Kumon Philippines - Potential 2023 Issue 2

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JULY - DECEMBER 2023

David Zhang Kumon Completer

July - December 2023

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Editor’s Note One of the main benefits of the Kumon Method of Learning is developing good study habits. With students answering their assigned worksheets every day (be it in the Center or at home), the routine of completing a set of worksheets is instilled in order to develop the needed skills in math and reading, and to inculcate the importance of a daily study habit. This allows students to become disciplined, responsible and ready for the rigors and challenges in school and beyond.

Our featured stories share how they have benefited from Kumon, specifically how good study habits paved the way for them to become successful in school and life.

David Zhang, our featured Completer, shares how the Kumon Math and Reading Programs allowed him to reap the fruits of his labor and prepared him for a great future. As for Dra. Nikki Panganiban, she shares how their family enjoys the benefits of good study routine even if each of her four children experienced the method in different ways.

We hope these stories inspire you to provide your child with the opportunity to develop good and healthy study habits with Kumon!

Happy reading!

Love, Potential Editorial Team Kumon Philippines

Contents Preparing for a Good Future

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A Different Kumon Experience Each Time

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The far-reaching benefits of a good study habit

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Instructors’ Quotes

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Work together with our children – 5 ways to foster good study habits

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PREPARING FOR A GOOD FUTURE For most students, Kumon is a program that helps them become a better student in math and reading. For David Zhang, Kumon was a program that supplemented his kindergarten and elementary school education (which was more focused on character development) and was an activity that became a hobby he enjoyed doing.

He enrolled in the Math Program at the young age of six and was drawn to the program with his fascination for numbers and solving problems. It took a few months for him to become more accustomed to the self-learning model of Kumon. In fact, he remembers how he developed the ability to learn independently through cycles of worksheet repetition that helped him develop mastery and a solid foundation of basic and essential skills.

Now, David can confidently say that Kumon has been one of the factors that has led him to where he is today – High School Valedictorian and a Harvard College 2023 graduate with a degree in Applied Mathematics.

How did you manage your time between Kumon and your other activities?

I likely had an easier journey than many other students because I started Kumon at a young age.

Having completed Math by grade three and Reading by grade six, there were relatively few conflicts between Kumon and my other activities. It did become more difficult to balance in fifth and sixth grade, but by then Kumon had become a part of my routine.

What were your challenges in your Kumon study? How did you overcome them?

One of the main challenges was maintaining the focus and drive to complete worksheets well amidst plentiful distraction. The problem was exacerbated by worksheet repetition (due to my low accuracy on previous iterations) that further sapped motivation due to lack of novelty. I overcame this quagmire after being inspired by other students who rapidly passed those worksheets by being diligent the first time around.

Were there instances that made you quit?

It never got close to the point of quitting. However, about a year into my Kumon Math experience, I was having difficulty maintaining sufficient accuracy with my multiplication and division worksheets, which led me to get stuck and lose the motivation to progress for a while.

How did Kumon help you in school? In your chosen course/ career?

Receiving exposure to more advanced topics helped me understand the purpose of many skills taught in school, and it helped me to perform better when being introduced to them the second time around.

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Math is essential to any career/course in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), so building a solid foundation through Kumon Math was very helpful.

Also, developing self-learning in Kumon was essential to me becoming better at aspects that interest me. In a way, mastering self-learning gave me the ability to choose the path I want in life.

Kumon had given me a confidence that I did not have prior to joining, and this confidence has allowed me to pursue dreams that I had not dared to dream.

How did developing good study habits in your Kumon study develop/change you? What positive changes/developments did you notice in yourself?

One key change would be my desire to not waste time. Prior to Kumon, I often would not care to waste hours each week waiting aimlessly, but I now have an urge to not spend the time unproductively. I would often bring a book or Kumon worksheets with me to make the most of those waiting times and that mentality has carried with me since.

How did your parents support you?

They have been instrumental in this journey. In addition to introducing me to Kumon, my father quizzed me with brain teasers along our walks which helped reinforce many of the topics I’ve learned. My mother had provided tireless emotional and logistical support throughout the journey, and I am immensely grateful to both.

What is your most significant learning from your Kumon journey?

My most significant learning is that preparation and focusing on self-improvement can pay dividends in life for much longer than anticipated. As an elementary school student starting out in Kumon, I could not have imagined the benefits the small investment each day was about to bring.

What advice can you give to current Kumon students who are experiencing difficulties and who dream of completing the program?

Whether it’s Math or Reading, the skills you obtain through Kumon will be necessary/highly useful for most careers that you would like to pursue. So, acquire them now when you have the time, because you never know what the future holds. Completion is not necessary but it’s great sign to your future self of the perseverance you are capable of.

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A Different Kumon Experience Each Time

How Kumon made me discover my children’s individual learning abilities and styles

By Dra. Nikki Panganiban, mother of Raphael Vincent, Althea Marie, Arianna Isabelle and Sebastian Antonio In our modern world of instant everything (hungry? food delivery! questions? Google! No need to wait for snail mail, for pictures to develop, for grass to grow. No need to wait for anything!), it’s easy for people to become impatient, intolerant, and lazy. I didn’t want my kids to grow up like that.

My children were doing well enough in school and getting good grades, but their study habits had a lot of room for improvement. I read about how Kumon can teach them the value of discipline, patience, and perseverance, and that was our main reason for enrolling them. We also liked the idea of having them learn advanced math topics in the hope that this would give them more confidence in the subject, which I personally struggled with when I was a student myself.

My Experience with My 3 Elder Children My four children had different degrees of success in Kumon.

My eldest, Raphael Vincent, who was already in grade 7 in a science high school when he started in Kumon, couldn’t make it work. He had a hard time doing his worksheets on top of adjusting to the hectic schedule and requirements of a science school, compounded by the fact that he had a long commute to and from school daily. Also, his beginning Kumon level was way below what they were studying in class, and given their advanced math courses in his school, it seemed unlikely that it would ever catch up to be helpful to him academically. After trying to keep at it for more than two years, we agreed that it was probably best for his physical and mental health to have more time to catch up on his rest and schoolwork.

My daughters, Althea Marie and Arianna Isabelle, were more successful, having completed their last level in Kumon a year ago; but it wasn’t all smooth sailing either. While they started while they were still in elementary, they didn’t finish until they were well into high school. Kumon did help them get better grades in their math subjects in school, but there were times when they asked for a timeout from doing Kumon when they became overwhelmed by the number of things they had to do (they were both in science high schools, too). Upon careful consideration and with their Kumon teacher’s guidance, there were a few months when they took a break from Kumon.

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Once their schedules became more manageable, they then went back to Kumon and picked up where they left off. There were times when they would get frustrated with the worksheets and when they couldn’t understand how to do it despite checking the workbook and asking their teacher. I just encouraged them to keep at it and told them that they will figure it out since the Kumon worksheets have been tried and tested by thousands of students before them.

Several times, they wanted to quit already because they were tackling more advanced math in school and so in that aspect, Kumon wasn’t giving them the “advanced skills” advantage anymore. I reasoned that the act of solving equations regularly is still helpful as exercise for their brain. Plus, they only had a few levels left before becoming a Completer, so wouldn’t that be an accomplishment to be proud of? I let them decide for themselves, and thankfully, despite the grumbling and complaints, and numerous stops and starts, they managed to finish their Level O worksheets before graduating from high school.

My Experience with My Youngest Child My youngest, Sebastian Antonio, is the only one who is still doing Kumon at this time. Our challenge with him is that he wants to do all the worksheet in one sitting, because he claims it is easier for him to do it this way. We remind him that there is a reason why Kumon instructs you to follow a daily schedule for your worksheets, specifically to teach you to be consistent and regular in your study habits.

Another unexpected effect of learning advanced math for him was that he became bored in his regular math class in school. We encourage him to still try to pay attention because he may still learn something new despite being already familiar with the topic. Despite his advanced level in Kumon, doing his worksheets is sometimes still a burden to him especially when he would rather be playing. I try to balance being strict with being understanding about how and when he does his worksheets, knowing that he is still a kid at heart. I think a big part that is pushing him to reach Level O faster is the knowledge that I will finally stop needling him about his Kumon worksheets once he is a Completer!

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The far-reaching benefits of a good study habit At Kumon, we believe that one of the keys towards academic achievement is developing good study habits.

To develop a such a habit through Kumon, your children start with worksheets that are easy for them — so easy that they can complete a high volume of worksheets with a near perfect score, with speed and concentration. At Kumon, we refer to this as work skills. Confident that they can do the worksheets on their own, your children will be enthusiastic to do more. Their concentration will expand and a daily study habit then forms.

Furthermore, throughout their program, your children will practice each topic a number of times when needed. This helps them decrease the number of errors, reduce completion time, review an earlier topic, or consolidate something new before they move on. The right amount of practice and a daily study habit (ideally no more than 30 minutes per subject per day) prepares your children for higher levels and lays the foundation for smooth progress.

Establishing a good study habit also allows knowledge to be retained in the long term and provides a confidence boost for your children, as they know that they are prepared for the task ahead. Time management is a key component and benefit of developing a good study habit. At Kumon, your children are encouraged to follow a routine to ensure daily completion of their worksheets.

But what does a good study habit look like? Below are some tips which we hope that parents will find helpful when supporting your children’s Kumon home study:

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Avoid cramming whenever possible Putting off studying can result in anxiety. Trying to cram a school year’s worth of content or a whole week’s Kumon worksheets into a single study session can be overwhelming. Instead of cramming, it is more effective to spread it out into regular, shorter study periods. This is what we practice in Kumon. It means that your children will have a better rest before the exam or Kumon class. This improves their concentration.

Plan when to study Some children study better in the mornings, while others find the evenings to be more conducive. We gently advise parents to sit down with your children and plan for a time to study daily, working around everyone’s schedule to find the best time.

Study at the same time each day Maintaining a consistent daily study time helps to create a regular study routine.

When your children study at the same time every day, they are mentally and emotionally more prepared for each study session, and in time develops into a habit.

This will also improve time management and self-discipline.

Allow your children to start studying their preferred subject first There may be days when your child will prefer to start with the more difficult subject, and other days where they decide to start with their favorite subject or the content that they find easier. The key is to continue positively motivating your children throughout each study session and help them feel more motivated or confident.

Minimize distractions Creating a dedicated spot for your children to study can be an important first step in keeping them focused on studying. We recommend that all their stationery is within reach, and to turn off the television and other distractions.

Review previous learning Before your children start study new content, it might be more effective to review their previous day’s concepts and work on any corrections to help consolidate their learning, and also to remember important learning points and concepts.

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Instructors’ Quotes In Kumon, the right amount of practice and a consistent, daily study habit – ideally no more than 30 minutes per subject per day – prepares your children for higher levels and lays the foundation for smooth progress. To learn more about the importance of good study habits in Kumon Mathematics and Reading, read these insights from Instructors across the Asia-Oceania region.

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Developing Good Study Habits in Kumon Kumon students learn early on that developing good study habits is very important. It is so significant in Kumon that we even make a deliberate effort to let our students begin their Kumon journey with an easy starting point. In this way, we are also able to help parents create a good study schedule for their children at home.

The Kumon study time should be set as a regular schedule at home, perhaps similar to their Kumon class schedule. When the schedule is easy for the parents to remember, then it will be easy for the student to follow. And when it is easy for students to follow, then it eventually becomes a daily routine. This cycle of maintaining consistent efforts at developing good study habits will undoubtedly lead to a student’s success in school, and later in life.

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Teacher Lilit Salazar, Kumon Philippines

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I believe that to build good study habits in students, we must start early. The key is learning how to study smarter, not harder.

This takes cooperation with students and parents who must be willing to follow the Kumon Method, starting from small things such as sitting posture, hand position, how to hold a pencil, among others. This takes time and students should become accustomed to a routine. Lastly, the most important thing is that children learn with pleasure.

Melly Tjowasi, Kumon Indonesia

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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 instilled from the beginning, they have had a strong start.

Alex Teo, Kumon Australia and New Zealand

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As an Instructor, I always make sure students are given worksheets at the just-right level for their abilities and motivate them to study every day. At Kumon, studying every day not only helps students practise perseverance and increase concentration, but is also the beginning of self-study.

From there, students will make small but steady progress. This will be a solid foundation for them in the future, helping them successfully conquer their dreams.

Luu Nguyen Phuong Trang, Kumon Vietnam

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Work together with our children – 5 ways to foster good study habits Study habits don’t come naturally to our children. However, it is essential for our children to have good study habits, so what should we as parents do? Instead of prescribing what to do, here are five ways we can work together with our children to foster good study habits.

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Help our children identify distractions Distractions come in many forms. It could be siblings, screens and sound from the screen devices, or toys. Survey your home on where to set-up a feasible study area. Then identify what are the possible distractions and work together to minimize or remove the distractions. For example, keeping the doors closed, temporarily removing some toys etc.

Create an effective study space with our children The ideal study space is a room with zero distraction and ample lighting, but in reality, that is not always possible. What we can do instead is to guide our children to make their study space more productive.

Set up a study area that is not in the middle of too much distractions, and explain to our children why this might be ideal. You might also put a pencil case or a pen holder to keep all the stationery handy.

Help our children see the value in studying Our children might not see why they are working on worksheets on addition. As parents, we can help them see the value in this. For example, on a trip to the supermarket, ask them how many fruits will you have if you bought four apples and five oranges, or how much would the cost of the fruits add up. Then explain that they are able to solve these real-world problems because they have done this in their Kumon worksheets. Over time, they might start to appreciate what they are studying and be more focussed on their homework.

Prioritize with our children Our children may not always want to start with the same subject daily. On certain days when you notice that they might be lacking in motivation, ask them if they want to start with their favourite subject and they might find their motivation back while working through their favourite subjects. On other days when our children seem more motivated, you might want to see if they might prefer to start with a more difficult subject while they are still feeling fresh.

Work together with our children Show our children that they are not alone. While they are working on their homework, read a book, do crossword puzzles or Sudoku and let them see that we are also doing “homework”. When they see us working together, they might feel more motivated.

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