When my elder son was about to enter Grade 1, I remember myself scouting for that perfect big school for him.   I short-listed about four schools that time which I visited each in one whole day just to observe their facilities, services and even how students interact with each other.  Call me OC but don’t we as moms, just want to make sure that we give our children quality education, for after-all, cliché as it may sound, if we’re not born rich, then “Edukasyon ang isa sa ating maipamamana sa kanila.”

My top considerations for choosing a school or a learning institution are its facilities and services.  Although my son is now enrolled in that perfect big school (for me and my budget J) and doing great in his favorite subject (Math), I still want to supplement and nourish his interest in it and to also help him improve in his Language and Reading subject. 

So recently, I visited a Kumon branch in Salcedo, Makati which is near my office, to check the following:

• Their Math and Reading Learning Program
• How they facilitate their lessons
• What teaching method do they apply
• How their students work
• Facilities and other services

In my visit, I found out that anyone at any given age, as long as the individual is still eager to learn, could enroll in their Math and Reading Programs.  Because their programs are individualized, meaning a child starts at a level most suitable to his current ability and progresses or advances as he goes on through the program.

They first assess the strengths and weaknesses of the child by giving out a diagnostic or placement test in Kumon math or the reading program.

The big circles here mean correct items, while they mark the wrong answers with almost unnoticeable ticks.  Kumon wants the child to feel that they take note of good points and not just notice the wrong ones.

When a child is assessed by the instructor, he starts answering worksheets suitable to his level both in reading and in Math.  At first, a student may be guided by an Instructor (for beginners to the Kumon Program or for the younger ones) but as he goes on, he’s expected to work by himself.

The Mathematics program has a total of 21 levels with 5 elective courses or equivalent to 4, 620 worksheets.  While their Language or Reading program, has worksheets suitable to different levels which teach hugely about comprehension and listening skills.

Reading and Math worksheets

The OC mom in me came out when I asked about their method.  I found out that the Kumon method employs the following characteristics:

1.  Individualized Learning – students learn at their own pace through worksheets carefully planned by the instructors.
2. Worksheets –each come with an example how to solve the problems for the student to follow.  This then teaches self-learning.  Students do daily assignments that take about 30 minutes per subject— in two sessions a week at the Kumon Center, and the other five at home.  Through the daily study of worksheets, the child acquires strong academic skills and solid foundations to prepare him/her for life.
3. Kumon Instructors – the Kumon instructor guides, assesses and encourages your child every step of the way.  Regular parent-child-Instructor conferences help gauge each child’s progress, goals, and motivation.

What I like about their method is that not only it develops a student’s academic abilities, but it also teaches about independence, discipline, confidence and good learning habit.

Learning about this, got me excited for my grade-schooler son who is very much interested in Math and my toddler (turning three already) who’s like a sponge for learning new things and who loves reading.  If you’ve got a toddler like mine, here’s what to expect for the younger ones at a Kumon Center:

Here’s the other good news!  This coming September, they are holding their 2-week FREE Trial of their Math and Reading programs, from Sept. 16 to 30, at any of their Kumon Centers (250 centers) nationwide.  Registration starts on August 19.  Slots are very limited so if like me, you want to want to try it first, take advantage of this offer. 

To inquire for more details, visit any of their Kumon Centers or their website: http://ph.kumonglobal.com/

Disclaimer: Some talking points in this post were suggested by sponsor.  However, the views and opinions stated herein are purely my own.