Curiosity is second nature to children. It’s often said that you should let a child pursue their interests if you want them to learn, and that’s true. Children engage more passionately in things that interest them. Their interest provokes inquisitiveness, prompting them to ask questions and learn new concepts.
Normalization is a concept that Maria Montessori first introduced in the early 1900s. It refers to children internalizing multiple skills via coordination and organization. You’re unlikely to see children internalize multiple skills if you give them tasks to perform. However, take a step back, and you’ll see children master skills that interest them.
It’s crucial to remember that children have different developmental needs. In addition, they progress along their development scale differently. Some children show interest and acquire new skills at an earlier age, while others take longer to obtain those same skills. The variation between these upper and lower limits is often substantial but normal.
The combination of children showing interest in something, understanding how to do it, and going through the motions is the starting point for normalization. Children must engage with real-life objects in their surrounding environments to learn, and that’s where the concept of normalization originates.
How Does Normalization Work?
Here’s how normalization works in the Montessori classroom:
Focused Work
Normalization usually occurs when a child focuses on their work. If a child is interested in their work, they’re more likely to become engaged and, as a result, become self-disciplined. Self-discipline helps kickstart the normalization process. Some children prefer to keep their work organized. Meanwhile, others engage in it without any order. You’ll want to note that as long as your child continues regularly working while enjoying it, they’re progressing through the normalization process.
Learning Opportunities
Montessori classrooms have a diverse and expansive curriculum for children to help them explore their passions. In addition, these classrooms have various self-correcting materials children can use in their pursuit of passion. These self-correcting materials help children learn transferable skills. A child, for instance, wants to improve their handwriting. Doing so requires them to improve their spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination. Children can use materials and engage in lessons like knitting or sewing buttons to help them acquire these skills. Since they’re working on hand-eye coordination and strengthening their finger muscles, these skills will also transfer to writing.
Montessori classrooms offer these materials and tools to facilitate children’s development at the right time.
Child-Centric Learning
Montessori classrooms are a children-centric environment. As a result, children develop autonomy and independence. These traits help them normalize by giving them an appreciation for their interests. Children choose tasks for themselves and perform them, with Montessori teachers assisting them when needed. As children begin normalizing, they gain more traits like obedience, self-discipline, attachment to reality, etc.
Developing Inner Potential
Normalization helps children realize and actualize their inner potential. Montessori classrooms have a carefully prepared environment that enables them to engage in their interests, helping them become normalized. The Montessori environment helps children become calm, peaceful, and active.
Ithaca Montessori: A Leading Montessori Preschool in Nashville, TN
Are you looking to enroll your child in a preschool in Nashville, TN? Ithaca Montessori is a Montessori school that focuses on early childhood development in Nashville. Our Kids Education Program in Nashville can prepare your child for success later in life. Our Montessori is perfect for 2.5-5-year-olds. Visit our website for more information. Alternatively, contact us today to learn more.