Potential 2017 - Singapore (Issue 2 - Jul to Dec 2017)

JUL – DEC 2017 Australia • Brunei • Cambodia • India • Indonesia • Malaysia • Myanmar • New Zealand • Philippines • Singapore • Sri Lanka • Thailand • Vietnam

My Life, My Dream Jason Bunawan | The Yeo family

The Value of Learning from Students

Local News

ASHR 2016-2017 National Reading Movement 2017

Parenting Tips

How to Create a Study Routine

CONTENTS MY LIFE, MY DREAM 03 Interview Jason Bunawan Harjanto 04 Interview The Yeo family

Dear Parents, I hope that you and your children have had a good first half of the year and a fruitful June school holidays. In the next few months ahead, we look forward to celebrating the achievements of our students who have qualified for the Advanced Student Honour Roll (ASHR) and students who have completed the Kumon Mathematics and/or Language Programmes.

From July to September, look forward to celebrating your children’s achievements at ASHR ceremonies conducted at your children’s Kumon Centres. Come 23 September, the Advanced Students Forum (ASF) will be held for students who are 5 years ahead of the Kumon International Standard (KIS) and for Completers of the Kumon programmes. Do keep a lookout for when registration for ASF opens and join us in commemorating all our awardees.

Featured in this issue of Potential are Jason Bunawan and the Yeo family; consisting of Jasper, Kathleen and Lydia. Hear from them on how they manage multi-subject study in Kumon, their progress and development thus far and their goals for the future.

Happy Reading!

Han PR & Marketing, Kumon Singapore Tel: +65 6232 5855 Fax: +65 6232 5822/33 E-mail: sg-kaoweb@kumonglobal.com Website: sg.kumonglobal.com INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY NOTICE 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. © 2017 Kumon Asia & Oceania Pte Ltd. All rights reserved.

FEATURE 06 Instructors’ Quotes 08 Regional Article The Value of Learning from Students

REGULARS 10 Local News 11 Parenting Tips How to Create a Study Routine

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E-mail: sg-kaoweb@kumonglobal.com

MY LIFE, MY DREAM Within six months of enrolment in Kumon, his family was delighted by the changes in Jason. Besides building his attention, Jason’s mother noticed that he has shown more initiative in doing his homework. “He knows that he has homework to do every day, without the need for me to remind him and supervise him.”

Soon, his younger sister caught on the wave as well.

Jason’s mother recalled, “She would approach her brother whenever he was doing his homework.” She became motivated and wanted to be like Jason. She was then enrolled into Kumon too.

Jason Bunawan Harjanto 6 year old (Primary 1) Learning level: Maths D130 (Division by 2-Digit Numbers 5) English CI 90 (Expressions of Language)

Meet the young ambitious boy Jason Bunawan Harjanto is six years old. He is a high-spirited boy with ambition. When asked about his study goal, Jason replied with a smile as bright as the sparkle in his eyes, “I am aiming for five years in advanced.” Jason is currently three years advanced in the Mathematics Programme and is aiming to be five years advanced in his studies.

In July 2014, Jason’s mother, Ms Sulistia enrolled him in Kumon - at the tender age of three. Like most, if not all parents, she wanted her child to pick up necessary life skills, be prepared for school and advance his learning capabilities. Over the next three years, he took on the challenges of the Kumon Mathematics and English Language Programmes.

Discovering the change with a domino effect Few pre-schoolers can sit still for extended length of time. At three years old, Jason had limited attention span. Ms Sulistia recounted the early months at Kumon, “He could not sit still for long and I had to sit with him to do his homework.”

Developing his abilities from multi-subject When Ms Sulistia brought home a Mathematics assessment book recommended by her friend, she realised Jason could not solve the problem sums.

English Language and Mathematics share equal billing today, and it is essential to acquire the language comprehension skills. With better comprehension, students can solve problem sums more easily and quickly. Increased reading is the key to improving a child’s language comprehension skills.

At first, she was concerned how Jason would manage the additional subject of English. “Initially, I was worried that he would feel stressed due to his packed schedule with both school and Kumon homework.”

Furthermore, she felt that boys usually do not like to read. But she decided that it was neccessary as she knew the significance of learning English. “If he did not comprehend the question and was merely using a certain technique to solve a problem sum, he might have more trouble with Mathematics and other subjects later on in his learning journey.”

With that, Jason enrolled in the English Language Programme in August 2015. With the encouragement and continued support from his parents and the guidance provided by his instructor, he gradually showed that he is able to comprehend the problem sums and solve the questions by himself.

Getting support from parents Ms Sulistia shared that Jason’s learning journey is not always smooth. “Sometimes, Jason does not want to do his homework when he faced a difficult question. We will advise him to choose the easiest subject to start first. We will also let Jason take a breather in between his homework. Jason is ambitious and he knows what he wants. We will continue to support him, motivate him and realise his goal together.”

The greatest gift parents can give their children is to be involved in their learning. Proper guidance, words of appreciation, praise and encouragement given to children in a timely manner will further motivate them to work towards their goals.

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The Future Belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams…

Managing Multi-Subject Learning in the Family Jasper Yeo joined Kumon in Kindergarten 2 when his parents, Ms Sabrina and Mr Yeo, wanted to prepare him for primary school. They had wanted to get Jasper accustomed to doing homework on a regular basis. Gradually, they began to see Jasper’s potential in both English and Mathematics.

He surpassed their expectations and performed in spelling and solving equations.

“He could do equations and was able to spell difficult words without batting an eyelid” Sabrina shared.

That he could do so in a few seconds per worksheet page further impressed Jasper’s parents.

Jasper Yeo

9 years old (Primary 4) Learning level: Maths G 40 (Positive and Negative Numbers 2), English FI 150 (Requirements of Question)

Kathleen Yeo

“How can her mind be thinking of a song, singing it out loud while working out Maths problems at the same time, in mere seconds?” revealed Sabrina.

7 years old (Primary 2) Learning level: Maths D 120 (Division by 2-Digit Numbers 4), English DII 120 (Paragraph Development)

Youngest sister, Lydia, wanted to join both her siblings in doing Kumon programmes and enrolled at the end of Kindergarten 1. Lydia is doing her Kumon study steadily, advancing at her own pace. Her father, Mr Yeo believes that Kumon study would provide a good platform to develop Lydia; who is entering Primary School next year.

Lydia Yeo

Daily practice is a must in education. You must put in the effort before you can really learn and progress further.

5 years old (Kindergarten 2) Learning level: Maths A 160 (Subtraction 8), English 4A 90 (Familiar Letter Combinations)

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Younger sister, Kathleen, saw Jasper doing his daily Kumon study and wanted to do the same. She enrolled while she was in Kindergarten 1.

Sabrina observed an improvement in her daughter’s language ability.

She had thought Mathematics would be Kathleen’s weaker subject but was proved wrong one day when Kathleen managed to solve her Maths worksheet questions while singing songs at the same time.

Mr Yeo and Sabrina saw that their children’s potential could grow even more with Kumon. Once the siblings were accustomed to the routine of daily study, the English Programme was introduced to them.

MY LIFE, MY DREAM

“We do not place pressure on them to score top marks. Life is not only about studies and academic results. Playtime is important for children to grow, interact and socialise.”

– Mr Yeo and Sabrina “They were quite excited when they signed up for the English Programme. After a few weeks, they grew quite reluctant as it meant having to do extra work.” said Sabrina.

A transition period was required for them to develop the routine and discipline of putting aside additional time to complete both subjects’ workload.

Sabrina explained, “Children always find that their workload is too much; from the first time they started, even until now. As parents, we regularly review whether the worksheets are too much or if our children’s ability is too low compared to the worksheets they were given.”

“Some days, it gets stressful and there will be some temper tantrums. They will ask to be taken out of Kumon. I believe most kids will go through the same process.”

Sabrina further elaborated, “As parents, we always monitor and encourage our children. We find ways to show them that they can do it and things are not as difficult as they may seem. For example, we urge them to do their Kumon worksheets in the morning when

they are fresh, rather than in the night.”

“With our encouragement, they realise they can actually do it.

They don’t admit it but quietly acknowledge their accomplishment and move on.”

Kumon allows them to realise their potential and progress according to their personal ability - instead of the confines of their academic level.

Jasper and Kathleen have already achieved advanced study in both English and Mathematics. As a result, this has helped them perform well in school. Since they have acquired a higher level of understanding for both subjects, their interest in the subjects grew as well. Both siblings are avid readers and their parents credit Kumon for helping develop their reading ability and interest.

“Jasper loves reading the Harry Potter series and he is able to appreciate the story and imagination within the books.”

Sabrina revealed.

become more responsible and even managed his money and savings better. Jasper came up with his own idea of dividing his savings into two funds; one for his use as he grew up and the other for use during school fairs or fund-raising events.

Parents are strong pillars of support.

Mr Yeo and Sabrina strongly believe in allowing their children to do what they love most, without any pressure. They know that since their children are at an advanced level in Kumon, they can excel in school.

For them, results may be important but they are not everything.

“We do not place pressure on them to score top marks. Life is not only about studies and academic results. Playtime is important for children to grow, interact and socialise.”

Both parents find that guidance and encouragement is essential to help manage their children’s progress in both school and Kumon.

Aside from the academic front, Mr Yeo shared that Jasper had

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FEATURE

Instructors’ Quotes

It’s the other joy that you get, when students come into your centre after school saying “We only started simultaneous equations today and yet I did that with you six months ago, and guess what? I was the first one to finish!” That’s a joy, and that’s what we want. We want the student’s themselves to see that school is becoming easier because of what we’re doing on a daily basis.

- Ms Femidah Wahid, Kumon Dehiwala Centre (Kumon India & Sri Lanka)

- Ms Jaymi, Kumon Cottesloe Education Centre (Kumon Austrlia & New Zealand)

In a technologically driven world, where young minds are heavily influenced by their mobile devices, we at Kumon strive to upkeep the ability of a child to “THINK’’. Whilst breaking the existing taboos of dependency in children in a culturally unique nation, we aim to foster independence at a very tender age, ensuring that children are able to progress smoothly while self-learning. As Instructors, our challenge lies in grooming sound individuals with the “I CAN DO IT” attitude, for if you can dream it, you can do it!

Children’s potential is unlimited. Studying beyond school grade level allows children to maximize their true potential and at the same time children will grow more confidence through facing the hardest times in their life.

Studying beyond school grade level allows children to learn something new through the systematic and small-step worksheets, and pushes them to acquire analytical thinking through self-learning.

If children are regularly trained by the worksheets and given appropriate repetitions, their brain will recognize the worksheet and learn from every problem showing in the worksheet. Their ability in math and English is built through continuous worksheet training, therefore they can memorize better. Through repetition children master the material given in the worksheet.

Kumon is amazingly designed so, not only can children do the worksheet, but they build their discipline by daily study. By doing and training through worksheets every day, their study habit can lead them to a better life.

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- Ibu Titik (Kumon Indonesia)

FEATURE

Advanced study through self-learning is the true value of Kumon learning in which I witnessed my advanced students gained high academic abilities not only in maths or English but other subjects as well. They are the ones whom the school teachers see outwit other school students in terms of their sharp learning skills and deep analytical thinking skills.

In my past 15 years of experience as a Kumon Instructor, I enjoy nurturing pre-schoolers (4 years – 6 years old) who can self-learn easily at their own pace with Kumon advanced study material. Despite the difficulties and challenges they faced in learning content that are yet to teach in school, they are willing to try on their own to understand and gain a high self-confidence to do more. Kumon advanced pre-schoolers - Ms Jaclyn Lim Lai Fong are equipped with high learning skills ever ready to step into their new (Kumon Malaysia) phase of school life.

- Ms Grace Quijano Iligan Learning Center (Kumon Philippines)

Only when students are advanced and are able to walk and do things independently will they truly appreciate the value of each fall, each attempt at walking, and each failed step. They need to be able to advance on their own, with us by their side to encourage and cheer them on. Advancement is not an option. It is necessary. It is each child’s destiny.

I tell my students, “give it a try first, see how the worksheet is guiding you.” I’d like to instil in my students the ability to learn from the worksheets and in the process, build up their confidence and become independent self-learners.

- Ms Sirirat Toysuwan Suratthani (Rajutid Rd., Soi GSB) Center (Kumon Thailand)

- Mr Koh Jun Jie, Great World City Centre (Kumon Singapore)

The Kumon method is the most natural way to develop students to be able to apply the ability they’ve gained unknowingly in their daily study. The Kumon worksheet plays an essential role to help students progress by themselves without having to wait for someone to teach. More importantly, students will have a chance to solve problems which they might previously think that they could not solve. This will lead them to find their own ability which is very important to nurture good study habit and positive learning attitude.

Becoming a Kumon Instructor makes me feel so proud to see the smiles of each student. Especially when they come tell me that they could do it, I felt so happy with their achievements and so grateful to be a part of nurturing more capable people for society in the future.

As a Kumon Instructor, I am frequently asked about the necessity of studying beyond school grade level and whether advanced learning is beyond the students’ ability. I have many students who are studying two or three or even five years ahead of their peers. Besides visible learning outcomes such as excellent performance in Maths and opportunities to explore advanced concepts, there are lifelong benefits of studying beyond school grade level. Increased confidence, the will to learn and advance further, a challenging spirit and perseverance are unique values of Kumon that I am proud to foster in my students. It’s not only about Math.

- Ms Bui Thi Be Ha (Kumon Vietnam) 7

FEATURE

The Value of Learning from Students

“It is not the child who is at fault” – These are the words of Toru Kumon that resonate strongly with Kumon Instructors all over the world.

Indeed, the core fundamental of the Kumon Method is that we believe it is never the children who are at fault if they are unable to complete the worksheets or if they lose interest.

Why do children become disillusioned?

Often, children fall out of love with learning because of the frustration that comes from not being given the “just-right” worksheets. However, at Kumon, we believe the student is not entirely to blame as the materials provided may be overly challenging for the student. When students are expected to perform significantly beyond their current ability, they can quickly lose interest in the work.

So, how do we keep them interested?

Instructors ensure that the children are given the “just-right” worksheets and instructions to fuel their interest for learning. When given worksheets and instructions that are “just-right”, children will be able to self-learn from the hints to complete the worksheets given. The key of providing just right instructions lies in continuously learning from the children.

Yes, Kumon learns from children.

Speaking to Instructors from time to time, Toru Kumon had this to say to ensure that Instructors and Kumon staff never forget the importance of learning from children, “Excellent Instructors are those who improve their instruction compared to the previous year. This is because if Instructors carefully observe the way their students study for a year, they will certainly learn a lot from them.”

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How to learn from children?

Our Instructors do this through a number of ways, including observation of study behaviours and learning attitudes, observation of students doing worksheets, assessment of completed worksheets, assessment of study records based on the Instructor’s projection and study goals, talking with parents and students etc. A child that is given the right learning materials should feel excited to take on the work given. Each of these aspects will help Instructors understand more about each individual child.

Study behavior and attitude allows the Instructors to observe if a student is conscientious and motivated towards learning. Observation of students doing worksheets and assessment of completed worksheets shows the student’s current ability. Typically students will demonstrate their current ability through the way they attempt the questions and the way they write the answers. Self-correcting their mistakes is an important step to building up their correction skill in the first place.

Through talking to the students and parents, Instructors can understand children’s motivation to reach progress goals and their attitude towards learning. The Instructors can also understand more about their learning environment at home and what the children are like when studying at home.

Considering all factors, the innate and acquired attitudes and learning abilities of each child will manifest themselves to the Instructors, who will in turn be able to provide the “just-right” instructions to the students, such that it is neither too easy nor too difficult for the students to complete the worksheets to keep them interested and motivated to learn.

As parents, how can we help?

In the learning journey of our children, parents play an important role from providing an environment that is conducive for studies, to observing the children at home.

Ideally, children should be able to study in an environment that is free from distraction, as things like television distracts to the children and keeps them from concentrating on the tasks on hand.

Parents can inform the Instructor of the child’s behavior when studying at home as well their school grades, reading habits, interests and other special talents. This information will help Instructors understand the points that they are unable to observe when the child is not in the Centre, in order to get a clearer picture of the student’s attitude towards learning and ultimately providing worksheets and instructions that are “just-right” for the student.

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LOCAL NEWS

ASHR & ASF 2017 From July to September, we celebrate the achievements of our students who have qualified for the Advanced Student Honour Roll (ASHR) and students who have completed the Kumon Mathematics and/or Language Programmes. In recognition of our students’ achievements, there will be ASHR ceremonies organised by your Kumon Centres for students who are 6 months, 2 years or 3 years ahead of their school grade level. On 23 September, the Advanced Students Forum (ASF) will be held for students who are 5 years ahead of the Kumon International Standard (KIS) and for Completers of the Kumon Programmes. Join us in commemorating all our awardees.

National Reading Movement 2017 We are into the second month of the National Reading Movement. Find out what activities we have installed at several of our Centres through our Facebook page – KumonSingaporeOfficial.

The National Reading Movement is a 5-year campaign by the National Library Board (NLB) to encourage all to Read More, Read Widely and Read Together. NLB will be running programmes to engage adults and children alike to read, promote reading in mother tongue languages and collaborate with the community to build a vibrant reading culture in Singapore.

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PARENTING TIPS

#1 Involve your child By allowing your child to be involved in planning their Kumon time, they can feel more motivated to stick to it. They will also learn to take responsibility for their decisions.

How to Create a Study Routine

#2

Access the subject that your child has more difficulty with and allocate sufficient time for them to learn at their own pace.

To fuel their interest, allocate more time for them to indulge in the subject they enjoy more.

For example, if your child loves English, reward them with time for a good read after they have completed their work.

With Kumon’s aim of developing children into selfreliant and independent learners, it is important to help to enjoy a daily study habit.

Here are our tips to get your child into a study habit that runs like clockwork.

#3

Set milestones

Set realistic and achievable milestones for your child. Ideally, they should be working towards the little milestones set for them.

These goals can be adjusted as they become more proficient in their school work, moving on to a higher level in Kumon.

#5 Make a timetable After considering all the above points, the next thing is to prepare a weekly timetable, taking Kumon classes, homework and co-curricular activities into consideration. The timetable should ideally include bed time and meal times, and should be followed closely as much as possible.

Not only does following a prescribed timetable help the child to learn time management and discipline, it also prevents the child from developing a habit of procrastination.

Set study goals

#4 Allocate time for leisure Just as adults treasure worklife balance, children need time for leisure and recreation too.

Set aside time for play and other interests such as piano, swimming, drawing or martial arts. By giving your child time to play and to pursue their interests after completing their homework, they will feel motivated to be more efficient in doing their work.

#6 Consider rewards If your child has made the effort to follow the timetable as closely as possible, or if they have hit a milestone, consider giving them small rewards like a treat in their favourite restaurant or little gifts. This will show them that you appreciate their efforts and motivate them to continue working hard.

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