Kumon Brunei - Potential 2023 Issue 2

AUSTRALIA | BRUNEI | CAMBODIA | INDIA | INDONESIA | MALAYSIA | MYANMAR | NEW ZEALAND | SINGAPORE | SRI LANKA | THAILAND | VIETNAM

JULY - DECEMBER 2023

To parents beginning the Kumon learning journey with their children,

Consistency is Key

January - June 2023

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Editor’s Note Dear Readers, It’s great to everyone resuming Kumon class full-fledged; beaming faces entering our Kumon Centres and new friendships initiating and old ones rekindled. We are also thrilled for the students receiving their Advanced Students Honour Roll (ASHR) awards this year. You have all done so well, persevering and overcoming challenges with independence and confidence. .

We are also glad to share that the latest and sixth Kumon Centre, Kumon Diligent (Mentiri) has opened earlier this year. We are also excited to share about KUMON CONNECT, a new digital way of learning, aims to bring children, parents, and Kumon Instructors closer together through frequent communication and close follow-up. With KUMON CONNECT, everything children need to study is on their tablets. Head to the ‘Local News’ section to find out more!

In this issue of Potential, we learn how consistency of daily practice and learning has enabled two students to thrive in school. We hear from aspiring Math teacher, twelve-year-old Bashirah, and eight-year-old Min Giun, who aspires to become an influencer. Both their parents also share their experiences and insights into their children’s Kumon learning journey.

Happy reading!

- PR & Marketing, Kumon Brunei

Contents

Scan the QR code to to find out more and download the soft copy

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Potential Brunei

Editor’s Note

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Consistency - Ariana Bashirah

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Consistency - Chong Min Giun

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Regional Article

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Instructors’ Quotes

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Local News

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Kumon Connect

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Consistency

Student Full Name: Ariana Bashirah binti Haji

Mohamad Fauzi

Student Age/ School Grade Level: 12 / Year 7 Subjects Enrolled in (Kumon): Maths

Starting Worksheets Level: Mathematics Bashirah was five years old when she joined Kumon, taking up both Math and English programmes. Her mother, Ms Aini, had come across an advertisement on Instagram about a new Kumon Centre opening in Brunei. She did some research and found herself gravitating towards Kumon’s focus on progressing towards self-learning and independent study.

Getting Bashirah interested in doing her daily Kumon homework was an initial challenge that her parents encountered, especially when they had friends or relatives around. To cultivate the daily study routine, they adopted a reward system whereby she received extra snacks when she completed each homework assignment.

Eight years on, Ms Aini has seen Bashirah developed good study habits, which she has incorporated into her schoolwork and other activities. Bashirah adapts well to new surroundings and makes friends easily.

On the academic front, she has always been a consistent performer, even helping her friends in school when they are stuck in their work. She also has good time management, though at times she gets easily distracted.

“This is where the reward system comes in handy”, shared Ms Aini.

Besides enjoying reading more so now, Bashirah has also started speaking more English amongst her friends and family. “With her progress in Math and English, I decided to sign both her sister and brother up for Kumon at the age of 5 respectively. Best decision ever!” remarked Ms Aini. Bashirah enjoys playing badminton, soccer, basketball, singing, dancing and especially Taekwondo. Her favourite part about Kumon is when the worksheets get tougher, which challenges her mentally to persevere for the answers.

When the problems are too difficult to solve on her own, she seeks help from her Kumon Instructor in class, or from her mother at home; whom she shares is good at math herself. Bashirah also enjoys attempting new learning content from Kumon worksheets that she has yet to learn in school.

“She is confident, helpful and willing to go through solutions by herself before seeking help.” Ms Aini shared.

She felt it was essential for Bashirah to continue learning with Kumon, seeing how she has progressed and improved in Math. “I believe she is on the right path academically. I would like to see her complete the Math programme.” added Ms Aini. Bashirah, who aspires to become an elementary school Math teacher, remains motivated to keep learning with Kumon, spurred on by the fact that her friend is also on the same level as she is. They are both competing to see who completes the programme first!

To parents beginning the Kumon learning journey with their children, Ms Aini stressed that consistency is key.

“Be consistent in reminding your child to do the daily homework and be consistent in helping and motivating your child. There will be times where you and/or your child will feel tired and not want to do it but consistency and embedding good study habits and routines will reap benefits.” Ms Aini shared.

January - June 2023

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Consistency Student Full Name: Chong Min Giun Student Age/ School Grade Level: 8 / Year 2 Subjects Enrolled in (Kumon): Mathematics Starting Kumon Worksheets: 5 A1 (Number Reading Exercises (Up to 30) 1 Current Kumon Worksheets: G 105 (Values of Algebraic Expression 1) Min Giun’s mother, Mrs Chong, had learned about Kumon from her brother whom had enrolled his son in Kumon. Intrigued by how her nephew’s speech had improved through the Kumon method, she did not hesitate to enrol Min Giun, then aged four, when a Kumon Centre opened in her area.

Like most four-year-olds, Min Giun was easily distracted and impatient. In the beginning, Mrs Chong found it difficult to get him to sit at the table, concentrate and finish his daily homework. The initial worksheets contained more repetition, which made him lose his focus. After speaking to his Kumon Instructor, they decided to reduce the number of pages in his daily homework for a few weeks until he gradually became used to the routine and developed better focus and pace to finish his work in a timely manner.

At the centre, Min Giun was nervous at first to be away from his mother. He eased into the new learning environment with the help of the centre’s instructors, who were very friendly and helpful.

Min Giun also looked forward to seeing his friends at the centre to learn together. They would discuss which worksheets levels they were on, which added much motivation.

Now, Mrs Chong noted that her son has become more confident, independent, and focused.

“He gets satisfaction from finishing his worksheet with minimal or no mistakes, and he is always excited to get to the next level and when he receives another medal.” shared Mrs Chong.

Min Guin is also more engaged in school, especially in mathematics class where he would raise his hand to answer questions. Mrs Chong thinks that that helped in building confidence in all his other classes as well.

Time management and discipline are also positive traits that Mrs Chong has seen Min Guin adopt.

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Potential Brunei

He prioritises his daily tasks, finishing his homework before playing. He even helps his younger brother, Min Hao, with his homework such as by writing down the multiplication table for him. Min Hao had requested to join Kumon after seeing his elder brother doing worksheets. Any worries their parents had about Min Hao starting Kumon at the tender age of three and a half years old were dispelled by Min Giun’s support and guidance towards his brother. When the brothers have pretend playtime, Min Giun even creates his own worksheets for his brother.

Mrs Chong revealed that a consistent daily routine would help young children foster good study habits, learn to become more independent and improve their attentiveness. She felt that it was crucial to have very good foundation in Math, hence it is advisable to begin at an early age. Kumon has helped Min Giun in his logical thinking, which benefits him in other aspects of life outside of academics as well. Min Giun also feels less stressed during examination periods in school now.

“Parents need to be very involved with their children, especially during the first few months of starting Kumon.

It is especially so if the child is starting at a very young age; they might need guidance, a lot of patience and motivation to help them get used to the study routine and slowly establish a good study habit.” Mrs Chong shared.

Min Giun shared that his next goals were to continue to learn and level up with Kumon as quickly as he could.

He wants to become an Influencer who shares interesting and fun ideas with people. To do so, he is building on his self-confidence.

“My mom said that I can be anything I want to be as long as I am honest, sincere and kind.”

January - June 2023

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Regional Article Did you know that on average, we forget more than half the information within the first few days of learning?

In 1885, German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus conducted a series of tests and found that we retain only 40% of the information after a few days. This phenomenon is the “forgetting curve”.

In separate studies studying the efficacy of learning, experts have also found that spaced repetition is superior to cramming to counter the forgetting curve. In one of the studies, researchers found that spacing was more effective for 90 per cent of the participants.

Space repetition makes use of studying the same material consistently at regular intervals to reinforce the knowledge to negate the forgetting curve.

This consistency in learning is not just for studying just for information retention; doing a little every day is beneficial in the long run.

Like many professional sportsmen honing their skills and developing muscle memory through daily practice, our children do benefit through consistent daily practice. As our children work on their Kumon worksheets daily, with time they will develop discipline and habit, making daily study second nature to them.

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Having a consistent routine allows our children to know when it is time to bring out their Kumon worksheets and school homework. Rather than having a power struggle with our children, having a consistent study schedule helps our children to know when it is time to put the toys away and pick up their pencils. Beyond studying, having a consistent schedule with time dedicated to various activities help our children get accustomed to the schedule and internalise it, making transitioning from one activity to another a smoother experience for both parents and our children. At the same time, our children feel a sense of accomplishment and confidence that they know what to do and are in charge of themselves.

Historically, our children return to school after a holiday at a significantly lower learning level than they were before the holiday – a phenomenon commonly referred to as summer learning loss. Summer learning loss has interested education researchers for more than a century and in 2021, a group of researchers found that students lost 17% –34% of the year’s learning gains during the following summer break. They also found that students who suffered summer learning loss are also more likely to continue to lose ground in subsequent summers. Not only do we lose ground on our learning progress, but it also sets us back from our learning goals and targets as well.

Our children who study consistently daily can reap many benefits, both on the academic front and in important life skills. Hence in Kumon, our children complete a set of assigned worksheets daily, instead of cramming a few days’ worth of worksheets at one go. Not only does doing so help students to manage their workload, but they also retain information better, develop discipline and good habits, the transition from one activity to another better, and during the holidays, consistent daily practice help negate summer learning loss, keeping our children on track with their learning goals.

Consistency yields more effective learning. It is not going to be a figurative walk in the park as our children will take time to get used to the new schedule. Look out as we discuss the 7 little tips to help our children get into a consistent routine in the Parenting Tips.

January - June 2023

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Instructors’ Quotes

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I often hear from parents of preschoolers who started their children on their Kumon journey at a young age: “It was difficult at first, but now I can leave my child on his own to complete his schoolwork and he finds it very easy.” It can be challenging to build up the discipline of daily practice but if we continue to be patient and positive especially when it’s tough, our students will pick up study skills from Kumon that are invaluable for life!

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Caley, Kumon Brunei

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The low starting point is the ‘just-right’ level for developing a child’s correct approach to study. During the first class, we are showing the student the care that they need to take with Kumon. I want them to strive for their best. For me to transmit that message directly to the child, on day one, is really important. If they understand this message, they will develop themselves through the worksheets. When the student’s study approach is Alex Teo, Kumon Australia and New Zealand

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Talking of study habits, the question arises, “What is the student’s attitude towards Kumon versus his/her parents’ expectations?”

Since we practise individualised study in Kumon, how can we generalise study habits for allour students?

Social media and usage of technology is a necessity and a natural instinct for students. The use of the Kumon digital worksheets via KUMON CONNECT and online dictionaries are a few examples.

If we want our children to develop good study habits, we must look at the approach applicable to children in congruence with today’s time. Rethink and visualise attainable study goals and develop their study habits as an asset.

Shveta Ahluwalia, Kumon India Sri Lanka

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We are aware that one needs to put effort in, in order to establish good habits. A young kid needs even more help, from his support system ie: mummy, daddy, siblings, teachers, peers, including the whole society surrounds him. Involving him proactively in the process is vital. Sharing the idea with him, of what to establish and set a plan together and focus on one thing at a time, may be the first step. Together carrying it out repetitively, makes him feels the sense of teamwork. But when hiccup happens, regulate, restore, so to show, not to give up easily because things happen.

Give a pat on the back for achievement, a pat on the shoulder to encourage. Be kind!

Sharifah Zuraida Syed Aznal, Kumon Malaysia

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January - June 2023

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Local News 6th Kumon Centre in Brunei Kumon Diligent (Mentiri) is the sixth and latest Kumon Centre to open earlier this year in February 2023. The centre is located at Jalan Kota Batu, opposite Kampung Paring, Unit 16 & 17 First Floor, Block B Bangunan Haji Awang Ibrahim Simpang 443, Jalan Kota Batu, Mukim Mentiri Brunei Darussalam BU1929.

The operation of the Kumon Diligent (Mentiri) centre increases the accessibility of Kumon to Bruneians living in the eastern areas. Similar to the five other Kumon centres, Kumon Diligent (Mentiri) provides the Mathematics and English programmes for children aged three to secondary school levels. Parents can locate the centre via https://bn.kumonglobal.com/find-us/ and https://kumon-brunei.com.

Introducing KUMON CONNECT KUMON CONNECT, a new digital way of learning, aims to bring children, parents, and Kumon Instructors closer together through frequent communication and close follow-up.

KUMON CONNECT is a self-learning program similar to the traditional method of doing Kumon with paper worksheets. It fosters a sense of self-assurance in children and their abilities and nurtures them with the skills to challenge the unknown.

With KUMON CONNECT, everything children need to study is on their tablets.

Kumon students write on the tablet with a stylus pen, just as they would write on the Kumon worksheets with a pencil. The Kumon Instructors can follow their students’ daily progress and provide timely feedback to motivate or advise them. Parents can also review their children’s study records anytime and connect with the Instructor to support their children’s learning experience.

The goal of the Kumon Method remains the same – to ensure every student advances at an incremental pace without any learning gaps in their study.

Kumon Connect is currently available at most centres. Visit https://kumon-brunei.com/kumonconnectenquiry/ to find out more.

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Potential Brunei

Parenting Tips 7 tips to build consistency and confidence in your children

1. Getting your children involved Sit your children down at a place that is free from distractions. Get them to list down the daily activities that they need to put into the daily routine, which could include meal times, nap and bedtime, school homework, Kumon time, music and sports practice.

2. Assigning the time and duration After deciding on the activities, discuss with your children on the duration to set aside for each task, adding in a little buffer to cater for activities overrunning the time allocated. The buffer could be used as a reward for extra play or screen time as a reward for completing the activities punctually.

3. Put the activities and time slots into a schedule You can choose to DIY this – another opportunity for bonding – using recycled or scrapbooking materials, or even toys such as magnetic tiles. This helps to reinforce the various activities against the allocated time.

4. Display the schedule prominently This acts as a source of reference for your children and yourself to refer to (and countering the forgetting curve). It could be on the wall, or if you had chosen to use magnetic toys or materials, then the fridge or on something that conducts magnetism well.

5. Have a clock Having a clock helps to remind your children that it is time to transition to another activity.

No more excuses for not knowing the time! This can be an analogue or digital clock. For younger children, a digital clock could be helpful.

6. Be patient and encouraging Don’t expect the schedule to run smoothly from the get-go, as children will take some time to get used to it. You can remind them of the schedule in the beginning, and encourage them to keep to the schedule.

You might even want to reward them with extra activities that are not listed in the timetable, like extra time to read, or a trip to the playground or supermarket, for taking the initiative to complete the task punctually.

7. Be flexible Exercise some flexibility with the timetable if there was a family outing oroverseas trip. For example, many Kumon parents would let their children complete their Kumon homework in the morning during overseas trips, festive occasions or when there are family outings planned.

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then is not an act, but a habit.” - Aristotle

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