Did you know that there are studies done on the correlation between a clean scent and performance levels at school? A New Taste & Smell Research Foundation conducted a study, commissioned by the maker of Pine-Sol cleaners. In that study they found that children who perform better at school almost always identify their homes with scents associated with clean. The study also showed a correlation in the memory of positive scents and their performance, demonstrating that it begins at an early age and is something that parents can impact.

A big mess is distracting, that’s for sure! Growing up, our house was always clean. You could smell it when you walked in the door, and we didn’t have any problems in school, so I’m inclined to believe that there is a correlation between a fresh clean scent (the memory of cleanliness) and the ability to focus (creating higher performance levels).  I find that I impact my children most by being an example. At ages 4, and 3 they are already helping me clean the kitchen, their rooms, and do laundry. All of which I make sure they see me doing. When it comes to learning, I read to them and make sure they see me reading. I know I learned a lot by the examples in my home when I was young so I’m going to make sure we have a fresh clean house for our kids to grow up in too, it can’t hurt.

Here are some other facts from the Pine-Sol study:

• Children who perform better at school almost always identify their homes with scents associated with clean – 84% of students reporting GPAs of A or B had positive childhood home smells – using descriptors like “lemony, minty or clean”; with only 16% noting negative smells at home.
• Those who recalled their childhood home as being an environment with negative smells or aromas were two-times more likely to have a lower grade point average (GPA) than those that did not.
• The study demonstrated a positive connection between a well-cared home and the sort of stable family environment that promotes academic success, self-esteem, learning and harmony – and enhances achievement later in life.
• 34% of students with a GPA grade of C or less, remembered negative childhood home aromas including urine, fecal and mold – double the percentage of those with higher GPAs.

Be sure to like Pine-Sol on Facebook, you’ll be supporting a good cause. Pine-Sol is supporting Reading is Fundamental, a program I’ve actually been privileged to participate in a few months ago, making a $40,000 donation in 2011. Reading is Fundamental is the largest family and children’s literacy nonprofit organization in the United States, giving away 16 million new books per year to children in need. You can help by “liking” Pine-Sol on Facebook during the month of March, that’s now so go like the Pine-Sol Facebook Page. For every two “Likes” Pine-Sol will donate one book on your behalf, up to 5,000 books.

Pine-Sol is introducing some great new scents with an easy-to-pour flip-cap offering controlled pouring. In addition to making some improvements to their classic scents, the two new scents are Garden Fresh “Pine Sol” cleaner and Outdoor Fresh “Pine-Sol” cleaner. Save on Pine-Sol with this $1.00 off Pine-Sol Coupon

Enter to Win:

In honor of National Reading Month (March), we are giving away the following three books:

My People illustrated by Charles R. Smith, Jr

Langston Hughes’ spare yet eloquent tribute to his people has been cherished for generations. Now, acclaimed photographer Charles R. Smith Jr. interprets this beloved poem in vivid sepia photographs that capture the glory, the beauty, and the soul of being a black American today.
2010 Winner – Coretta Scott King Award
Ages 4-8

The Lion & the Mouse By Jerry Pinkney

In award-winning artist Jerry Pinkney’s wordless adaptation of one of Aesop’s most beloved fables, an unlikely pair learn that no act of kindness is ever wasted. After a ferocious lion spares a cowering mouse that he’d planned to eat, the mouse later comes to his rescue, freeing him from a poacher’s trap. With vivid depictions of the landscape of the African Serengeti and expressively-drawn characters, Pinkney makes this a truly special retelling, and his stunning pictures speak volumes.
2010 Winner – Caldecott Medal
Ages 4-8

The Dot By Peter H. Reynolds

Peter H. Reynolds crafts a quiet, pleasing story in The Dot–one that will strike a chord with children who have outgrown the self-assurance of kindergarten and begun to doubt their own greatness. His marvelous watercolor, ink, and, yes, tea illustrations are appealing in a Quentin Blakey way, especially as Vashti begins to go wild with her dots. The delightfully open-ended conclusion will have readers of all ages contemplating how they can make their own mark in the world. Highly recommended.
Ages 5 to 9

To Enter:

Leave a comment telling me how you are encouraging reading in your children.

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This giveaway ends March 21st.  I received samples to facilitate this review. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

My post was sponsored by Pine-Sol through a compensated Mom Bloggers Club member program.