Pinkalicious, Peter and friends set out to explore Pinkville Green and discover a secret statue to play on! Mr. Crunk tells them not to touch the art, but it looks so fun! Can you play with art?

“The Celebrator”

Pinkville’s birthday is coming up, and Mommy has made just the invention for the occasion – the celebrator! It’s so much fun to use that Pinkalicious can’t stop celebrating — every little thing — until celebrating becomes, well, a little annoying.

Interstitial: Kids meet Steve Gerberich, an artist who creates moving sculptures out of everyday items!

EPISODE 115

“Sweet Pea Pixie”

It’s time for the Sweet Pea Pixies to emerge from their pods in the Pinkville Community Garden, but one pixie has trouble flying. It’s up to Pinkalicious and Peter to show her how to spread her wings and take off!

“Pink Piper”

Pinkalicious writes a song about her favorite color for school, but no matter where she goes to practice, she keeps getting interrupted by dogs barking, frogs chirping, and cows moo’ing. But why? It’s almost like they like pink as much as she does.

Interstitial: Meet Amar Ramasar, a New York City Ballet dancer who demonstrates different ways to fly!