David Thomas was all smiles as he collected a $500 gift voucher that his family won in the Basics Insights giveaway contest.
Basics Insights, a free text messaging service sponsored by the Department of Education, is a prime method of reminding parents about The Basics Principles. These principles are five fun, simple and powerful ways for parents and caregivers to connect with their children and help them reach their full potential.
“We are so pleased to introduce The Basics to Bermuda,” stated Sherri-Lee Bucci, Assistant Director, Early Childhood Education.
“This initiative supports parents and caregivers in promoting children’s early development, regardless of their income or education levels.
“About 90% of brain growth happens by the age of five, so it is crucial to provide parents with the tools they need to give their children the best outcomes. According to the research, achievement gaps at age two persist throughout adulthood. The Basics movement follows scientifically-proven principles to narrow—and possibly eliminate—these gaps by equipping parents and caregivers with five principles: Maximise Love, Manage Stress; Count, Group and Compare; Talk, Sing and Point; Explore Through Movement and Play; and Read and Discuss Stories.”
Every family who signed up for Basics Insights by 31 May 2023 automatically entered the draw for a $500 People’s gift voucher and the winner was chosen via a random number generator.
Natasha and David Thomas signed up to receive Basics Insights for their two children, ages one and four, after they attended The Basics Fun Day held in April.
“We are very excited about this!” stated Mrs. Thomas upon receiving the notification that they had won, sharing that her children had responded positively to the recommended activities and strategies from Basics Insights.
To learn more about The Basics, please visit thebasics.org or follow @TheBasicsBermuda on Instagram or Facebook. To sign up for Basics Insights, please register at bit.ly/basics-insights.
The Basics:
Founded by Ron Ferguson, PhD, The Basics, Inc. grew out of the Achievement Gap Initiative at Harvard University in partnership with the Black Philanthropy Fund in Boston. With an approach grounded in the latest research in early childhood learning, brain development, behavioural science and community change, The Basics Learning Network encompasses a growing, international, multi-community learning network. In Bermuda, The Basics initiative is spearheaded and sponsored by the Department of Education.