
Did you know that 80% of brain growth happens in the first three years of life? Making the most of this critical time in a child’s development is a top priority for parents, caregivers, educators, and health professionals alike. Yet, understanding exactly how to make the most of this time can be overwhelming.
To give every child a great start in life, we just need the Basics!
What are the Basics? The Basics are five fun, free, and simple principles that help children thrive. By implementing the Basics Principles, parents, caregivers, and community members can promote the early learning and brain development of children ages 0-4, making the most of this critical time in a child’s life. Below are the Basics Principles and ways to implement each of them:
The Basics Principles:
Maximize Love, Minimize Stress
Cuddle them
Encourage them
Talk about feelings
Have a routine
Manage household stress
Praise kindness
Talk, Sing, & Point
Listen and respond
Ask questions
Be word specific
Talk about what you’re doing
Ask child to fill blanks in
Count, Group, & Compare
Count
Add and subtract
Name shapes
Put things in order
Use music
Measure while cooking
Explore Through Movement & Play
Help them build
Make art
Roll a ball
Play obstacle course
Play hide & seek
Take a walk
Read & Discuss Stories
Commit to reading to your child daily
Read and discuss the stories
Enjoy the pictures & be silly
Beyond these principles, the Basics is a movement that began because of three research-based facts:
Early childhood experiences have long-term impacts on brain architecture, kindergarten readiness, and lifetime success.
Cognitive skill gaps between children from different racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds are clear in national data long before kindergarten, by the age of two.
Research on the science of early development provides strong guidance regarding what children need to experience in order to thrive, instead of falling behind early.
Black River United Way, in partnership with United Way of Horry County, is a part of the Basics movement and collaboratively launched The Basics Waccamaw to improve the number of children in the Tri-County area who are developmentally on track and entering kindergarten ready.
Through the Basics Waccamaw, we are strengthening our community and supporting early childhood development. Our strategy is to bring a public health perspective to encourage enriched childhood brain development during the early stages of life. We focus on family and community— from parents and caregivers to community support systems outside of the home — while incorporating the latest research to identify disparities and implement innovative solutions.
Interested in learning more about the Basics? Contact Black River United Way’s Director of Education, Tondalica Sumpter to bring the Basics to your community, organization, group, or business.
Tondalica Sumpter
(843) 546-6317 ext 2
Are you a parent or caregiver looking to practice the Basics Principles? Sign up for free texts providing tips and resources to support you in giving your infant, toddler, or preschooler a great start in life.
The Basics are just one more way Black River United Way is leading Georgetown and Williamsburg Counties to sustainability by empowering the lives of its community members.
For more Basics resources, visit basicswaccamaw.org
To learn more about Black River United Way's work and mission, click here
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