Math Archives

Tag : Math

News

July 9, 2020

Conquer Math Through Kumon!

Home Study, Math, The Kumon Method

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To enable children to self-study especially at home.

When our founder, Toru Kumon, created the worksheets, his goal was for children to study high school mathematics with ease, even in grade school. Thus, he included only those topics that were essential to achieve that objective.

This is why the Kumon Math Program doesn’t cover all the math topics your child is studying in school. Comparing Kumon with your child’s school textbooks, Kumon materials are lean and straight to the point; they don’t encompass a wide-ranging curriculum. This makes the Kumon worksheets flexible – your child can study the worksheets at home as the program does not require multiple activities aside from the worksheets alone.

But you’re probably wondering: if Kumon’s goal is for my child to self-study higher math with ease, why aren’t there too many word problems?

Only a few sheets contain word problems. Looking closely at the contents of the Kumon worksheets, most of these are leaning towards calculation problems. If your child struggles a lot in solving word problems, shouldn’t Kumon address this concern to ensure smoother progress in higher math?

To answer this question, let’s first solve this problem: 48% of the students are girls, and 260 students are boys. How many students are there in total?

Now imagine your child solving that question. Even if he/she can understand the logic to the problem, if your child doesn’t know how to solve for x in the equation (x) = 260, then neither will he/she be able to answer the question! If your child freezes at the sight of fractions or division, or if your child cringes at the mere thought of solving something, he/she won’t even try to answer the question above.

The number one reason your child may hate math so much is his/her weak calculation skills. However, if you boost his/her abilities and confidence when it comes to this area, your child will not struggle with math! Also, supporting your child as he/she does Kumon worksheets at home will help you understand why the Kumon Method of Learning is designed this way.

According to our founder, “Calculation is the breakthrough to math. If you master calculations…it will be a breakthrough to high school math where algebra is predominant. If primary students become good at fractions, equations…they will love math in high school.”

Tokuhiro Kimata, the author of The Value of the Kumon Method, understands why problems other than calculations appear in school curriculums. However, he firmly believes that it will be much more beneficial if your child has good command over calculation, which will be needed to solve more complex problems in higher math. The best part is, your child can quickly develop his/her calculation skills even by just doing his/her Kumon worksheets at home.

Thus, do not fret if the Kumon Math Program doesn’t mirror your child’s school curriculum or doesn’t feature too many word problems. Through continuous Kumon study, your child will be able to conquer his/her math subject—and gain the other benefits of Kumon, such as confidence, discipline, and a love for learning.

Reference: The Value of The Kumon Method by Tokuhiro Kimata

News

May 7, 2020

Why Math is Important

Kumon the Kumon Method, Math, News

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Why is math important?

This is one of the most frequent and favorite questions of a young child, especially when he dislikes math or when he finds it too difficult to understand. As a parent, you may even ask the same question especially when helping your child with his math homework is as hard as getting him to wake up for school every morning.

Your uncertainty can influence your child’s attitude about and performance in math. In order to avoid this from happening, here are three easy to explain reasons why learning math is an important part of education.

Logical and Critical Thinking

Math teaches logic and order. You can expect a mathematical equation to have a specific outcome, and precise steps must be done in order to get that result. The discipline that your child develops through math can be used in everyday life. He learns how to think using present and past knowledge, plus he also learns how to manipulate and make use of knowledge in different ways and forms. Math helps your child develop and practice critical-thinking skills. An example of this is when he is required to explain how he arrived at a solution to a complex problem or to describe the ideas behind a formula.

Life Skills

Almost everything you and your child do on a daily basis has a hint of math related to it. You can even say that it is next to impossible to live an independent life without basic math skills. Your child begins to learn about money and simple addition in the early years when he wants to buy a few pieces of candy; and later on, he begins to understand and calculate percentages and fractions when he wants to share food with friends. Your child needs these skills in order to perform other basic daily tasks too – like following a recipe, deciding whether or not an item on sale is a good deal, and managing a budget, among other things.

Future Studies and Career

As he advances through school, your child will tackle more math – be it easy or advanced. Developing the skills needed for math early on allows him to master it at an earlier time and gives him more time to focus on other subjects which he finds more difficult. Also, even the simplest and non-math related jobs make use of math in subtle ways. If your child becomes skilled at math, he can aim for prolific careers such as engineering, medicine, and research. All these involve an advanced level of math and a great deal of achievement and recognition.

News

August 30, 2019

No Regrets, Never Forget

Math, Parenting, The Kumon Method

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A go-getter and an active person by nature, Thyra Mae Navarro felt nervous when her parents told her that she would be going to Kumon to develop her mathematical skills. What made her nervous was the thought that Kumon was difficult and that this was only intended for very young students.

Thyra’s initial encounter with Kumon was through the Free Trial Campaign. Her Kumon journey started with the Level A (Addition and Subtraction I) worksheets and she found it very easy. ”I finished three levels so quickly in my first three or four weeks. I was really proud of myself because I was confident in answering my worksheets.”

In three months, she was already in Level G (Positive and Negative Numbers, Elementary Algebraic Expressions). Time passed and her worksheets became quite challenging especially when she reached Level J (Advanced Factorization and Quadratic Equations). “I got stuck in Level and I asked for guidance from my teacher in some parts of the worksheets that I couldn’t understand well. But I was still having fun in answering my worksheets and my Kumon journey is one experience I will never forget and regret.”

CHANGES AND IMPROVEMENTS

The first change Mr. Ronnie and Mrs. Joy Navarro, Thyra’s parents, noticed was her self-discipline. They observed how she manages her time well and she knows what she needs to do first especially during very stressful times.

The second change they noticed is her self-confidence – the way she speaks and the way she carries herself around people. It is also evident with how active she is in extra-curricular activities and how she loves to perform. “We always remind her to always put her feet on the ground – whatever happens and whatever people say, stay grounded.”

Third, she has also developed leadership skills. They have observed how all her classmates listen to and ask her; plus, she holds a position in most of her extra-curricular organizations like Girl Scout and dance.

Last, her study habits have really improved. Thyra’s parents have noticed how she now has a daily study activity and she is now used to it. She is able to multi-task, does not cram, and can finish all the tasks she sets for the day or the week.

As for Thyra herself, she believes that learning the value of discipline and patience are her best take-aways from Kumon.

“As a leader in school, I am tough when it comes to discipline, and I am able to endure under difficult circumstances that I face in school and in my daily life. As a student, I am patient when my classmates and friends ask me to explain and share my knowledge on topics they find confusing. I realized that there’s more beyond what my mind could conceive and that this is a journey I never regret to have taken.”

CHALLENGES AND SUPPORT

Yes, Thyra experienced a lot of difficulties and challenges. There were worksheets that she could not understand, especially in Level N (Arithmetic, Geometric and Various Sequences, Differential Calculus) which she deemed as the most difficult level for her. Also, there were schedule conflicts due to her school and extra-curricular activities.”

“I was very focused on my academics, I had math competitions to attend, plus I was an active member of Girl Scout and the dance club so it was hard for me to manage my time. There were times that I went to the Center later than usual or I had to just pick-up worksheets for a long period of time.”

Thyra’s parents never stopped supporting her in my Kumon journey. “Even though I encountered a lot of challenges and difficulties not only in Kumon but also in school, my parents taught me how to stay positive despite these difficulties and conflicts. My Kumon Instructor kept motivating me to complete the Math Program. She kept on telling me not to give up despite the times that I wanted to quit.”

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

When she is stressed or pressured, Thyra is the type who gets easily rattled. With this, her parents tell her to calm down, think what she needs to do first, organize her activities and then prioritize. They always remind her that if others can do it, why can’t she? The benefits that she will get from the program are priceless and will go beyond what she needs at present – these will help her have a better future. Also, they remind her of how everything in Kumon is a process – from developing better study habits to good time management skills.

“We, as parents, play a big role in our children’s future especially in helping them become what they want to become. So we must never stop motivating and encouraging them, and help bring out the best in them. If they suddenly think of quitting, remind them of what they can gain from the program and of their goal. Kumon is the best partner to achieve all these.”

News

August 30, 2019

Foundation for a Brighter Tomorrow

Free Trial, Goal Setting, Math, The Kumon Method

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Robert Bryan Yee did not have any plans of enrolling in Kumon. His mother just told him to join a 2-Week Free Trial at a nearby Kumon Center. What made him excited was when he found out about the topics per level and the level of difficulty for each. This was because he loves to take challenges especially the mental ones. From there, Bryan realized that math is not really a boring subject after all. What makes a big difference is how the topic is presented and how he deals with it.

Developing Skills in Kumon

Kumon developed Bryan in a number of ways. It taught him to be independent in his studies, manage his time properly, and gain self-confidence when it comes to academics. Kumon also gave him an upper hand in dealing with mathematics when he reached college. In fact, Bryan feels happy because through his determination, perseverance and hard work, he was able to achieve his goal.

It was easy for Bryan to understand mathematical problems, even the complex ones; thus, it gave him more time to focus on other subjects and activities. As a result, studying in school became less stressful for him and it gave him more time to cool off his mind.

“I was getting high scores in math particularly in college algebra, trigonometry, and calculus even if I did not make much effort in reviewing my lessons. Kumon had already instilled in my mind the mentioned topics before I went to college.”

Kumon also changed the way Bryan thinks. He became more analytical in thinking and he made decisions clearer and faster. In his chosen career as a quality assurance chemist, it is imperative to think fast and be analytical in approaching problems. From answering tons of problems, Kumon shaped him into a person with strong determination and passion.

“If there is something I would love to do, I would do it with passion and I am determined to finish it until the end. I may experience many failures in life; but for me, it is all right to fail. Failure is like a part of a jigsaw puzzle. The more failures I have, the more I will know what is right for me, which will complete the whole puzzle that is success. “

But most of all, because of Kumon, Bryan developed positive thinking in all matters. Whenever he faces a challenge, be it in life or school, he can calmly say to himself that he can make it through and there is no need to panic. He developed the kind of thinking that if others can do it, so can he.

Parental Support

Aside from financial support, Bryan‘s parents supported him by giving him space in studying. “After I came home from school, they would always let me do my own thing. It is hard to focus while studying for both Kumon and school as it demands great effort, so I think they understood the situation I had since they would avoid disturbing me or giving me chores until I was done.”

For visits to the Center, Bryan’s father would always make an effort to fetch him together with his brother even if he had work to attend to. He is thankful for his father’s unconditional love and support. On the other hand, his mother would always give him encouragement to achieve more. She would always tell him to do his best so that he can create a milestone. Also, because of her, Bryan took up the elective math levels in Kumon – Level X. “She told me that what I would learn would be relevant to me and the additional knowledge gained would be helpful when I reach college.”

This guiding principle led Bryan to become successful. He graduated cum laude from the University of Santo Tomas with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. Luckily, he made it to the top 8 in the Chemistry Board Examination last October 2016. “I am very thankful for my mother’s continuous push for me to finish the program. She really is the wind beneath my wings that helped me to fly high, achieve my ambition, and pursue my dreams in life.”

Road to Completion

The advice that Bryan can give to those who are aspiring to become Completers and experiencing difficulties is never to think of giving up. Having this kind of thought could lead them to a dull mentality and it will be harder for them to think clearly.

“If you are having any difficulties, always remember that you did not reach that point if you did not understand the previous topics. Always be mindful of the basics when dealing with complex topics – that is the most fundamental rule when learning new material. If the topic still overwhelms you and needs extra effort to be analyzed, seek help from your instructor and vent out your frustrations to your parents.”

And most importantly, Bryan encourages aspiring Completers to enjoy the program.

“Continue to strive for greatness. Always remember that hard work, perseverance, diligence and dedication always follow success. Make that your motivation and you are good to go.”

Bryan’s inspiration to complete the program then were the Completers who came before him. When he saw the names and faces posted on the list of Completers in the Kumon Center, he said to myself, “I want to be in there, too.” He wanted to finish the program just like them, but he never thought that he could finish it sooner than they did. And miraculously, Bryan did achieve that – and so much more.

News

August 30, 2019

‘Can Do’ Attitude

Free Trial, Math, The Kumon Method

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“Every time I create a reason to quit, I also find a reason wanting to come back”

This is how Leo Dones, a licensed Engineer, described his Kumon experience while trying to recall his Kumon journey way back in 2010. He was in third year high school when his mom enrolled him in the program after knowing about the Free Trial campaign.

Eight years later, Leo recollects how his past undertakings in the Math Program largely contributed to where he is today.

“If something we want is easy, then it is possible. But if it so hard, then we have to try each possible condition, until what we want is within our grasp.”

The Kumon Experience

At first, Leo was unaware of the method until his mom enrolled him in the Math Program during the Free Trial month. He was skeptical about the touted benefits that the program offered. But since it was a free trial, he decided to grab the opportunity.

Leo found everything relatively easy compared to the actual topics he was learning in school during the next few months of his stay. “I thought that I was just having a trip back to memory lane since my starting point was in Level A (Horizontal Addition and Subtraction) so I felt like it was a mere walk in the park,” he adds.

Unfortunately, Leo stopped three times throughout the program because he found out that he had to focus all his effort in school as a fourth year graduating student in 2011. He started to feel like Kumon was an additional load to his studies. “I even thought I did not need to go back and refresh my high school mathematics to add to the bulk of my studies as an Electronics Engineer student,” Leo recounts.

This was the case until he went to college and realized that the advanced calculations tackled in the worksheets made sense to him.

Finding the Inspiration to Go Further

For Leo, recalling the concepts, processes, and formulas from the previous levels slowed his progress towards completion. “Thankfully enough, I have my parents who constantly inspire and push me to finish the last stages of the program, and I consistently prayed to God for him to give me the incessant passion to finish my worksheets.”

Leo served as an inspiration to his younger sister too who is already nearing completion in the Reading Program. “It’s good to know that somehow, I became an inspiration to her,” he proudly says.

Leo also shares how Kumon became a meaningful path he needed to take to have an edge in college. It gave him a ‘can do’ attitude and felt that if he overcame the Math Program, then he can overcome any issue may it be in work or in life.

“At work, Kumon taught me how to create alternative ways in solving anything even if the issues were technical. Some of these issues are related to computer algorithms to see how they work. As a Software Engineer, Kumon developed my skills to think out of the box. Since the program will only show you the basics, you will be forced to think outside of the box especially on the higher levels. This skill helped me so much in shaping my work ethics,” he adds.

A Lifelong Pledge to Learning

“Everything you want has to be worked upon with due diligence and passion. The program was not easy, and it made me realize that we have to push the envelope in order to strive to accomplish our dreams.”

Leo’s first advice is simple: begin with an end in mind.

If your eyes are dead set on the prize, then nothing can stop you from reaching that goal. “If this is possible for those before me, then it is possible to me too,” he shares.

His last advice is quoted from a video game which says, “Heroes are never as polished as the legends that surround them.” Surround yourself with the most inspiring people that will help you push yourself to complete the program. “For me, there was never a day that my mom would stop inspiring me to complete the program. Finally, keep praying to God for the constant desire to complete it.”

News

August 30, 2019

Love For Math From Then ‘Til Now

Completion, Free Trial, Goal Setting, Math, Reading, The Kumon Method

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As long as Ma. Arselene Aquino could remember, math was her favorite subject. It’s no wonder that she was excited for her Kumon journey back in October 2002. She and her mother found out about Kumon through her classmate’s grandfather. After attending the Parent Orientation, her mother was amazed with how Kumon works and immediately registered her for the Free Trial available at that time.

By being enrolled in both the Math and Reading Programs, Arselene was able to notice a significant improvement in two aspects of her work. First, she was able to improve on her carelessness and her tendency to commit errors in solving math problems; and second, she was able to develop her comprehension skills and a love for reading. Through the years, Kumon continued to play a big part in propelling her to success in school and in her chosen career. In fact, she was awarded as one of the Top Employees of BDO in 2014.

The pull to continue

Just like any other student, there were times that Arselene really wanted to give up. She can still remember the extra hours she spent in the Center with her Kumon Instructor just to finish my Math and Reading worksheets. There were times when she felt that she already knew how to solve a difficult problem in math, but the next problems got even more difficult. There were also times when she still could not understand a passage even after reading it a number of times.

“I was blessed enough to have two supportive mothers, my mom and my Kumon Instructor, Teacher Nelia. Both of them have always encouraged me to continue and finish Kumon. They would always tell me that once I finish, I will be able to see the benefits of all my hard work and effort. In fact, my mom would always remind me that there is always happiness and fulfillment after all the sacrifices.”

The push to complete

What really pushed Arselene to complete the program were three things: first, she was driven by her mantra of having to finish what she started. “I realized that if I just quit, I might develop the habit of starting things and not completing them.”

Second, she was inspired by how people saw her as a role model. “Relatives and family friends wanted their own children to be just like me – excelling in school and sharing the knowledge with friends. This made me realize that what I was doing then was a blessing to me and the people around me.“

Last, she developed perseverance and patience to work hard. When faced with the challenge of solving difficult topics in the worksheets, she learned to do her best. “All my efforts would be put to waste if I did not achieve the ultimate goal of completion. What really helped me get through it all was the support of everyone, especially my parents and Kumon teachers.”

The pull to be better

There are four things Arselene is most thankful for in her Kumon journey. One is her love for reading. She was not a reader back then; but through reading passages and borrowing books from the mini library every Center day, she eventually became a reader who reads and buys books whenever she visit the bookstore. “I even have a mini library at home filled with books from all genres. Throughout my journey, I have developed my reading comprehension ability and widened my vocabulary.”

Two is her preparedness for her academic life. Kumon helped Arselene be better prepared for entrance exams and for other academic responsibilities. She was an advanced student so she learned topics ahead of time – and these were the topics that came out in the entrance exams. She also developed mental calculation ability which helped me solve math problems faster.

Third is her value for patience and time management. “For patience, I learned that all things can be achieved in good time and with a lot of hard work. For time management, I learned that I must always keep my deadline in mind so that I avoid postponing my tasks to the next day and eventually end up with a long list of things to do.”

The push to do her best

In her career, Arselene has been able to apply certain practices that she used to do when I was in Kumon. She has been with BDO for six years, where she started as an Accounting Assistant in the Tordesillas Branch in Makati City. This position involved making sure that each and every transaction that the teller makes is correct and that the cash flow is balanced. If there are discrepancies, she has to go through and check all the transactions and documents to spot the mistake.

“In order to ensure that the transactions are balanced, patience and perseverance are needed when I work through the calculations– similar to how I answered and corrected difficult topics in Kumon.”

Recently, the area head got Arselene as her Administrative Assistant. Compared to her previous position, her current position calls for her to consolidate month end reports, requests, and requirements that the 27 branches under a certain area would need. “I make use of my time management skills to be able to cater to all the requests and to all other tasks that need to be done.”

Also, Arselene was lucky to be included as one of the Top Employees of BDO in 2014 (Smart Frontliners). In order to qualify for this award, one would need to have a high performance rating and be an awardee for 12 consecutive months. There is an awarding ceremony where all awardees are recognized on stage with the bosses, heads of departments, and other awardees in the audience.

Push and pull for other students

What advice can Arselene give to students who are aspiring to complete the program?

“No matter how difficult the worksheets may seem, always remember that you can do it! Don’t give up and never quit – it is not an option. You may think that your parents are unfair for making you do Kumon; but in the long run, you will be able to appreciate how Kumon has changed you, and you will be able to proudly say, “I am a Kumon Completer!” Keep in mind that Kumon is not only for the improvement of your academic skills, but it also molds your character and helps you develop life skills to eventually lead a successful life.”

News

August 30, 2019

Four to Tango: A Kumon Parent’s Pin to Success

Free Trial, Math, Parenting, Reading, The Kumon Method

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It was a 2-Week Free Trial advertisement that came as a sign for Mrs. Gabriel to push her daughter, Emille Angelie, to try Kumon. What started as a trial became a long-term stay and eventually, a deciding factor in enrolling Emille’s younger sister, Princess Victoria.

Eight years later, Emille is now a Math and Reading Completer, while Princess is currently enrolled in the Reading Program and just recently became a Math Completer as well. Indeed, the Gabriel Family’s Kumon journey paved the way to great successes for both Emille and Princess throughout the years.

Deciding to Stay

Mrs. Gabriel believes that enrolling her daughters in Kumon is one of the best decisions she has ever made as a parent.

“With all the traits that Emille and Princess have acquired, such as perseverance, patience, time management, focus, and discipline, I can say that I made the right decision.”

For Emille, she believes that Kumon changed her into a better person. “I am able to manage my time more properly, I became independent, responsible, plus I developed positive thinking and patience.” With this, Emille gained confidence especially when reciting in class and socializing with classmates.

For Princess, she felt happier because she was able to reach her goal. Like Emille, she gained independence, time-management skills, and confidence. “Also, Kumon develops my calculation skills which make it easier for me to understand my math lessons in school.”

Mrs. Gabriel and Her Daughters - Four to Tango: A Kumon Parent’s Pin to Success

Balancing Act

To be enrolled in Kumon means advanced learning in Math and Reading. This held true for the Gabriel siblings since they used a lot of their extra time in studying other subjects in school instead of reviewing their math subject. With this, a lot of opportunities opened up for Emille and Princess. They participated in big competitions such as the Mathematics Team (MTG Philippines) and they maintained being part of the honor roll in school.

“Kumon has opened the doors in order for my daughters to gain much confidence. This is a good foundation for them until they reach college,” Mrs. Gabriel proudly says.

Influencing at a Larger Scale

Gabriel Siblings: Four to Tango: A Kumon Parent’s Pin to Success

The Gabriel siblings share that they have been supporting each other for the longest time – from pushing one another in finishing their worksheets to encouraging each other in joining extra-curricular activities. For Princess, she motivates her sister through telling her meaningful sayings from well-known people. “I also remind her to analyze the stories and questions in her worksheets,” Princess adds. For Emille, she constantly pushes her sister to reach her goals. “I always tell her that no one else will do it for her- she is the only one who can do it for herself.”

There are two pieces of advice that Mrs. Gabriel wants to share with her fellow Kumon parents. First, do not let your children quit Kumon. “As parents, we are the decision makers when it comes to the welfare and education of our children. Kumon is an investment we make for our children’s future.”

Second, partnership is needed for a successful Kumon journey. “They say it takes two to tango. In Kumon, it needs the teacher, student, parent, and worksheets,” Mrs. Gabriel adds. And so, it takes four to tango – in completing the Kumon Program.