READ AND DISCUSS STORIES Build your child’s knowledge, reasoning and early literacy skills. Reading aloud to children is one of the most important things we can do to prepare them to do well in school. Read and Discuss Stories focuses on how families can help children build language skills, spark imagination and build connections by reading together. Strategies such as describing the pictures, asking questions about the story and using different voices and facial expressions to add interest to the story all help to engage children and make reading fun. Encouraging families to read with their child regularly will boost early literacy skills and foster a lifelong love of learning. How Physicians Can Integrate the Basics Family physicians and pediatricians are often the only professionals who see children and parents consistently during the first few years of critical brain development. Incorporating strategies and sharing resources from The Basics during these visits equips families with knowledge and tools that shape brain architecture, promote healthier outcomes, and lay the foundation for future school readiness and educational attainment. Importantly, The Basics does not replace clinical advice; it simply enhances the impact of every interaction with families. Physicians can easily integrate The Basics strategies, even when appointment time with families is limited. It doesn’t require additional cost, time or special equipment. The Basics works because it can be woven into what physicians already do. Rather than approaching The Basics as an additional task or separate discussion, clinicians can model The Basics during visits, use the language when it fits and connect conversations back to The Basics Principles. For example, when a parent says they’ve noticed their child has started babbling, you can make the connection: “That’s part of talking, singing and pointing — one of The Basics Principles that help build brain development.” This approach frames The Basics not simply as parenting advice, but as evidence-based strategies for promoting their child’s brain development. Physicians act as trusted messengers by sharing resources and strategies that parents can start using right away. You can empower families to approach daily interactions and routines with their child with knowledge and intention. Learn More About The Basics The Basics Utah is part of a national network of 126 communities across the country, all working to embed The Basics Principles into routine family engagement to promote healthy development, strengthen parent-child relationships, and connect caregivers to resources. Now, The Basics has launched in Utah with community partners who are committed to building The Basics movement so families from every background can benefit from the science of early development and achieve their full potential. Visit thebasicsut.org to learn more and explore the Community Toolkit to access 100+ free, high-quality materials and resources about The Basics — including digital and printable tip sheets, short parent-friendly videos, simple conversation prompts for clinicians, waiting-room and exam-room materials, and more. Upcoming UAFP Events CME and community in Utah's most stunning settings MARK YOUR CALENDAR Southern Utah Family Medicine Conference November 13-14, 2026 Register at utahafp.org/events Scan the QR code or visit our website to secure your spot. Space is limited! Don't miss your chance to earn CME credits alongside fellow family physicians in two of Utah's premiere destinations. Rocky Vista University & Black Desert Resort Ivins, Utah February 22-24, 2027 Westgate Resort Park City, Utah CME & Ski 2027 REGISTRATION OPENS AUG 1 REGISTRATION OPEN NOW 21
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