The Basics principles are five, fun, simple, powerful ways to help children make the most of their earliest years.
MAXIMIZE LOVE, MANAGE STRESS
Maximizing love and managing stress helps caregivers stay emotionally present with their children. Consistent, nurturing relationships and freedom from excessive stress promote children’s development and emotional wellbeing.
TALK, SING, and POINT
Talking, singing, and pointing accelerate language development, which in turn accelerates children’s early learning and engagement with the surrounding world.
COUNT, GROUP, and COMPARE
Counting, grouping, and comparing lay the foundations for mathematical thinking, helping children make sense of the numbers and categories they encounter in the world.
EXPLORE THROUGH MOVEMENT
and PLAY
Exploring through movement and play encourages curiosity, exploration, and discovery, and supports the development of motor skills and a healthy body.
READ and DISCUSS STORIES
Reading and discussing stories engages children in thinking and builds their knowledge, reasoning, and early literacy skills