Normalization

"Let us leave the life free to develop within the limits of the good, and let us observe this inner life developing." -Maria Montessori

The first time I observed in Montessori classroom, I remember someone pointing out to me how "normalized" the classroom was. I remember sitting in parent education sessions and the term "normalization" being used over and over. I knew what it meant to be normal, so I concluded that it must be synonymous with that. But in terms of Montessori, that is not what it means at all. A normalized child means one who is able to focus deeply and concentrate on their work. A classroom environment that is set up where children are given the time and space to work for as long as they wish, uninterrupted (as in a three hour work cycle), is said to be called normalized. A normalized classroom offer the child freedom and choice. When I first made the switch from traditional to Montessori, as a teacher, I expected to be able to normalize my classroom the first weeks of school. But this was way off. It takes time and patience. And while students and teachers are both eager to dive back into academics the first few weeks of school, a trained Montessorian is allowing time for the students to adjust and settle into their prepared environment. Several days, even weeks, are devoted to practicing routines, establishing systems, and learning to respect themselves and each other through peace education.