Toddler Course

A course for children over 1-5yrs
10-week course

We learn about your child’s evolving play and development, while upgrading skills for partnership.

This course is created by Pennie Brownlee, based on the learnings of Dr Emmi Pikler and supported by the latest brain research.

What will I learn about?
- Play and the human intelligences
- Emotions and energy
- Routines, rituals and rhythms
- Nurturing curiosity and wonder
- Partnership and cooperation for life
- Handling conflict
- Creativity and imagination
- The role of love, fear and trust
- Cultural vs biological expectations
- Love and enjoyment in parenting

A typical session…
We always start with a treasured ritual of morning tea, homemade baking and a cup of tea (that I provide), as a time to connect with each other and as a buffer if you’re running late. Each session follows a similar rhythm. We begin with a recap of the last week’s topic and a chance to share the things that you noticed during the week, in yourself or your child. Then I share this weeks topic and the supporting quote, which leads into our in depth teaching and discussion, followed by an exercise that exemplifies the theme. We then spend a few minutes in a guided silent observation, this is time for you to watch what your child is doing, how they are moving and what takes their interest. After that we discuss what you noticed and any other questions you have from the session. At the end of the session there’s some time to chat and have another cup of tea before you head off.

You also get a handbook with short readings and extra resources. These readings connect to the week’s topic and extend the learning from in class. It’s not like homework but it will deepen your understanding and give you extra support. It’s also really helpful to show your partner or whoever is supporting you in parenting. If you miss a session, you can catch up through reading this too.

There’s enough time during the session to pause for more food, respond to your child or support them as they play. We follow the children's lead as they explore the different spaces and play things in the garden. They might pick fruit and veggies from around the garden, create mud pies and have tea parties in the sandpit and water play, build huts under the trees, hang out in the hammocks, swing on the rope swings, collect flowers or create their own games with other children.

I have a range of open-ended play things that I bring out every week for the children to use in their play, including a collection of metal cups and bowls, long lengths of rope, stacks of fabric, little baskets and more. All of these are available to the children during the session to use in whichever way they like. There's so much for them to get stuck into and play the morning away!

We try to be outside as much as possible, it’s where the children are usually most content and can have rich experiences with the natural environment. However if it’s wet or really cold, we’ll be inside in the lounge with a range of play things. If the rain clears or the weather warms up we’ll venture outside for the rest of the session.

"Dagmar is a wonderful soul who creates a magical environment for parents and children to enjoy each week. I learnt so much from her which is making me a better Mum. My daughter and I will both miss our weekly trips to see Dagmar (and her delicious baking!)" - Claire

“My daughter and I loved and looked forward to this course each week and got a lot out of it. It was a lovely way to meet like-minded parents and learn a holistic way of parenting." - Abi

What’s included?
- 10 sessions/15 hours of content
- Toddler Course Handbook
- Homemade baking
- Weekly email updates
- A supportive and safe environment
to connect and learn

Your partner or support person is welcome and encouraged to attend the course with you, at no extra cost. If you have younger children, you are welcome to bring them along to the course.

For more details and to book, please visit my website.