18622 S. Route 59, Suite D1, Shorewood IL 60404 (815-267-8888)
Origins of Kumon
The KUMON Method of Learning was started in 1954 by a high school math teacher, Toru Kumon. Mr. Kumon created a series of handwritten math worksheets to help his son, Takeshi Kumon, who was in second grade.
Mr. Kumon was convinced that Takeshi could solve the kind of problems being taught at high school if he was taught the necessary skills to understand advanced-level mathematics one step at a time.
His hunch was right. By the sixth grade, Takeshi had mastered integral and differential calculus using his father's worksheets. The mathematical problems created by Mr. Kumon were eventually organized into a curriculum, and this curriculum forms the very heart of the KUMON Method of Learning.
Today, our activities are still guided by the kind of parental devotion that Mr. Kumon demonstrated in helping his son progress.
Kumon
Core Concepts
The Kumon
Routine Learning skills that last a lifetime aren’t developed overnight.
Just as a child needs to practice daily over time to become adept at a sport or musical instrument, so too does he or she need daily work in order for academic skills to develop and flourish.
Most Kumon students attend a Kumon Center twice a week. That leaves five days when work must be completed at home. This usually takes about twenty minutes each day.
Kumon parents generally find that their children end up with more time to pursue other interests because they’ve developed far more efficient study habits, along with the skills to do both Kumon assignments and schoolwork quickly and accurately without wasting time.
Kumon is
a unique learning system that has evolved through decades of experience
with Kumon students worldwide. Everything we do, we do for one reason: to
help your child become a better learner.
THE
ELEMENTS OF KUMON - How Kumon Students Become Better Learners
The Solid Starting Point
Kumon study begins where a child's knowledge is absolutely solid, so he/she experiences success right from the start and avoids future knowledge "gaps."
Setting Goals and Working at Their Own Pace
The Kumon instructor assesses each child's unique abilities and establishes individualized learning goals for him/her, then determines a "just right" learning pace - the precise level at which the work isn't too difficult (frustrating) or too easy (boring).
Learning "On Their Own" in Small, Gradual Steps
With the Kumon Instructor's guidance, Kumon students discover their own ability to tackle new concepts and overcome learning "hurdles" independently - a process the Kumon curriculum enables by progressing in steady but very small, manageable increments.
Practicing Every Day
Just like musicians and athletes, Kumon students sharpen their math and/or reading skills by practicing for a short time every day. It gives them disciplined study habits, helps them maintain momentum, and provides the motivation and confidence that come from frequent "small victories."
Locking in Knowledge Through Repetition
Kumon's unique system of Worksheets utlilizes repetition combined with subtle variations and very gradual advancement. Kumon students master concepts by applying them again and again, until they're second nature. They don't forget what they've learned, so new knowledge is always built on solid foundation.
REGULAR FEEDBACK - A Key to Motivation and Success
The Kumon Instructor provides students with frequent, detailed feedback on their performance and their progress toward their goals. Motivation is crucial to success, and children are most motivated when they understand the "why" behid their work, as well as how they're doing at each stage. It gives them a feeling of control over their own learning...and that's what Kumon is all about.
The Solid Starting Point
Kumon study begins where a child's knowledge is absolutely solid, so he/she experiences success right from the start and avoids future knowledge "gaps."
Setting Goals and Working at Their Own Pace
The Kumon instructor assesses each child's unique abilities and establishes individualized learning goals for him/her, then determines a "just right" learning pace - the precise level at which the work isn't too difficult (frustrating) or too easy (boring).
Learning "On Their Own" in Small, Gradual Steps
With the Kumon Instructor's guidance, Kumon students discover their own ability to tackle new concepts and overcome learning "hurdles" independently - a process the Kumon curriculum enables by progressing in steady but very small, manageable increments.
Practicing Every Day
Just like musicians and athletes, Kumon students sharpen their math and/or reading skills by practicing for a short time every day. It gives them disciplined study habits, helps them maintain momentum, and provides the motivation and confidence that come from frequent "small victories."
Locking in Knowledge Through Repetition
Kumon's unique system of Worksheets utlilizes repetition combined with subtle variations and very gradual advancement. Kumon students master concepts by applying them again and again, until they're second nature. They don't forget what they've learned, so new knowledge is always built on solid foundation.
REGULAR FEEDBACK - A Key to Motivation and Success
The Kumon Instructor provides students with frequent, detailed feedback on their performance and their progress toward their goals. Motivation is crucial to success, and children are most motivated when they understand the "why" behid their work, as well as how they're doing at each stage. It gives them a feeling of control over their own learning...and that's what Kumon is all about.
The Kumon Parent
Kumon is most successful when the student, parent and Kumon Instructor work together to ensure that the child advances continually to the best of his or her ability.
An engaged Kumon parent will:
- Set a regular study time for one’s child
- Check that assignments are timed and graded accurately and completed daily
- Know what one’s child is studying and why
- Discuss that child’s progress with his or her Kumon Instructor
Kumon
Instructors regard themselves more as mentors or coaches than teachers
in the traditional sense. Their principal role is to provide the
direction, support and encouragement that will guide the student
towards performing at 100% of his or her potential.
Students who grow with Kumon may find their relationship to their Kumon Instructor to be among the most rewarding and productive of their academic careers.
All Kumon Instructors share a passion for education and an earnest desire to help children succeed. They will invariably apply these along with their talent and training in the Kumon Method to make the most constructive contribution possible to your child’s future.
Students who grow with Kumon may find their relationship to their Kumon Instructor to be among the most rewarding and productive of their academic careers.
All Kumon Instructors share a passion for education and an earnest desire to help children succeed. They will invariably apply these along with their talent and training in the Kumon Method to make the most constructive contribution possible to your child’s future.