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“Normalization” is a Montessori concept which describes a time when students are truly engaged in the work of the classroom.  It is best experienced as a quiet, focused hum in the room.  If a person were to walk in at that moment, it might take them a while to spot the teachers giving lessons on the floor, as every student is engaged in meaningful activity.  How does that happen?  It all begins with the prepared environment.  P4 is organized into areas including language, math, sensorial, practical life, science, cultural, and art.  Each one of these areas is defined by the shelves holding specific materials. Work is placed on the shelf in a manner that is useful and interesting. The introductory (easiest) work is on the top of the shelf going from left to right, with the most challenging work positioned on the bottom of the shelf.

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The children are given specific lessons using the work on the shelves, and they are also taught to return the materials in the exact manner they found it.  This system allows students to move independently around the classroom working with a large variety of jobs.  Since the primary classroom is multi aged (3-6 years old), materials are visible and available for a range of ages and abilities. It is common to see younger students observing larger works being done by their older peers.

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Dr. Montessori observed in her classrooms (over 100 years ago):

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Normalization comes about through “concentration” on a piece of work. For this we must provide “motives for activity” so well adapted to the child’s interest that they provoke his deep attention. Their success in this is dependent on the use of the objects for the purposes they are designed to serve, a thing which is also conducive to the child’s “mental order.” If they are used with care and precision, this leads the child to the “coordination of his movements.” 

~ The Absorbent Mind, Dr. Maria Montessori, pg.206

Welcome to our new school year, like no other before it!  As we navigate through our new reality of dealing with the effects of Covid 19 we continue to stand behind the foundation of the Montessori philosophy, creating a prepared environment where the children have freedom to move around the room using materials and returning them to their shelves.  Tailoring individual lesson plans to the specific needs and abilities of the student and by creating a shared sense of community within the classroom for each student to not only be responsible for themselves but to have an eye out for caring for others in the room.  This may seem like a tall order, but it truly works when the guidance is clear and children experience the satisfaction of participation.

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We will begin this year with an insider’s view of the classroom.  It is essentially organized in six areas, with Math and Language being the anchors, and Sensorial, Practical Life, Cultural and Art rounding out the experience.  Most lessons are given one on one, some are small groups and there are always daily whole group interactions.  

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As we go through this school year, we will be highlighting different areas of the classroom. This first blog will give you the overview. Please enjoy!

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