Little hands or little hearts???

[Randi]

I am looking for any advice or input! Here is our situation:

My 6 year old son and 4 year old daughter have been doing MFWK this past year. We have really enjoyed it, but a huge gap has widened between my children's abilities this year. At this point, it's not working so well to combine them in the same program. I feel like they are both being compromised. 

My 6yr son (turned 6 in April) picks up everything so quickly, and is reading at about a 3rd grade level. He is also doing great with math, writing and all areas, really. I am totally sure that I want to do Beyond and emerging readers with him this fall.

I know my daughter will need a separate program, but I'm torn between little hands and little hearts. She will be 5 in Sept. She has done well with MFWK in most areas. She has a great attention span, loves to draw and color for long periods, loves to be read to (even with no pictures). Her struggle is definitely in the letter/phonics area. She knows names and sound of some letters, but often gets them mixed up, and gets really frustrated trying to read a word like "map" or "cat".  She really wants to read, and is excited for when she can.  

Looking at the sample week and description of little hands, I know she would enjoy it! I'm just not sure if it would be too easy and not enough for her. Looking at little hearts, I know she would love it... having her own memory verse would be a big plus! I'm just not sure if it would be too much for her. And, if we did little hearts with her this year, what would we do next year? Or if I did little hands and added in some extras, what should the extras be, and again, what about next year? 

[raceNzanesmom]

I'd probably do Little Hands for the fun learning. Add in the K skills books from Little Hearts (then the 1st grade options the following year when she's in Little Hearts). IF you think she's ready you could add phonics (a program), K math and/or handwriting. It's easy to find Scripture to memorize. I'd take it at her pace.Then, if she wants, she can listen in on storytime, join in with any art or science, etc. I'm a firm believer in K being fun with lots of open ended opportunities to learn (box of art supplies, a big backyard to explore, etc). hth. And Welcome!

[lovemygirls]

Hi, I'm not a seasoned HOD user yet but I'm sort of in the same boat as you. My daughter is turning 5 this month and starting Kindergarten and I kept debating whether I should put her in Little Hands or Little Hearts as she's still learning her letters and sounds. I also thought she'd like little hands but at the same time was concerned that it would be too easy so I understand where you are coming from. I finally decided to put her in Little Hands and just add phonics, math and writing. Basically I'm going to add the Kindergarden materials from little hearts but keep her in Little hands and then move her into little hearts with the first grade materials next year. I also wanted her to be a bit older for little hearts anyway. I don't know if/how that helps you but that's my plan for now!

[Randi]

Thank you both for your advice. I am definitely leaning towards little hands now.