Journey & Discovery is a unique immersive workshop-experience designed to introduce the Montessori curriculum and principles to adults.

It was developed by Barbara Gordon and the staff of the St. Alcuin Montessori School in Dallas, Texas, U.S. in the early 1980s with an objective to enable participants to discover answers to their questions about the Montessori programme by co-creating their own personal experience. It has been modelled on Montessori’s Three Period Lesson where first a concept is presented, then internalised through practice and finally it is synthesised into full understanding and abstraction.

The first aspect, or period, of the workshop is called the Journey because it is a silent observation and walk through of the learning environments. Participants make internalised observations regarding the atmosphere and materials available in each environment, considering the differences and similarities. There is no discussion or questions during the Journey to avoid intellectualising and jumping to quick conclusions.

The Discovery is the second period of the workshop. The participants actively work in each environment, manipulating the materials and exploring through various self-guided activities.

Discovery’s End is the culminating discussion of the workshop experience and represents the third period of the lesson. It is an opportunity for the participants to abstract ideas and insights from their personal experiences and share them with others.  Participants in the Journey and Discovery come away with a deeper understanding of Montessori education and its focus on meeting the developmental needs of children. Through their own experiences, participants achieve an overview of the programme’s developmental levels and orientation in a way that no lecture or intellectual presentation can provide. It is an invaluable tool for parent education. It also provides the Montessori staff with a deeper understanding of the developmental focus on each environment in their own school, strengthening a common school vision.

At CMS, we invite all parents to attend our Journey & Discovery workshop at least once. The program consists of two individual workshops (Friday – 6.30pm – 8.30pm and Saturday 8.00am – 12.30pm).  Attendance of both sessions is required.

The cost is $35 per person (including light supper, breakfast, and morning tea).  Childminding is also provided, details available when booking.

Our next Journey & Discovery workshop will take place in August (18-19), 2023.  Keep an eye on our socials for more information.

If you have any questions, please email: school.secretary@cms.qld.edu.au

These were the moments of discovery that our participants shared during the workshop… 25 moments to celebrate our 25th year:

1. 1. Glad I attended to gain a better understanding of the teaching methods.
   2. Excited to learn more about Montessori and to join the CMS community.
   3. I felt like I was allowed to let loose my inner child, the one that wants to discover, play and create rather than just read.
   4. I was excited to further my knowledge and understanding.
   5. I have a better understanding of the student-teacher experience.
   6. I have a better understanding why it’s so beneficial to start Montessori from a young age and how coming late to Montessori can be challenging for both student and teacher.
   7. The J&D is suitable for people who are unsure about Montessori, who are fairly new as well as people who have had kids here for years.
   8. I felt relief knowing that my child’s education will be better and more caring than my own.
   9. Participating in the different range of activities and interactions with the educators give me a great insight into what my child learns each day.
   10. Fantastic experience, loved the workshop – nil changes recommended.
   11. The hands-on learning with the materials allows you to see how each of the materials work and gives you the reassurance that it does actually work.
   12. I felt a sense of wonder when I understood how to use some of the materials.
   13. Impressed knowing all the activities were so purposeful.
   14. It was really beneficial to see the amount of different activities per cycle, seeing extensions of the activity, allowing children to grow with each activity.
   15. The workshop was a wonderful experience that removed any feelings of hesitation about the learning style.
   16. The open discussion regarding the education and methods was very beneficial.
   17. Gives you a great understanding of the Montessori philosophy and how deep it is.
   18. It was peaceful, …..and mentally exhausting.
   19. It is awe-inspiring to be observing, using materials and discussing education to broaden understanding of how we learn.
   20. From the moment you walk in, the environment and atmosphere are welcoming and engaging.
   21. All parts were amazing, especially observing all cycle classrooms and using a range of learning materials.
   22. Really impressive comparing to personal experience with education.
   23. Beautiful insight into the hands-on experience with materials.
   24. You are fed, hydrated, the temperature in the environment was perfect – the basics were covered and the staff were available for support.
   25. I like the way it is separated over two sessions as it allows some space to think/refine before getting the opportunity to use the materials.