Understanding Kumon, Benefits of Kumon and KPEPS 2012

I have always been curios with Kumon and why parents enroll their kids at Kumon, when it is not a tutorial center. What makes Kumon Method different? What are the benefits of enrolling a kid to Kumon? What will the kid learn from Kumon. There’s so many questions on my head about Kumon and so when I received an invite for Kumon’s upcoming KPEPS press launch, I just have to go.

The Origins of Kumon Method

Ina Duller (Public Relations Division Leader of Kumon Phils) took us back to 1954, the time when Toru Kumon started developing the Kumon method. Mr Kumon is a high school Math teacher, his wife asked him to take a look on their first son’s arithmetic studies. Mrs Kumon was not satisfied with results of their son, Takeshi had taken. Mr Toru Kumon armed with the beliefs that each child posses an undiscovered potential and abilities, that it is a responsibility of the educators to uncover it, he developed a collection of original problems that Takeshi would be able to complete progressively. The series of problems will allow him to develop his skills gradually. Mr Kumon continued to create the learning materials everyday and it was from this process that the Kumon method emerged.

The optimum development of each individual’s ability, irrespective of age or grade- the pursuit of potential.

Toru Kumon believed that if it was possible for one child, then it is possible to many, hence he offered to as many children possible the chance to study the method.

More than  50 years since, the Kumon Method is now accepted in 46 countries and regions and here in the Philippines, there are 230 Kumon Center, including their head office in Makati.

What makes Kumon Method different?

K kindness movements

U Understanding the student

M Mastery of the basic skills

O  On their own, the kids study on their own

N No to children are alike, hence in Kumon it is individualized learning

 What are the benefits our kids can get from Kumon Method? 

Kumon Method teaches the basic skills and discipline. During the press launch, there were questions asked that made us understand Kumon Method better. Some of the questions asked were, what is the appropriate age to enroll in Kumon? If the kid is already good on Math, should they go for English at Kumon? Do they hold a special class for kids with special needs? If a child was enrolled at Kumon and is already in the advance phase of the subject, say Math, wouldn’t the child be confused as he is way ahead from what was being taught on the school? What is the assurance that all centers have the same quality?

Teacher Susi Tsoi,  Kumon instructor said that there is actually no appropriate age, any kid who can hold a pencil and follow instruction is accepted at Kumon. If you think your kid is ready, bring her/him to the nearest Kumon Center and they will assess you also said that even if the kid is already good on Math, the Kumon method for Math is still advisable as this will teach them discipline and the basics in computing. As for the question on special class for kids with special needs, teacher Susi said the Kumon Method is individualized teaching, so there is no special class as each student gets a unique approach.

When it comes to the child  being advance and might be confused, Teacher Susi said, the child will not be confused in any way. A child maybe answering a Grade 4 Math worksheets but is actually a Grade 1 student, why he will not be confused? well because in Kumon Method, it is the basics that was being taught.

Ina Duller explained that though each Kumon Center is a franchise, the methods are the same and each center were trained the Kumon way. In fact, before anyone can open a Kumon Center in the Philippines, they need to attend orientation, pass the math and reading tests, pass the interview, attend the New Instructor Training and In-class Training (more info on Kumon Philippines Franchise). And that’s how Kumon assure us that all Kumon Centers are the same quality.

My words are limited to explain about Kumon, as I have mentioned before, I have many questions about the Kumon Method. Good thing Kumon offers a FREE Seminar for us parents: Kumon Philippines Education and Parenting Seminar (KPEPS)

Kumon Philippines Education and Parenting Seminar (KPEPS) will be held on May 19, 2012 (Saturday) 2:00- 4:30 at Cinema 4, SM North EDSA, The Block. This year’s theme is “Achievers of Today, Ready for the Future!” (How Parents Can Guide Their Children Amidst the Changing Landscape of the Philippine Education)” will give parents an understanding on the current chance in the countr’s educational system, the k-12 program. Mr. Henry Tenedero, an Education Reform Advocate will be there to talk about the changes in education and the role of the parents in the learning department.

KPEPS is a FREE EVENT, to register, just email your complete name, mobile number, and general address to parentingseminar@kumon.ph or call 885 0226.

*Kumon Philippines Price is 500 PhP for enrollment fee (one time payment) and 1,800 PhP per module per subject for younger students (grade school to grade six), P1,950 per module per subject for grade seven / first high school or older students. Each module is good for one month.