Play and the 12 senses
with Julie Frew
Play is the language of childhood - the way children make sense of the world, of themselves, and of everything they are growing into. This course offers a gentle, practical, and insightful doorway into the world of play.
With Julie Frew, you’ll explore how the 12 senses shape the way children perceive their environment, how they learn, and how they grow. You’ll discover what toys and resources genuinely support development, and why the Waldorf approach places such deep value on simplicity, imagination, and open-ended play. You’ll also learn why play matters so much in these early years.
If you want to see your child through a deeper developmental lens - and support their growth in a way that honours who they are - this course will guide you step by step.
Play is not just something children do to kill time until they grow up.
It is their work. Just like the work we do.
What You’ll Learn
This course is ideal for parents who:
Want to understand the purpose of play and why it matters
Are finding it challenging to reduce or replace screentime
Are interested in science-based child development
Want guidance on developmentally aligned toys and resources
Are curious about the Waldorf perspective on play
Wish to understand their child through a deeper developmental lens
Comes with your own
downloadable e-book journal.
Once purchased,
work at your own pace.
Program Structure
This program is delivered over 17 lessons, ranging from brief bite-sized segments to sessions around 10 minutes. You’ll also receive a downloadable e-book journal for reflection or to work alongside as you move through the lessons.
Ideal For
This course is designed for parents and teachers of children in the early years (0–7). You may be a mainstream-trained kindergarten teacher wanting to deepen your understanding of play and child development, or a Waldorf kindergarten teacher seeking renewed inspiration and continued growth.
It is also ideal for parents of young children who want to understand why play is so essential, and how they can nurture healthy, imaginative play at home.
Programs you may wish to follow on with…
Embrace the heartbeat of your home and empower your parenting journey with mindful rhythms.
Learn why choosing the right care option matters and how to confidently select the best fit for your little ones.
These courses build on the foundations you’ll gain here and offer deeper insights and practical tools to support your parenting journey.
Julie Frew: Play and the 12 senses
Program Structure
Lesson 12Lesson 10Lesson 11What is Play? (4:16)
Lesson 1
Play as a ‘Blended State’ (3:30)
Lesson 2Creating Playful Invitations (6:11)
Lesson 3Lesson 16Playful Invitations and the Sense of Touch (5:10)
Lesson 4
Nourishing the Touch System (10:26)
Lesson 5
The Sense of Life (8:00)
Lesson 6
Rhythm and the Sense of Balance (6:12)
Lesson 7Lesson 14Lesson 17Lesson 13The Sense of Movement V1 (3:51)
Lesson 8
Lesson 15The Sense of Movement, Play and Self-Regulation (6:00)
Lesson 9The Sense of Balance (9:55)
Playful Invitations and the Sense of Balance (7:44)
The Middle Senses and the Sense of Smell (9:41)
The Middle Senses and the Sense of Taste (4:54)
The Middle Senses and the Sense of Vision (8:09)
The Middle Senses and the Sense of Warmth (7:22)
The Higher Senses and the Sense of Hearing (8:42)
Course Conclusion (2:16)
Meet the Instructors
Julie Frew
Paediatric Occupational TherapistJulie has worked in the field of Child Development for over 17 years. Her practice is grounded in Postgraduate Study in sensory processing for diverse populations, alongside additional training in Attachment, Psychosensory Trauma interventions, Neurobiology, and Polyvagal Theory.
Her professional understanding of the human being is also deeply shaped by a Steiner/Waldorf worldview. As a mother of two young children, Julie weaves both professional expertise and lived experience into her work with families.
She is passionate about helping parents understand their children’s sensory and emotional needs, offering practical tools that support resilience, regulation, and secure attachment. Julie’s compassionate, research-informed approach empowers parents to create nurturing, connected environments where children can truly thrive.
Nadine Siedel
Early Childhood TeacherNadine is a qualified Early Childhood Teacher and parenting coach with over 20 years of experience working with young children. Her journey has been deeply rooted in the Steiner community, where she has worked as a kindergarten teacher and guided families in fostering healthy, connected relationships with their children.
As a mother of two preschool-aged boys, Nadine understands firsthand the joys and challenges of early childhood parenting. She is passionate about helping parents build loving, secure foundations for their children, drawing on both her professional expertise and her own lived experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
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In Waldorf education, the 12 senses are a holistic way of understanding how children experience the world. Instead of just the traditional five senses, Rudolf Steiner described twelve -ranging from basic physical senses (like touch and balance) to more social and perceptive ones (like empathy and understanding others). These senses develop over time and help support healthy learning, relationships, and overall wellbeing.
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No, this course is as relevant for parents as it is for Early Childhood Teachers. If you are a carer, parent or grandparent wanting to learn more about play and how it is linked to the development of young children, this course is for you.
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Yes, once purchased, you will be able to log on and access the courses you have purchased alongside the e-book. The e-book will also be in a downloadable format so you can have your own hard copy.
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No, we have a range of educators on this platform, some with waldorf training and others who have mostly been in mainstream education settings. In the descriptions of each course, it will say whether it is waldorf inspired or not.
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This course is offered through a direct enrolment process to ensure care around access and support for each participant.
If you’d like to take part in Play and the 12 Senses with Julie Frew, please register your interest using the button below. A member of the Taruna team will be in touch within 24 hours with payment information and instructions for accessing the course materials.
Course fee:
$80 NZDOnce payment is confirmed, you’ll receive access to the full course content.
Contact & Course Registration
Thinking about enrolling? Curious which program might be the right fit? Or maybe you’d like to stroll the campgrounds and see the magic in person. Whatever you’re looking for, we’re here to help.