We suggest that three foundational ideas be presented at the start of an introductory chemistry course: the mole, the periodic table, and quantum numbers. Moreover, it is critical that nonessential detail be suppressed in order to provide a first-pass introduction to these ideas. This presentation would also provide the opportunity to make connections between these three ideas of chemistry that would not usually be achieved. If foundational concepts of chemistry are presented early and repeated throughout the course, students will emerge with a stronger understanding of the subject than mere numerical examples and detailed exposition can provide.