How does he achieve this independence? He does it by means of a continuous activity. How does he become free? By means of constant effort. we know that development results from activity. The environment must be rich in motives which lend interest to activity and invite the child to conduct his own experiences.
Maria MontessoriA child is an eager observer and is particularly attracted by the actions of the adults and wants to imitate them. In this regard an adult can have a kind of mission. He can be an inspiration for the child's actions, a kind of open book wherein a child can learn how to direct his own movements. But an adult, if he is to afford proper guidance, must always be calm and act slowly so that the child who is watching him can clearly see his actions in all their particulars.
Maria MontessoriExcept when he has regressive tendencies, the child's nature is to aim directly and energetically at functional independence.
Maria MontessoriIt follows that at the beginning of his life the individual can accomplish wonders without effort and quite unconsciously.
Maria MontessoriWe discovered that education is not something which the teacher does, but that it is a natural process which develops spontaneously in the human being.
Maria Montessori