Montessori Australia Presents

FREE CERTIFIED WORKSHOP SERIES

Practical Montessori insights for a kinder, brighter world

Join Montessori Australia for a free, certified workshop series featuring special guests, hosted by Montessori Australia’s Director of Educational Services, Mark Powell.

Building Social Bridges

Integrating Grace & Courtesy and Social Stories for Neurodivergent Learners in the Prepared Environment

Meet your presenter

Cara Morris (Montessori Australia)

B.Ed | GradDip Learning Management | Dip. Mont (0–6) | TAE40116 | AMI Administrators Course

Navigating social expectations within a shared community can be complex, particularly for neurodivergent learners. This approach bridges two effective frameworks—Montessori’s Grace & Courtesy lessons and Carol Gray’s Social Stories—to create an inclusive, predictable and supportive environment for all children.

While traditional Grace & Courtesy provides the cultural norms and physical movements for community life, Social Stories offer clear, individualised and visually supported explanations of why and how specific social interactions occur. By pairing these two methods within a carefully prepared environment, educators and caregivers can make implicit social rules explicit.

Key Objectives & Highlights

Demystifying Social Norms

Translating abstract social expectations into concrete, visual and experiential steps.

Preserving Autonomy

Framing social skills as tools for connection and navigating space rather than compliance or masking.

Adapting the Prepared Environment

Integrating visual cues, quiet spaces and tailored stories alongside standard Montessori materials to support sensory and cognitive needs.

Fostering Authentic Inclusion

Building mutual understanding across the community so neurodivergent children feel understood and valued rather than singled out.

Through this dual framework, we create a learning space where social connection is accessible, respectful and rooted in every child’s natural dignity.

Fresh perspectives. Meaningful connections.

Created for parents, teachers and educational leaders across the globe, these engaging sessions offer practical insights and fresh perspectives to help you support children’s learning, development and wellbeing.

Drawing on our guests’ experiences, we will explore how Montessori principles can strengthen relationships, inspire purposeful learning and contribute to a kinder, brighter world.

Whether you are new to Montessori or looking to deepen your existing knowledge, you’ll leave with meaningful ideas that can be applied at home, in the classroom or across your educational community.

Who should attend?

Parents and caregivers
Teachers and educators
School and early learning leaders
Anyone interested in Montessori education

What’s included?

Practical and inspiring workshops
Relevant strategies and insights for your setting
A personalised certificate of attendance
The opportunity to connect with the global Montessori Australia community

Included with your registration

Certificate of attendance

Participants who attend the workshop will receive a personalised Montessori Australia certificate of attendance. You must register to ensure your certificate is generated.

Workshop cost

Free

Registration is required

Places may be limited, so register early to secure your spot.

Presented by Montessori Australia

People • Purpose • Possibilities

Contact the host of Montessori Australia Presents