BABY COURSE
A course for babies 0-12 mths
We learn about the unique development of your baby and practical skills for partnership.
Learn principles and skills that will make
parenthood more enjoyable for you and your baby.
What will I learn about?
Week 1 - Introduction
This is the time where we begin to get to know each other, get a feel for the rhythm of the class and the origins of the principles and teachings.
Week 2 - Care Moments
Focused on the care moments with your baby like feeding, changing, bathing and dressing, and how these build your partnership.
Week 3 - Movement and the Brain
Looking at the importance of your baby’s motor and brain development and these both influence each other.
Week 4 - Culture vs Biology
This is where we learn about our cultures view of children and the mismatch between our cultural needs vs our biological needs.
Week 5 - Partnership
Learning about inviting partnership with your baby, the cues we give them and what makes them feel safe and secure.
Week 6 - Language and Beliefs
We look at how your baby builds neural pathways from how we speak to them and what belief systems are attached to our language.
Week 7 - Mindfulness and the Heart
Understanding the power of our heart and learning tools for mindfulness and kindness.
Week 8 - Play and the Brain
Learning about how play develops the complex human brain and what your role is in supporting your baby’s sense of wonder.
Week 9 - Cooperation
Learning foundational skills for cooperation with your baby and how to support them as they learn to play harmoniously with others.
Week 10 - Culture of Respect
This is the time where we look at how to gracefully use this new information and create a safe space for you and your baby.
“There is no single effort more
radical for saving the world than
the way we bring up our children.”
— Marianne Williamson
A typical session…
We always start with a treasured ritual of afternoon 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.
Children's schedules are always changing and evolving (and sometimes just completely unpredictable!) so your baby and you are welcome in any state, without judgement! There's enough time during sessions to tend to your baby's needs, support them as they play or move to a quiet space. Your baby does not need to be awake for the sessions, as long as you are comfortable.
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, squares of fabric, little baskets, wooden items, felt balls 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.
What’s included?
10 sessions / 15 hours of content
Baby Course Handbook
Homemade baking
All play resources
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 older children, please find care for them during the course, this is just for babies.
This course is created by Pennie Brownlee and taught all over New Zealand. It’s based on the teachings of Dr Emmi Pikler and supported by the latest brain research.
2022
10 weeks
9:30am - 11am
Thursdays
Courses run in conjunction with the school terms.
Payment
$250
The 20% deposit is required to be paid upfront to hold your place, and the remainder can be paid in instalments before the last class, or you can pay in full if you wish.