Education of the Senses

Maria Montessori, innovative educator, said, "We cannot create observers by saying observe, but by giving them the power and the means for observation, through education of the senses." I love that — education of the senses — but watching my children, and now my grandson (here with a buddy, fascinated by a pool of light), I've become convinced that the wonder of observation is innate, too. Learned or innate? Or both? What do you think?