The Basics Gardens in The Morton Arboretum’s Children’s Garden are inspired by The Basics, a set of five simple, research-based principles that help young children learn and grow through everyday interactions. Developed in partnership with the DuPage County Health Department, these gardens bring The Basics to life through engaging nature-based experiences for families.
The Basics Principles
The five Basics principles are:
- Maximize Love, Manage Stress
- Talk, Sing, and Point
- Count, Group, and Compare
- Explore through Movement and Play
- Read and Discuss Stories
Together, these principles help families build strong foundations for learning, language, relationships, and healthy development during the first five years of life, a critical period for learning and development.
The Basics at The Morton Arboretum
The Children’s Garden is a natural place to put The Basics into practice. Every path, garden, and play area offers opportunities for children and caregivers to connect, explore, and learn together. In The Basics Gardens, families will find interactive experiences and simple prompts that encourage conversation, storytelling, observation, and reflection. Whether you’re sharing a story, singing a song, noticing patterns in nature, or taking a quiet moment together, you’ll discover easy ways to support your child’s learning through play and exploration.
Learn More
Want even more ideas to try at home? Families can sign up for Basics Insights, a free text-message program offered through The Basics DuPage. You’ll receive age-appropriate tips, activities, and encouragement delivered right to your phone, helping you support your child’s development during everyday routines. By combining the experiences found in The Basics Gardens with simple activities at home, families can create meaningful learning moments every day.
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