Paul Epstein, Ph.D.
Normalization Is Love: The Transformational Foundation of Authentic Montessori Practice
The discovery of the normalized child is Dr. Montessori’s greatest achievement and is the result of authentic Montessori practice. Minimally, normalization requires dedicated classroom observation and environment preparation. But authenticity asks us for more. We must cultivate love as an essential foundation for normalization.
From before birth, children already work to create language. And, from before birth, children are already fluently intelligent in a universal language, the language of love. Children speak this language with their transparent souls. And they touch our hearts.
During this class, Paul will define the normalized classroom and the intelligence of love. He will describe the child’s touch. Paul will then present two stories. When we live and practice The Story of Perfection, we criticize ourselves for not being good enough. Love, when expressed, is conditional. Children succumb to the trauma of constant correction, judgment, and shame. When we live and practice The Story of Potential, we connect with our own self-compassion and self-love. We understand true learning requires making mistakes. Children thrive in an atmosphere of respect, forgiveness, and acceptance. Unconditional love is the air all children are designed to breath.
During this class, Paul will invite you to see yourself in each story and then choose normalization is love for your authentic Montessori practice.
AUDIO VERSION
Paul Epstein, Ph.D.
For over 50 years, children and adolescents have been, and will continue to be, my teachers. They are most patient with me as I continue to learn how to serve as a teacher, administrator, director of teacher training, university professor, author, and conference speaker.
I have consulted with new and established Montessori early childhood, elementary and secondary schools in the US, Europe, and Asia. I have also developed and led Montessori teacher and administrator certification programs accredited by MACTE and affiliated by AMS in the US and in Asia. Paul is also the author of "The Montessori Way" and "An Observer Notebook".
"Children and adolescents teach with an intelligence of love. Their love teaches us to stop interfering and correcting who they are. As we discharge the pain of "I am not good enough," we are less likely to change them. We may change their environments, and we can also change ourselves. When we embrace this intelligence, we allow our hearts to heal. We begin to make peace with ourselves, and then with others too.
I gladly share these and many more lessons. I am certain you too will benefit from the children’s and adolescents’ teaching. And I am most certain they will offer you lessons tailored specifically for you."
Discussion
Your questions will be answered after the conference.
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Normalization is the opposite of complying: a unique type of child appears as a new child…. independent, sense of order ….. Excellent information. When attention is there , they will grow!
Thank you for your presentation. I would like you draw the child as the guide. This is a wonderful image the child does have control over their work and interests. I am going to keep reminding myself that the child is the guide and do more work on myself to allow this to grow and become a new way of supporting Montessori.
Normalization Is Love : The session was a reminder of how we speak to not only children, but ourselves ,becomes a reality and creates momentum of belief systems. Creating dialogue with children that fosters acceptance ,love, and empowerment to explore new experiences and independence is an essential part of emotional regulation.