The Basics is a public awareness and engagement campaign that shares five fun, simple, and powerful ways parents and caregivers can boost early brain development in children from birth to age three. These everyday activities—like talking, singing, playing, and reading—help lay a strong foundation for learning, relationships, and lifelong success.
United Way is proud to bring The Basics to Forsyth and Dawson Counties, working with community partners to ensure every child gets the best possible start in life, no matter their family’s income, race, or zip code.
Why The Basics?
80% of brain growth happens in the first three years of life. During this period, skill gaps between socio-economic, racial, and ethnic groups become clearly apparent. This does not need to be! Everyday interactions between children, their parents, and other caregivers provide abundant opportunities to give children from every background a more equal start in life.
The 5 Basics Principles
Babies and toddlers grow best when their world feels loving, safe, and consistent. Caregivers can show this love through smiles, gentle words, and warm touch—helping children see, hear, and feel that they are valued. These everyday moments build a sense of security, strengthen bonds, and lay the foundation for self-control and healthy emotional development.
From birth, children are learning language and communication skills. Caregivers can talk about what they are doing, sing songs, and point to objects to help children connect words with meaning. These interactions build vocabulary, improve listening skills, and prepare children for reading and learning.
Early math skills start with everyday experiences. Caregivers can count steps while walking, group toys by color or shape, and compare sizes or amounts. These simple activities strengthen problem-solving skills and set the stage for future success in school and life.
Active play helps children develop both their minds and bodies. Caregivers can encourage safe exploration—crawling, walking, stacking blocks, playing with water, or dancing to music. These activities spark curiosity, build motor skills, and help children learn about the world around them.
Reading with children, even before they understand words, fosters brain development and strengthens relationships. Caregivers can point to pictures, ask questions, and talk about the story to encourage imagination and comprehension. Over time, this practice builds a love of reading and a foundation for lifelong learning.
How We're Bringing The Basics to Our Community
