“Normalization,” in Montessori terms, often appears as a worrying situation. It is thought to mean something like homogenization among children. However, in Montessori education, the term “normalization” does not mean “typical” or “average”. Normalization is used to describe a unique process in child development by which children contribute to society.
Normalization defines the child’s reaching his or her inherent potential. In human nature, there are skills to work willingly, to concentrate, to work with a sustainable discipline and to socialize. The emergence of these skills defines the normalization process. The definition of normalization is used for the child who experiences the process and reaches his/her potential. Although it can be misunderstood in our language and its general meaning, its actual meaning is higher.
A normalized child has 4 prominent features;
Love of work: The ability to freely choose one’s job and work with pleasure
Concentration: Ability to constantly work on the subject of interest
Self-discipline: The ability to focus on oneself
Sociability: Ability to help, respect, and sympathize with others
Montessori Philosophy and Normalization
