Normalization

Typically, sometime in November, there is a shift in the rhythm of the class.  The children need less direction.  They go choose their work from the shelves without being prompted, as though it were what they have always been doing.  They put their work away when they are done.  This is what Maria Montessori called normalization.  

The choice of word comes from the fact that, when others were marveling at Montessori's results, she insisted that what they were seeing was nothing more than normal for children.  When children are appropriately engaged, they will be well-behaved, because learning is such a delight to them.

 Now,I can't say that there are never any behavioral issues, or that there are no children needing to be redirected at times, but our class does seem to have settled into its rhythm.  They are choosing their work,and putting it away, as though it is the most natural thing in the world.