Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the normalized child?

The concept of the normalized child in Montessori education revolves around certain key characteristics reflecting a child's natural development and engagement with their environment. These characteristics include a love of order, spontaneous concentration, and a love of work.

A normalized child exhibits a love of order, which refers to their need for a structured environment where everything has its place, allowing them to feel secure and focused. Spontaneous concentration is also vital; it describes a child's ability to focus deeply and willingly on tasks, often becoming completely absorbed in their work. Similarly, a love of work signifies that the child finds joy in engaging with tasks and activities, viewing them as opportunities for learning and growth rather than as chores.

The notion of frequent distraction does not align with the attributes of a normalized child. Instead, when a child is normalized, they typically show an increased capacity to concentrate and remain engaged with their tasks, thereby minimizing distractions. Thus, the presence of frequent distractions is contrary to the developmental milestones characteristic of the normalized child.