Explain how normalization occurs including changes in the work cycle.
Describe the normalized child.
Dr. Montessori used the term normalization to distinguish one of the processes that she saw in her work with the children at San Lorenzo in Rome. This process, the process of normalization, occurs when development is proceeding normally. She used the word normalization as she believed that these wonderful traits, these impressive qualities belonged to all children and was not a characteristic found only in some children.
Through her work at Casa dei Bambini, Dr. Montessori observed an extraordinary change in her students. When the children first came to her school, they were completely traumatized. Neither could they speak…show more content… 207. The child is then able to complete his work cycle for a period of two hours or longer without any interruptions or false fatigue. He is able to work without any continuously, with deep concentration in his work and movements, and is able to complete several cycles of activity.
Another important aspect to consider in bringing out a normalized child is the environment. "The attractions of the environment exert their spell, offering motives for constructive activity, then all these energies combine and the deviations can be dispersed. A unique type of child appears, a new child'; but really it is the child's true personality' allowed to construct itself normally." The Absorbent Mind, pg. 203
Normalized children have a love of order, a love of work, and profound concentration. They are sociable and self-disciplined. They are attached to reality; they can work by themselves and possess independence and initiative. They are cooperative and helpful and are cheerfully obedient. They demonstrate patience and choose activities on their own without assistance from others.
To a normalized child, learning is a happy experience and the joy of discovery is all that is needed as a reward. The principle feature of Normalization is application to work.' "As soon as children find something that interests them they lose their instability and learn to concentrate." Secrets of Childhood,
