Normalization in a Montessori classroom can be hard to understand.  Especially if you are new to the Montessori environment.  With the help of Ms. Kacee, (our academic specialist) I hope I can shed some light on the normalization which is taking place in our classroom right now.

E. M. Standing, in his book Maria Montessori: Her Life and Work states: “The crowning characteristic of a group of normalized children is joy. It pervades the little community like a perfume; and is as hard to describe as it is easy to perceive.” Of course “seeing is believing” but verbally communicating to parents what takes place during normalization can be a challenge.

Simply put, during normalization, the child is becoming his best possible self and doing so without effort and with complete joy.

Dr. Montessori’s observations revealed that certain characteristics develop and are refined within the normalized child: love of work; concentration; self-discipline; and sociability. (http://www.montessoriservices.com/ideas-insights/normalization-in-the-montessori-classroom)

In our classroom we are learning the rules of our school and classroom, these are often referred to as Grace and Courtesy lessons.  We have a Grace and Courtesy lesson every day.  By doing this we learn what is expected and we learn to trust and rely on one another.  When the class trusts one another many behavior problems are eliminated.  They are also more prepared to help one another in their daily work.  We are creating a community, a community of trust, respect and obedience.  We are learning to trust each other, respect one another and the materials in the classroom and to obey the rules of the classroom.

We are doing many team building activities.  These activities are meant to strengthen our class.  We spend a lot of time together the longer we spend on getting to know one another and appreciating each other’s differences now, the better our school year will be.

All of the preparations we put into the first few weeks of school pay off hugely afterward.  It is truly the only way we can do what we do for the rest of the year.  Our school year is like a camping trip.  If you just head out, without any preparation you will not be able to fully enjoy or experience your adventure.  However, if you plan, pack and prep for the trip then the trip will be amazing.

If you are interested in more information about the normalization which takes place at our school feel free to explore this website. http://www.public-montessori.org/what-public-montessori