Kumon Malaysia - Potential 2022 Issue 1

Australia | Brunei | Cambodia | India | Indonesia | Malaysia | Myanmar | New Zealand | Philippines | Singapore | Sri Lanka | Thailand | Vietnam

JANUary- June 2022

KUMON feature Turning Challenges into Opportunities

parenting tips

Tips for successful remote learning

my life, my dream Arlene Ong

A reserved girl who learnt to shine!

KULOUKSHANA A brave girl who’s ready to roar!

My life, my dream

editor’s Note

Welcome 2022!

It’s a brand-new year, so let’s be proud of how much we have accomplished thus far and look forward to a new chapter in our lives. We overcame a lot of challenges last year and all of us deserve to be proud of ourselves. So, here’s to a better year ahead!

As we adapt to the new normal, Kumon Education Malaysia will continue to move forward with hybrid learning as this allows students to learn comfortably physically as well as online.

As always, we remain committed to assisting Malaysian students in discovering their full potentials. We believe that the Kumon Method will continue to assist children in achieving success not only academically, but also overall in life through acquiring skills such as staying focused, confidence building, time management as well as becoming independent problem solvers.

In this issue, we have two inspiring stories of students who achieved amazing learning experiences by using the Kumon Method: Arlene Ong, a 13-year-old girl, who is already a 5 years advanced student, and Kuloukshana, a 10-year- girl who is fearless and eager to old take on new challenges.

We hope this issue will inspire you as we strive into this brand-new year.

Here’s to a great 2022 ahead!

P

ulau Pinang-born Arlene Ong is a proud 5 years advanced Kumon student who has realised her full potential since joining the Kumon programme in 2016. Kumon has helped Arlene in many ways, as she can now perform calculations

faster and answer exam questions more effortlessly. In fact, solving questions and getting the correct answers is her favourite part of the Kumon programme, and this motivates her to push herself even further. Kumon has also encouraged her to be more patient and disciplined. She has since grown to be a more confident person and has translated her Kumon skills into teaching and guiding her friends whenever needed. Reflecting on her time in Kumon, Arlene said, “Before joining Kumon, I tend to give up easily. But, not anymore!”

Arlene’s mother, Madam Alice, stated that Arlene’s Mathematics results had improved tremendously after joining the Kumon programme. She had very little interest in Mathematics prior to attending Kumon. She used to be a very reserved person who hardly shares about the difficulties she faces until one day when Madam Alice decided to check her homework.

That was when Arlene burst into tears and opened up about her challenges in Mathematics. Realising the crucial stage her daughter was at, Madam Alice searched for ways to help her daughter. She eventually found Kumon and quickly enrolled Arlene. “I love the Kumon Method because it always encourages students to attempt it first and the Instructor will only give minimum guidance. This teaches my daughter to be independent,” she explains.

Another thing that Madam Alice appreciates about the Kumon approach is that it teaches children to put their heart into everything they do. Madam Alice has no problem with Arlene doing the same worksheets a couple of times before mastering them, as practice makes perfect. She has noticed her daughter putting in more effort when completing a given task and Arlene is always overjoyed when she receives a Kumon award, as it is a great source of motivation for her.

Madam Alice also believes the Kumon programme has taught her daughter patience and enabled her to self-learn. During the Movement Control Order (MCO), Madam Alice bought a Lego set for her daughter to fill up her free time. “Before Kumon, she didn’t have much patience to do anything. But, after joining Kumon, that changed entirely,” she explained. Now, Arlene takes the time to read the instructions before assembling the Lego set. Madam Alice constantly offers her daughter the

Love & Respect,

freedom to try new things and have fun. So apart from Lego, Arlene also enjoys cross stitching and sewing little pillows, which she learned all by herself. As for the future, Arlene aspires to be a singer and wants to pursue her passion in this area.

Public Relations Team

Contents

Kumon Malaysia

My Life, My Dream

03 A Reserved Girl Who Learnt To Shine!

04

ON THE COVER Jan-Jun 2022

Kuloukshana

Kumon Malaysia Have something to say?

A Brave Girl Who’s Ready To Roar!

Kuloukshana

Features

06 Regional Article

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

08 Instructors’ Quotes

SHINE! Ariene Ong 13 years old 5 years advanced

Regulars

Feel free to send us your thoughts on the newsletter!

Tel: 1 800 88 1010 E-mail: information@kumon.com.my Website: my.kumonglobal.com

10

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY NOTICE

11

The logos, graphics, pictures, design, and layout (“Contents”) of this entire newsletter are the exclusive property of Kumon Asia & Oceania Pte Ltd. The Contents contained in this newsletter shall not be reproduced or copied without the express written consent of Kumon Asia & Oceania Pte Ltd.

Arlene Ong

A Reserved Girl Who Learnt To

Local News

Meet Monty - Kumon Malaysia’s Official Mascot

Parenting Tips

Tips for successful remote learning

© 2021 Kumon Asia & Oceania Pte Ltd. All rights reserved.

Jan - Jun 2022

3

My life, my dream

K

uloukshana, who turns 10 this year, is a proud Kumon

student and is already studying ahead of her school mates. She enrolled in Kumon when she was only 5 years old and it has tremendously benefitted her by helping to

A Brave Girl Who’s Ready To

ROAR!

build up her confidence. Kuloukshana admits that in the

10 years old

3 years advanced

thanks to the practice at her Kumon Centre. Additionally, Kuloukshana developed an interest in reading as a result of the Kumon English programme, which required her to read a large number of English books. That was when she

beginning, she struggled with the daily worksheets and to

began her journey in becoming a skilled storyteller and

understand the concepts. However, with perseverance

has participated in numerous storytelling competitions.

and enthusiasm, she managed to overcome her

The read-aloud technique taught in the Kumon

difficulties. Now, she understands her responsibilities and

programme significantly assisted in her ability to express

has become accustomed to her routine. She believes that

the stories clearly and as a result, she made it to the Top 5

the only way to be successful is to practice every day.

in a storytelling competition in Penang last year.

Kumon also taught her the value of time management.

She has a timetable and sticks to it every day since she needs to balance her school and Kumon homework with

Kuloukshana

believes that her daughter acquired good manners,

other activities. “Kumon is the foundation which will help me achieve my dream and it can shape me to be a better person,” she says proudly.

Kuloukshana has a great personality. She is very pleasant

At the beginning of every year, Madam Viki will ask her daughter to design and create her own goal board. The goal board is then pinned on the wall of her room and she must read it every morning or before night so she realises what she needs to accomplish in her life. Madam Viki also mentioned that her daughter’s Kumon Instructor was extremely helpful and encouraging, as the instructor

and can get along easily with everyone. She enjoys

always shared Kuloukshana’s progress to ensure she

traveling and discovering new things. She has already

experiences a smooth learning experience at Kumon. “As

researched all the places she would like to visit in the

parents, we must always be there to support our children.

future, what a fantastic endeavour on her part! Due to her

Don’t point fingers at them because everyone makes

bravery and determination, she is often selected

mistakes. The most important thing is that we should be

to represent her school in various competitions, such

their first cheerleaders,” says Madam Viki. “Kumon is the

as storytelling, dancing, debate, poetry recitation and

best learning centre that will enhance your child’s growing

acting. But the subject she truly enjoys is mathematics,

skills. Most importantly, it helps children to build their solid

as it keeps her challenged. Her ambition is to be a brain

foundation. All I want is for my daughter to enjoy studying

surgeon, since she enjoys helping others and contributing

and achieve her goals, as learning is a lifelong process,”

to their well-being. In her free time, she enjoys dancing,

she added.

yoga, playing the piano and gardening. She learned yoga from her mother, who is a yoga trainer. Koloukshana said that she was fascinated by watching her mother perform yoga and that encouraged her to follow in her mother’s footsteps. She recently joined a yoga competition and won 4th place for Penang State in the 8 to 12 years old category.

Kuloukshana’s mother, Madam Viki, heard about Kumon through a family member who had enrolled his son in the same programme. Initially, her main reason for selecting Kumon was to provide the best foundation in Mathematics and English for her daughter. However, after several years in Kumon, Madam Viki is proud that Kumon also taught her daughter to be a creative problem solver. “I can see a lot of positive changes in her. She is independent, fearless, never has stage fright and is always confident,” Madam Viki exclaimed proudly.

Another thing she noticed about her daughter is how she has matured throughout this time. She is very obedient at school, follows the teacher’s instructions very well and always says thank you and greets the teacher. She

4 Potential Malaysia

Jan - Jun 2022

5

Regional Article

A

s the world eases Covid restrictions, many of us couldn’t help looking back at how this crisis has transformed many things around us, and sped up the adoption of digital technologies by many years. Education was one such sector

which took a quantum leap under the new shifts.

When the crisis forced schools and enrichment centres to close their doors and move classes online, all students were also forced to become online learners. Kumon, like many other education providers also embarked on remote learning journey.

The Kumon Method is a learning method that is designed for home study, and aims to foster independence in students.

Hence, our dedicated instructors are still able to provide online instructions to students learning at home, just like how they do it in the centres.

One key strength of this hybrid study model is that, instructors can observe how students study at home, and grasp how parents engage with their children. Through this instructors are able to work together with parents to enhance the quality of their child’s home learning.

Many parents may see this sudden shift as a watershed moment for remote learning and education. How would the conventional classroom learning be like from now on?

With this best hybrid study model, students are able to enjoy and continue their learning in centre or at home; by combining both online with physical lessons.

Unlike a conventional classroom whereby an instructor stands in front of the class to teach, Kumon’s instructions are individualised. Every student learns a level that is “just-right” for them, and at their own pace. This way they are allowed to navigate through the level at their own pace, without the need to wait for their peers or feel pressured to catch up with the rest of the class. This way, not only do they gain better understanding on the concept, they also become more confident as they are able to learn the concepts without being taught.

An ability which Kumon develops is self-learning. The students learn from Kumon’s small-step worksheets, which are designed to help our children learn on their own, in small incremental difficulty. Hints and examples are also included at the start of a new learning focus to help our children understand the concept better, and to refer to when they run into challenges. Through this learning process, not only do students grasp the concepts better, they develop self-learning ability that transcends beyond the confines of the Kumon Centres.

Making the best use of both conventional classroom and home-based remote learning, Kumon can continue to discover the potential of each individual, and develop his or her ability to the maximum; no matter where their learning takes place in centre or at home.

Turning Challenges into

Opportunities

6 Potential Malaysia

Jan - Jun 2022

7

Kumon Feature

“

Instructors’ Quotes

made possible especially when the pandemic is still ravaging all around the world.

We try our best in providing the best remote learning method efficiently through utilizing synchronous and asynchronous learning so that our students are able to receive it in

and efficiently, it can enhance a student’s performance as well as motivation. Other than that, remote learning also helps to promote certain life skills such as time management, multi-tasking, responsibility and independent learning skills which are arguably crucial to exams and later life success.

Amidst the drawbacks of remote learning, we at Kumon are always on hand to help with

learning to online learning, Instructors and technology. Find out what the Instructors

deliver our knowledge. Thanks to technology advancement, remote learning has been

a safe and conducive environment. Once guidance is delivered and received correctly

As the paradigm shifts from in-Centre

students have had to grapple with new

We are living in unprecedented times that demand a different approach in the way we

any remote learning needs through our dedicated team of Instructor and tutors.

Ms Julia Chua Kumon Malaysia

overcome the new challenge of remote

“

learning, and how they think it might have been beneficial to them and their students.

I think that Kumon online study is a great opportunity for students to develop themselves continuously towards their study goals through close observation, guidance and compliment given by instructors. In addition, Kumon instructors can promptly communicate with parents to help support their children in the same direction.

Ms Siriluck Sreesai Kumon Thailand

“

Most of my students are back learning in the centre. However, I still offer one or two online classes per week for children studying from home. It’s important to show flexibility in our instruction methods to keep children engaged with their learning and to provide parents with options. Over the last twenty months we have seen how online instruction is effective: students can maintain adequate progress, have their questions addressed, and still have regular and meaningful contact with the Instructor. This hybrid model provides more options for me as the business owner to develop and grow my centre.

Andrea Rodriguez Kumon Australia and New Zealand

“

Taking over a centre when classes had to shift online was tough initially, as my students and I were still getting to know one another. Communication with the students was more challenging, especially with the reserved and less outspoken ones.

But children are more adaptable than adults realise. My students began warming up to the new environment sooner than I expected. I have not only seen them grow more and more independent every week but also become more resilient and less reliant on

the teachers. With patience, I believe every child has the potential to be developed into

Ms Natasha Leow Kumon Singapore

8 Potential Malaysia

a strong self-learner

Jan - Jun 2022

9

Local News

Parenting tips

TIPS

for successful remote learning

Meet

Monty Kumon Malaysia’s Official Mascot After more than 25 years since its establishment in Malaysia, the Kumon Method has benefited many children in reaching their true potential and achieving their goals. We remain dedicated

Establish a productive learning environment

success, and are committed to expanding our reach across Malaysia. With the switch to hybrid

Having toys, television, or mobile devices around might make it harder for children to focus on their

learning this year, we hope more children will get the chance to experience the Kumon Method!

task at hand. Consider choosing an area that’s free from common distractions.

We at Kumon Education Malaysia are always finding ways to provide a better learning experience

Create the best space

which represents our Kumon students’ traits of bravery and their ability to take on new challenges

Children need a designated workspace that’s comfortable. Create a feeling of belonging by getting

and driven to help more children in Malaysia realise their full potential and accomplish personal

for our students. Therefore, we would like to introduce our official mascot, Monty! Monty is a lion in life. This is the spirit that we would like to encourage not only Kumon students to adopt, but

everyone as well. Monty received his name as a result of an online competition that we organised on Facebook last year. Ten winners submitted their suggested names and the name Monty was chosen!

Last year, Monty made his special appearance as WhatsApp stickers for the festive holidays

during the Hari Raya, Deepavali and Christmas celebrations. This year, Monty will continue to make appearances, so stay tuned. Let him brighten up your days and years ahead!

your child to personalise their learning space.

Follow the routine Following a routine will help children transition to remote learning more easily. Our children will learn to follow the routine for the remote learning and homework. It doesn’t have to be peculiar to Kumon, following the routine will help them to transition to remote learning for school as well.

Give encouragement Children might feel apprehensive as they transition to a new paradigm to learn. Getting an encouragement or reassurance that they are doing well will help to build confidence in our children and help to ease their anxiety as they transition to remote learning.

Communicate with your Instructor Share any thoughts or feedback about your child’s remote learning experience, any habits that you might have noticed from your Instructor.

10 Potential Malaysia

Jan - Jun 2022

11

The Origins of the Kumon Method

After more than half a century, his philosophy still continues to help many children develop the ability to reach for their goals and dreams.

Kumon offers learning opportunities in more than 50 different countries and regions around the world.

Handmade materials created

by Toru Kumon for his son (Takeshi) in 1954.

Toru Kumon (Founder of the Kumon Method)