All our handling of him will bear fruit, not only at the moment, but in the man he is destined to become. To understand the baby's mind it is absolutely essential to take the path of observation and discovery.

Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind

After we have offered a child material suitable for promoting the development of his senses, we should wait for his powers of observation to unfold.

Maria Montessori, The Discovery of the Child

For the most part, the short and simple lesson should consist of an explanation of the object and of the use which the child can make of it. The teacher will note whether or not the child is interested in the objects, how he shows his interest, how long he is interested in it and she will take care not to force a child's interest in what she is offering.

Maria Montessori, The Discovery of the Child

There is only one basis for observation: the children must be free to express themselves and thus reveal those needs and attitudes which would otherwise remain hidden or repressed in an environment that did not permit them to act spontaneously.

Maria Montessori, The Discovery of the Child