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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