“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.

P1 is organized into areas including language (English and Spanish), 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.

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

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

We have already experienced this quiet hum in our classroom this year, and are pleased with the level of concentration and purposeful movement in the room.  

REMINDERS:

The annual book fair starts on Monday, 9/16 and runs through Friday, 9/20. The fair will be hosted in the multi-purpose room.

Parent teacher conferences are scheduled for Friday, 9/20 and there is no school for students on that day. Child care is available on the playground while parents are meeting with the teachers during their conference time sponsored by the FMS PTO

THANKS:

Thanks to Sophia, Poppy, and their families for supplying healthy and beautiful snacks, as well as flowers for our classroom.