Chaos to Calm - What is Normalization in Montessori Training

“The role of education is to interest the child profoundly in an external activity to which he will give all his potential"

– Maria Montessori

For those who are new with the concept of Montessori, may slightly be alarmed with the term ‘normalization’. In Montessori education, ‘normalization’ describes a unique process in child development, where every kid is counted as one of the contributing members of their community.

Normalization refers to a child’s ability to work and concentrate freely in the Montessori environment. In Montessori training online, you will learn about how to use the Montessori materials that can keep the kids engaged in their interests, and exercising self-discipline.

They following four characteristics are commonly associated with normalization:

• Love of work: The faculty to select work freely and find joy in everyday activities
• Concentration: The capacity to work continuously along with an increasing sense of interest
• Self-discipline: To focus energies and mental capabilities in the pursuit of self proficiency
• Sociability: To be able to have sense of respect and sympathy for others

According to Dr. Maria Montessori, normalization is defined as “The most important single result of our whole work.” (The Absorbent Mind, 1949.)

Progressing through the three stages of normalization, children effectively complete the work cycle. Each stage is built on the one before it, and gradually, they master the skills of concentration, self-discipline, joy of work, and sociability.

The three-period work cycle that helps building the foundations of character and personality consists of-

• Preparation for work: Collecting the Montessori materials, and constructing the mind
• Work: Complete concentration on the activity or material
• Rest: Attaining satisfaction after successful completion of work

Stage One

For those under the age of three are in the first stage of normalization. In online Montessori teacher training programs, you will learn how children can be introduced to the various curriculum areas. The activities are designed such that they give results of work quickly, and encourage children have a sense of accomplishment after successfully completing the task.

In the early stage of normalization, the kids learn about simple choices, and slowly absorb the skills of concentration and self-motivation. Understandably, they are not yet ready for the responsibility of full freedom even within the Montessori environment from such an early age.

Stage Two

In this, kids gradually experience more freedom. They learn how to move quickly from one activity to another, and choosing various activities during the work cycle. In this stage, they seldom repeat an activity, and are also not deeply engaged in the materials. This is a key feature that proves the child has not yet developed deep concretion or self-discipline. They are benefitted by frequent Montessori lessons, instructions and presentations.

Stage Three

Children who typically attend a Montessori preschool three or more days per week can attain this stage of normalization. They are now between the ages of five to six years and can focus intently on one activity, and consciously move onto the next one. Also, they require minimal supervision as they are now more self-directed, and self-sufficient. The responsibility of the teacher is to observe and guide children’s interests and activities.

Through the Montessori materials, appropriate interactions with their environment, and continuous guidance from the teachers, children will gradually acquire the skills that can help them reach normalization in their own time.

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Understanding the Basics of Montessori Infant Program

 If you are getting trained from a reputed Montessori teacher education center, you will learn about how to nurture a Montessori environment specifically designed to meet the developmental needs and interests of children. It is designed for those between the age of six weeks to 24 months for the infant program.

The program is separated into three key stages - 0-9 months, 9-15 months, and 15-24 months. For any layman these stages and ages doesn't really much of difference, but only a trained teacher in Montessori education will understand how each of these stages reflect the phenomenal physical, intellectual as well as emotional development of the child. This is the age when they absorb all aspects of language, environment, and culture.

As with any Montessori environment, the infant room activities are carefully set out where the child can discover and explore his/her surroundings. The teacher takes out the materials at the appropriate time based on their observations of the kids' individual development.

The Montessori infant materials are made such that the children can use them with minimal assistance. The idea is to help them learn about how to complete and repeat tasks without interruption and interference. Eventually, they can grow their confidence, analytical skills, independence, as well as concentration span. The holistic approach is unique for every child and with proper learning opportunities, they can form their intelligence and personality.

0-9 Months

The first stage of the Infant Program is all about developing a broad range of skills that foster concentration and other sensory awareness. The primary focus is to provide them with opportunities that can help build positive relationships with their teachers and peers. The main materials used in this portion of the program includes grasping and reaching rattles, sound bottles, mobiles, sensory boards, treasure baskets, and the shapes board.

9-15 Months

From 9-15 months, you can clearly see the development in the various features of the infant and this is when they start growing control over how they think, communicate, and move. The materials are carefully introduced to this age group that assist children in developing the psychomotor skills, muscular strength, hand-eye coordination, social and language skills, and visual and sensory capabilities. Typical Montessori materials would include objects such as permanence boxes, shape sorting, color sorting, discs on a dowel, imbucare boxes, counting activities, nesting cups, language cards, matching activities, stacking blocks, and puzzles.

 

15-24 Months

The third and final stage of the Infant Program Montessori teacher education is a transitory phase that creates a prepared environment for the children to participate in the structured Montessori Toddler and Preschool Programs. They learn through various activities about the practical life activities, such as pouring or spooning and provide students with various scopes to explore in the earlier programs.

The idea for these kinds of programs is to help them develop a concept of order, develop their vocabulary, and aid them in rising their ability to communicate, concentrate, work independently, and understand straightforward sequences.