Dr Montessori’s main discovery was the reality of the child’s true nature, the normalised child.
A) Explain what the term Normalisation means
B) How can a Montessori teacher help the child reach this stage?
When we hear the term "normalization" for the first time, most of us cringe or get confused. The term normalization is borrowed from anthropology and means "becoming a contributing member of society". It refers to the process that brings the child back to the normal development path; to the united appearance of basic human nature and basic human instincts. For example a playpen disrupts the child's ability of movement. We should live life the way it is meant to be lived. We should help the child live up to their highest potential. Normalization describes the process that occurs in the Montessori classroom, where young children, usually with short attention spans, learn to focus and concentrate their energies for sustained periods of time, while deriving self-satisfaction from their work. The term normalization has a specialized meaning. “Normal” does not refer to what it is considered as “typical” or “average” or even “usual”.
There are a lot of terms used in Montessori theory that are not used in other preschool educational theories. It's a whole new language that can take time to digest. Eventually the theories connect, everything meshes together and a new vision of the child can be seen.
Normalization refers to the focus, concentration, and independence of the children, by their own choice. It means they have acquired the internal freedom to initiate work, be independent, and adhere (by choice) to the rules of the environment.
A well prepared Montessori environment facilitates the process of normalization by offering engaging, hands-on materials, work cycles, and minimizing the disruption of concentration.
Children that are allowed freedom in an environment suited to their needs, they blossom and after a period of intense concentration,...