Another resource I am very excited about are the TLC Lessons books. (Not to be confused with the TLC Life lessons on tv lol!)  I ran across references to Kaye Espinosa’s series of project books on several early learning sites and was intrigued. When I unearthed some samples I was sold. These books fit my criteria for large-Montessori-family friendly materials. The instructions are written to the student and the results are satisfying.

After the teacher/mom creates the pack of materials, the student can self select a project and complete it fairly independently (assuming he is a reader. Otherwise he may need a bigger sibling to help with direction reading). They help children learn to follow directions, perfect their fine motor skills, and practice spatial awareness. Students learn to make circles, ovals and triangles by cutting off the corners or halves of square papers. They then assemble the pieces according to the instructions. While Mrs. Espinosa is a kindergarten teacher it seems as though these projects would work well through the early elementary grades. In fact a slightly older child could probably do a bang up job very independently.

I love both the concept and the end results. These projects are very much in line with the type found in Natural Structure, a guide for implementing Montessori at home. The NS authors recommend making trays with all the materials needed to independently complete a lesson. TLC will help you do that. They tell you exactly how many papers and in what size and colors to include in your ziplock bag. I would think this would make a good project for a mom’s night.

My children are independently moving furniture at the moment so that is the end of this review. <g> Gotta go help with the room swapping. Check these out and let me know if your family implements any of these project books and if you have a favorite. Once we run through these samples I am going to have to lay down some cash. : )