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JANuary - JunE 2021
KUMON feature Self-learning In A Fast Changing World
parenting tips
How to support your child’s learning at home?
my life, my dream Jayden Neo Appetite for Learning Dk. Zahra Afiqah binti Pg. Salidin Playful Vibrancy with a ‘Kumon Skillset’
editor’s Note Dear Readers, Welcome to 2021 with Kumon. With all that had happened in the country and around the world last year, we hope that the situation will improve for everyone to remain safe and healthy. 2020 brought about many challenges and we were heartened to see Kumon students showing resilience, confidence and independence in striving to learn and progress amidst the uncertainties. Many Kumon parents also shared about the life skills and capabilities they have seen their children display while learning from home. Even the little ones thrived in a hybrid learning environment! Here at Kumon Brunei, we would like to thank all Kumon families for the support and teamwork in developing all our students to their fullest potential, hand in hand. We are truly delighted to see our students adapt and thrive and are confident that they will continue achieving greater heights this year and beyond. In this issue of Potential, we hear from 2 preschoolers; 6-year-old Jayden, a double-subject student and 5-yearold Zahra, a Mathematics student, on their Kumon journey thus far and how they managed their Kumon study during the COVID-19 pandemic. During last year’s ASHR ceremonies, we saw a 23.8% increase in the number of awardees. This is a continuing, steady trend of students accomplishing studying beyond their current school grade level. We are definitely looking forward to the next time where we can celebrate the achievements of our students together. Do follow us on Kumon Brunei’s official Instagram - @Kumon.bn for the latest updates and information. Also, download our first WhatsApp sticker pack via https://whatsticker.online/p/372811zyHU7st/SG. All the best in the year ahead. Han
ON THE COVER Jan- Jun 2021 Zahara
Contents
PR & Marketing, Kumon Singapore & Brunei
My Life, My Dream 03 Appetite for Learning 04
Scan the QR code to find out more
and download the softcopy.
Jayden Neo
Playful Vibrancy with a ‘Kumon Skillset’ Dk. Zahra Afiqah binti Pg. Salidin
Features
06 Regional Article
Self-learning in a fast changing world
08 Instructors’ Quotes Have something to say? Feel free to send us your thoughts on the newsletter! Tel: +65 6232 5855 Fax: +65 6232 5822/33 E-mail: sg-kaoweb@kumonglobal.com Website: bn.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. © 2021 Kumon Asia & Oceania Pte Ltd. All rights reserved.
Regulars 10
Local News
11
Parenting Tips
Advanced Students Honour Roll (ASHR) 2020
How to support your child’s learning at home?
My life, my dream
S
ix-year old Jayden loves swimming and a good book before going to bed every night. Kumon was the first classroom experience for Jayden when he enrolled before turning four, and before starting formal school. His mother, Emily, had heard a lot of positive
feedback about Kumon from friends and acquaintances prior to enrolling Jayden in the English Programme. When he first started Kumon, Jayden was very curious and wanted to know more. His curiosity and appetite for learning new topics meant that there were no initial challenges for both mother and son. Within the first few months, Emily noticed the progress Jayden was making. “He went from being unable to recognise words to being able to read a whole passage of a story, and come up with the answer to the Comprehension section all on his own,” shared Emily. Emily was surprised when five months into the English Programme, Jayden came home one day and asked her to let him start on the Mathematics Programme. Jayden shared his thoughts on the Kumon worksheets, “They were easy at first but now, it is getting more challenging in both Maths and English. For Maths worksheets, I find it challenging when I start learning a new topic but once I know how to do it, it becomes easy.” “I find English more difficult. If I don’t know the meaning of a word, it becomes difficult for me to continue with the worksheet. I will either get help from my guardian or I will remember the words and ask my Instructor when I get to the centre,” he further added. Jayden’s favourite level in the English worksheets is Level CII, with his favourite stories being ‘The Lighthouse Keeper’ and ‘Horrid Henry’. “I always say school work is for babies,” revealed Jayden. This sentiment was echoed by his mother, who shared that Jayden finishes his school homework quickly and his Kumon homework without fail. “Sometimes, my school teacher asks me to help my classmates. I explain to my friends on the spelling of certain words. Sometimes, I tell my friends how to find answers in some of the exercises we did in class,” shared Jayden, who achieved the top position in his class last year.
Home-based Learning Experience of the Family Even though there was a period of time where Jayden could not go to the centre and classes were carried out online, Emily could still see that Jayden made progress in his Kumon study. He could keep up with his Kumon homework and had no problems with his school work. Jayden showed that he is an independent self-learner with good initiative and discipline. During the online classes, Jayden’s Instructor encouraged him to overcome challenges and made sure he could attempt new learning topics on his own during non-class days.
Next Goals Jayden’s next goals would be to be a Kumon Completer in both Maths and English. He aspires to become an architect or interior designer so that he can build a house with a swimming pool. Jayden is ready to study hard and overcome challenges to achieve his goals.
Appetite for Learning Jayden Neo 6 years old
Student School Grade Level KG3
Subjects Enrolled in Math and English
Current Worksheet level Maths E 21, English D1 1
Starting level
Maths 5 A1, English 7 A1
Aspiration
Architect or Interior Designer
Jan - Jun 2021
3
My life, my dream
When Zahra was four, her school teacher suggested to her
Zahra’s parents revealed that her writing and Math ability
parents that she needed further guidance in Mathematics.
have improved tremendously since. She can now write
She was counting using her fingers for addition involving
her name neatly and her drawing skillset has improved
big numbers. Upon positive recommendations from
as well. Zahra can now do her worksheets without her
friends and a colleague, Zahra’s parents enrolled her in a
mother’s guidance. What thoroughly impressed Zahra’s
Kumon centre which was near their home.
parents the most was her ability to carry out mental
At that time, Zahra was in KG2 (with a very playful streak) and was unable to write properly. A self-professed singer
calculations; which they had sought to instil in their daughter.
and chatterbox, Zahra was excited to begin her Kumon
Now in KG3, Zahra shows better concentration when
journey. She revealed that she liked Maths even before
doing her homework, as compared to her previously more
joining Kumon, though only when it was easy!
playful demeanour towards homework. From her school
Adjusting to the routine of the Kumon programme took about a month, with Zahra’s parents monitoring their daughter while she did her daily Kumon homework. Zahra shared that some worksheet levels were difficult, especially when a new learning focus was introduced. However, there was nothing she could not overcome with a few rounds of practice.
work displayed outside the classroom, Zahra’s parents can see a lot of improvement in her abilities and are very happy about her progress.
Home-based Learning Experience of the Family During the COVID-19 pandemic where home-based learning had to be carried out across the country, many parents observed their children putting in practice the
“I liked the B 51 – B 61 levels because of the different styles
many skills instilled from their learning with Kumon.
of questions, which makes it a lot of fun to do,” shared
Zahra’s parents noticed that she was able to do her work
Zahra.
quickly and independently. Zahra adapted to the new learning situation smoothly as her parents had planned
4 Potential Brunei
a study timetable for her to manage between school and Kumon homework. Another positive gained was learning from Zahra’s Kumon Instructor to use the hints in the worksheets to guide Zahra along. They credited Zahra’s Kumon Instructor for making the learning transition a seamless one. “I would like to thank Zahra’s Kumon Instructor for keeping her faith in guiding my daughter to the worksheet level she is now. During the Covid-19 pandemic, she conducted online classes to ensure that my daughter and all the other students were on the right track,” shared her parents. Zahra added, “My Kumon Instructor taught me as usual while learning from home and gave the same attention to me to do my work independently. While learning Kumon at home, I got to spend time with my parents too!”
Next Goals Zahra’s next goals are to learn new Maths problems and to be able to solve them; not just in Kumon but also in school. Zahra’s parents would like to see her solve Maths problems with even more confidence and being adept in everything she does. “I want to become a doctor! I can’t think of what doctor I want to be for now but I will try to do my best in achieving my dreams,” Zahra shared gleefully.
Playful Vibrancy with a ‘Kumon Skillset’
Dk. Zahra Afiqah binti Pg. Salidin 5 years 10 months Student School Grade Level KG3 (2020)
Subjects Enrolled in Mathematics
Current Worksheet level Maths B 160
Starting level Maths 5A 1
Aspiration Doctor
Jan - Jun 2021
5
Regional Article
Self-learning for a fast-changing world The pace of change in the 21st century has been faster than it has ever been. New jobs have been created, digital adoption has also been accelerated, and as most of us have experienced, new mode of learning, working and conducting meetings. In these instances, self-learning could be one of the ways to acquire knowledge. According to the US Department of Education1 , self-learning enables the individuals to develop curiosity and willingness to try new things, view problems as challenges, desire change and take pleasure in learning. For Kumon students, self-learning is an important skill throughout their Kumon journey as the Kumon programme is designed to be a self-learning programme, without reliance on the Instructors. Working out the answers or solutions on their own is not only rewarding for our children, it also helps to solidify the learning. As children start to take ownership of their own learning, they develop confidence and motivation. More importantly, they develop the self-learning skill that will benefit them not just in Kumon, but in their future academic pursuits and professional career. Kumon founder, Toru Kumon, is a lifelong believer of the benefits of self-learning, sparked by his own experience in selflearning as a child. When he was fifth grade, his maths teacher informed the class that if they were able to learn from the textbook on their own, they could advance. He felt happy to be able to study at his own pace and did so enthusiastically. Toru Kumon later moved to Tosa Junior High School (equivalent to lower secondary) and was similarly exposed to a selflearning method, where the teacher taught only the basics and encouraged students to learn by themselves. ‘This method suited me very well. If I advanced beyond the school grade level, I would have an easy time studying in school. In addition, I didn’t like to be forced into studying or having to listen to teachers’ lectures, so an educational policy which encourages students to learn what they liked at their own pace by themselves was just right for me.’ ‘From this time forward, I began to think that all the other schools should adopt this policy of achieving the greatest result with the least amount of effort, so their students can enjoy their school life more,’ Toru Kumon wrote in his autobiography Give it a try – Yattemiyo. Toru Kumon later went on to become a maths teacher in Tosa Junior High School, where he graduated. He used his belief in self-learning in his own teaching career. He would encourage his students to learn on their own and he would take the time after school to guide his students on the additional learning that the students were taking. Such was the efficacy of the learning method that the majority of the students he helped reached high school level mathematics within a year. Children’s inherent desire to learn is what forms the central tenet of Kumon’s self-learning methodology. Instead of standing in front of the class and writing on the board, examples, explanations and hints are provided in the worksheets. Students learn from these examples and attempt the questions on their own, under the guidance of the Kumon Instructor when necessary. This learning methodology was helpful to Kumon students when many countries were lockdown during the outbreak of COVID-19. As Kumon Centres are closed for in-Centre study, students now have to complete all their assigned worksheets as homework, instead of the usual routine that they are used to. Self-learning is an important life skill and the benefits are far reaching. Kumon students have known to be able to apply this skill, beyond Kumon, in their academic pursuits, interests and in their professional career. This is the true purpose of the self-learning methodology that Toru Kumon prescribed for all Kumon students, as it helps our children beyond learning. #beyondlearning 1
https://www.tcdsb.org/schools/holyspirit/thefuture/ESDLCA/Documents/SDL%20article%201.pdf
6 Potential Brunei
Jan - Jun 2021
7
Kumon Feature
Instructors’ Quotes “
Self-learning comes from the personal desire to gain new knowledge. In Kumon Method, children learn by the examples and doing the worksheets without specifically being taught. Through doing exercises on their own students gain confidence in their studies and develop the desire to advance further. Learning becomes more purposeful for them, as well as being enjoyable, which leads to better results. Children who learn through experience find ways to work faster and more efficiently, and that involves time management, self-assessment,
Ms. Sharilla
Kumon Malaysia
and setting their own goals. These are important skills that are very much important later in their studying life and more so when they join the workforce. In fact, kids who are adapt at self-learning have more opportunities in develovping other skills and they do so by developing one particular skill set as they go along. Self-learners also possess a
“
strong commitment towards completing tasks and they stick to a plan until they achieve their goals.
8 Potential Brunei
“
Home study over the COVID-period helped me realise, even more, how effective the worksheets are for enabling children to work independently to access learning. I think it’s been exciting to see how children have really made Kumon their own while studying at home. I’ve found my students to be very focused on their studies. Zoom has also been a great opportunity for me to observe how they’re really
Ms. Kim Jarvis
focused and working incredibly well.
Kumon Australia and New Zealand
“
“
Self-learning becomes an essential skill during this pandemic period. As a Kumon instructor, it is a challenging time but also a great experience to see how the student can pick up such a skill to solve problems by themselves while doing worksheets at home. Using the worksheets as a tool to see the small steps and figure out the question is the excellent moment to develop their confidence and sense of achievement.
Ms Lena Kumon Singapore
“
“
Continuous learning is important for children to develop their academic abilities and life skills. In a pandemic, children may feel panic and overwhelmed by the uncertainties. However, change is what makes children adaptable and resilient. Kumon students are well positioned to face the challenges with their usual determination as they have been trained to study independently daily. Likewise, in
Ms Daisy Han Kumon Brunei
Kumon, we continue to adapt and develop flexible ways for children to study in this new norm. Together, we can make a difference!
“ Jan - Jun 2021
9
Local News
In the second half of 2020, we celebrated the achievements of 411 students who were studying ahead (6 months, 2 years, 3 years and 5 years) of the Kumon International Standard (KIS) at ASHR ceremonies held by their Kumon centres. This is an increase of 23.8% in the number of students studying ahead of their school grade level as compared to the year before! Along with these awardees were seven Kumon Completers; students who have fully completed at least one of the Kumon programmes, up from four Completers last year. Three Completers were from the Mathematics programme and four Completers were from the English programme. The youngest Completer, 8-year old Zakaria, was from the Mathematics programme. He was one of two Completers featured on Kumon Brunei’s ASHR website. Five of the youngest ASHR awardees were aged 4-years old; one from the English programme and four from the Mathematics programme. The five awardees were all studying 6-months ahead of their school grade level. There were four ‘5-years-ahead’ awardees, with the youngest being a Primary 2 student. The other three 5-years-ahead awardees were a Primary 3, Primary 4 and Secondary 3 student. Kumon BN WhatsApp Stickers Kumon Brunei has produced a little fun content for all Kumon students, parents and Instructors alike. Introducing our first WhatsApp stickers pack! Pack 1 contains 13 stickers to express daily Kumon moments encountered by all. Some moments are better expressed with stickers instead of words. Send a reminder for Kumon homework, give encouragement or excuse yourself for some Kumon time with these stickers. Kumon Brunei on Instagram Our official Instagram account is up and running! Follow us @kumon.bn if you have not already done so. We will be sharing stories from our students, activities, latest news, along with more interesting content in the year ahead.
Zakaria
Youngest Co
mpleter
Achievement (2019)
No. of Awards
5 Years Ahead
4
3 Years Ahead
41
3 Years Ahead
121
6 Months Ahead
245
Advanced Students Honour Roll (ASHR) 2020 10 Potential Brunei
Parenting tips
How to support your child’s learning at home? As Kumon is designed to be a home-based learning programme, they will be learning at home
most of the time. Hence at home, it is important that we help to motivate your children to keep up with their Kumon study, and stay on track of their goals. How do we, as parents, help to support your children’s learning at home?
Provide an environment that is conducive for learning
Praise and encourage your children Celebrate big and small achievements at Kumon,
Designate a time and place, ideally free of
which may include completing a set of worksheets
distraction, for your children to complete their
on their own without being told or advancing to the
Kumon homework. Getting into a routine helps
next level of the subject. You may praise them when
them to learn discipline and prevents them from
they have done well, or consider rewards such as a
developing the habit of procrastination.
nice dinner or extra time for their favourite activities.
Encourage your children to complete their work each day
Maintain good communication with your Instructor
Remind your children on the importance of
While Kumon students succeed through their own
completing their Kumon homework daily. As time
efforts, that success needs the partnership between
passes, they will develop the habit of bringing out
parents, students and Instructors to make it happen.
their Kumon homework to do at the designated time
Communication with your Instructor is an important
on their own.
cog in the wheel of success. Understanding your children’s progress will also help you to motivate them to achieve more.
Jan - Jun 2021
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)