Kumon India & Sri Lanka - Potential 2020 Issue 1 by Kumon Asia & Oceania

JAN -JUN 2020

KUMON FEATURE A Strong Start Makes A Difference

PARENTING TIPS Why Reading in Early Years Counts?

MY LIFE,

MY DREAM Maanyata Siyona Abbey

Editor’s Note

ON THE COVER JAN - JUN 2020 SIYONA ABBEY

Dear Readers, In this edition, we are proud to feature the inspiring story of Siyona, whose creative imagination led to the creation of her first fictional novel. Let’s find out how Kumon fostered a positive attitude toward study and good study habits, ultimately enabling the development of Siyona’s overall abilities.

Contents

Another excellent story is that of Maanyata, who aspires to become a successful badminton player. She shares how Kumon helps her gain the academic advantage even though badminton practice takes most of her time after school.

MY LIFE, MY DREAM

In the Local News section, we share how Parents can help young children develop writing ability. It’s all about enjoying the learning process.

Right Nudge With Kumon 04 The Siyona Abbey

We look forward to delighting you in our upcoming issues with more inspiring stories of children who help us further believe in their unlimited potential.

FEATURES

Happy Reading!

Instructions Team - Kumon India & Sri Lanka

Gaining Academic Advantage Maanyata

Article 06 Regional A Strong Start Makes A Difference

Instructors’ Quotes

REGULARS

Tel: +91 11 46000787, +91 46000788 E-mail: info@kumon.co.in Website: in.kumonglobal.com

Local News Develop Writing Ability, Build SelfEsteem

Parenting Tips Why Reading In Early Years Counts?

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My life, my dream

aanyata started Kumon when she was in Nursery and soon became famous as the maths wizard. Considered by her teachers as a great orator, Maanyata opens most of the annual school ceremonies. When asked about her experience with Kumon, she had to share “from not being able to do” to “being the master” of problems. For Maanyata, Kumon is an opportunity to be advanced in maths and English. At a young age, she is already aware that the skills she will gain from the programme will allow her to not only excel in school, but also be one step closer to her dream of becoming a successful badminton player. Due to long hours of badminton coaching and regular participation in tournaments, she often misses school. Kumon helps her cope with the academic pressure at school and lets her focus on badminton.

In a candid chat with Maanyata, we got to know more about her journey with Kumon.

Q. What motivates you to continue Kumon? A. My motivation to continue Kumon is same as my motivation to become a badminton player. I want to be a champion in both. One thing that keeps me motivated in Kumon is that I have a specific goal which I strive to attain.

A. I want to be a successful badminton player. To excel in any sport we require discipline and practice. Doing Kumon worksheets regularly inculcates the same level of discipline in me. Also I’ve learned that because I did not give up during challenging moments, I worked through them instead. Maanyata’s mother talks about the benefit of enrolling her daughter in Kumon. “Kumon works at the root level

Q. How do you balance studies of a child’s potential. It offers along with badminton practice? A. Since I am studying concepts beyond my grade curriculum with Kumon, it lets me dedicate enough time for practicing badminton. I have learnt how to manage time due to which I can balance studies and extra-curricular activities.

Q. What are your future goals and how do you think Kumon can support you in achieving those?

individualised instruction to help each child develop at his or her pace. Despite being in a busy schedule, my daughter dedicates some time of her day to Kumon without being asked. With Kumon, Maanyata became very independent and confident in doing her homework all by herself. She has developed better study habits, discipline and more positive attitude towards learning. Even though she is studying content above her school grade, Kumon makes sure it is without putting any extra burden.”

GAINING ACADEMIC ADVANTAGE Maanyata, 8 years old Starting Kumon Level: • ME: Level 4A1, corresponding to Nuresery (writing numbers up to 50) • EE: Level 7A1, corresponding to Pre-nursery (repeating familiar words and sentences) Current Kumon Level: • ME: Level G100, corresponding to class 7 (four operations with positive & negative numbers, algebraic expressions, equations) • EE: Level EI, corresponding to class 5 (complex and compound sentences, conjunctions, diagramming paragraphs) 3

My life, my dream

THE RIGHT NUDGE WITH KUMON Siyona’s creative imagination led to the creation of her first fictional novel - ‘Every End Has a New Beginning’. Siyona used to love reading fairy tales and watch movies based on those stories. However, after the story would end, she couldn’t help but think about what could happen next. She would come up with possible scenarios and share them with her mother who suggested that she should write these ideas in her diary before she forgets. This started the journey of her first book. Siyona’s motivation to be the best that she can in all areas is something that she was able to focus on in Kumon. “I am motivated to stay in Kumon because it has helped me develop as a person, and I believe it will continue to help me moving forward” said Siyona. She further adds, “Kumon helped me gain skill and expertise in maths making it my favourite subject and my maths teacher’s favourite student. It has helped me become a more independent thinker in every way. Kumon teaches you how to teach yourself to be self-sufficient and that is completely invaluable.”. 4

Having been enrolled in Kumon for more than 4 years, Siyona has experienced the true benefits of the Kumon Method. As she developed her academic ability through self-learning, Kumon also fostered a positive attitude toward study and good study habits, ultimately enabling the development of Siyona’s overall abilities. One of Siyona’s best memories of Kumon is a recent one. It was the day she had been patiently waiting for since 3 years. She received her first Kumon gold trophy on 11th May 2019 for studying 3 years above her school grade level. Siyona admits Kumon hasn’t been easy, but she’s quick to say she has been able to achieve success because of the motivation and self-confidence that she has developed over a period of years.

This is what Siyona’s Instructor had to say about her: “Siyona is a very hard working student, having worked her way up from one level to the next. Very driven, carried on at her own pace and gradually she started moving beyond her grade. There were challenges along the way and there still would be, but she has tackled them head on and still does, with panache. Now, she feels anything is possible and nothing is impossible. She is always willing to try something new and that has turned her into a very confident person. She is evolving into an independent thinker and worker. And since she is studying beyond her grade level, treading into the unfamiliar, beyond her comfort zone, she is learning to deal with challenges and overcome them bravely, not only with respect to Kumon, but in life as well”.

Siyona’s mother, Chinmayee believes the impact and contribution of Kumon classes extend beyond classroom or maths concepts. She completely abides by Kumon philosophy of “Every child is unique” and shared while it is important to trust your child, it is equally important to introspect as a parent. When asked what advice would she give to parents on how to support their children in their Kumon journey? Chinmayee shared, “Believe in your children”. To be successful in life we need commitment, dedication and consistency and Kumon teaches children all these. These skills encourage our children to dream big and believe in the power of their dreams. Guidance from others alone is not enough. To succeed in anything in life, what is most important is one’s attitude and effort. Siyona’s achievement today is certainly not sheer luck, but the product of her hard work, combined with the support of her parents and Instructor. Siyona is one of the many students who faced difficulties during their Kumon journey, but what makes her shine is her perseverance and courage to dream and reach her goals.

Siyona Abbey, 9 years old Starting Kumon Level: ME: Level 3A71, corresponding to Nursery (additions up to +3) Current Kumon Level: ME: Level H200, corresponding to class 8 (simultaneous linear equations, inequalities, functions & graphs, monomials & polynomials) 5

Regional Article

A Strong Start Makes A Difference

Studies have shown that the first five years of a child’s life are crucial to their development. It is an incredibly important time for them to develop essential learning and life skills, that has a direct impact on their future achievements in school and the adult they will become.

What makes Kumon unique and different? Children as young as three years old can enroll in programmes offered by Kumon. Its unique method of learning is tailored to suit each individual child’s ability and needs, allowing your little ones to take small steps towards their goals. Through this learning journey, your child will also become more independent, resilient and confident. Here’s how Kumon Method of Learning helps to build these early foundational skills.

Developing motor skills

Your child’s mastery of fine-motor skills, or the use of hands, will allow him or her greater independence, as well as good handwriting skills. Handwriting is such an important

skill to have for future reading, communication and written expression. This is why it is important to make sure the building blocks for handwriting are solid. Before the young ones are able to write letters and numbers, they will need to have proper pencil grip and a certain level of pencil skills. Kumon understands just how important fine motor skills are to unlock a child’s full potential, and its Pencil Skills Programme is specifically designed to develop a child’s ability to write. Our exercises gently progress children from colouring pictures with a thick crayon to carefully drawing straight and curved lines, as well as intricate design with a pencil. We know there are many stages before a child can write with dexterity, and our programme and our Instructors

develop early learners through all the stages. As children continue to progress with Kumon, they’ll eventually be able to join their letters, form sentences and write neatly with speed and accuracy.

Instilling academic ability and skills Kumon develops academic ability in our early learners. They are exposed to their very first reading and mathematical concepts. Depending on their ability, the early learners enrolled in Kumon Maths will be learning to count, read, trace and write numbers, whereas those enrolled in Kumon English will be learning to recite words, phrases and short sentences, as well as tracing and writing the alphabets.

These worksheets are colourful with attractive pictures to keep the little minds engaged while learning.

celebrate their little milestones and achievements to encourage our little early learners.

Our early learners will learn to read and follow instructions, and to follow a clear study flow – academic skills that are important to prepare them for school later.

“Parents should give their children acknowledgement and praise; they should be patient and should not rush; they should not easily become angered and should strive to provide their children with things that interest them,” Mr. Toru Kumon wrote in The Strengths of the Kumon Method on how he thought parents should support their child’s development.

Nurturing good attitude towards study Children are keen to learn by nature and our engaging worksheets facilitate their learning while keeping their interest burning. Our Instructors and assistants help by assigning worksheets that are “just-right” for them. Our Kumon Instructors and assistants, as well as our Kumon parents can help to support this interest by praising and

Having observed that the common traits in Kumon Centres, where Instructors have nurtured many children to become excellent students, Mr. Minoru Maeda, president of Kumon Asia and Oceania, shared his hope for our Kumon Instructors.

“Both Instructors and parents can convey to young children the feeling of ‘let’s enjoy learning in the Centre’, so as to spark their interest and learn actively, and grow up to enjoy learning,’” Maeda wrote in one of his monthly messages to Instructors. “Instructors, I hope you and your assistants can also respond to early learners with smiles, and do not forget to praise and encourage them,” he continued. When children are young, they are learning sponges. Every new experience, every word they learn, every behaviour they adopt, are all about honing and molding the holistic child, which will eventually form the basis of their lifelong journey.

Feature

Ms Suvr

a Nanda

Kumon In

dia

Early learners come to Kumon Centre with a lot of ambiguity. They wonder “what is all this about, will my mom be there?” For them the first point of interaction needs to be very warm and comforting experience. While administering the Diagnostic Test, I make sure that the child gets a feeling this is something I can do or want to do. I want them to have a good experience with Kumon starting from Diagnostic Test. Early learners learn from examples, hence modelling and doing it together with them supports their learning progress.

Ibu Earlyn Yolanda

Kumon Indonesia

Welcoming children who just learn for the first time is the most nervous moment, and yet at the same time, it is fun. When they dared to enter the classroom they have just met, it was actually their first extraordinary achievement. By getting enough information beforehand, we try to get to know them better and make them feel comfortable. By fully supporting them, they will not feel alone. The next step is to direct and give them opportunities to do anything independently, like looking for their worksheet folder, preparing stationeries, even taking off shoes by themselves. We give praise for no matter how small the progress they can make in Kumon center. Our hope is to make them go home smiling and ask their parents, “When will I come back to Kumon center?”

Instructors’ Quotes I’ve learned that young children love routines, being able to complete a task successfully and be showered with praises. By starting at each of their ‘just-right’ level, our early learners experience success each time they complete a set of Kumon worksheet and activities in the Centre.

“

Expectations are clearly communicated to parents/guardians of early learners. Their support and encouragement make a world of difference to our early learners!

Ms Cindy Koh Kumon Brunei

The path of learning poses many challenges, conquering them needs great courage and perseverance.

In order to equip early learners with the right study approach for advance learning, we build a systematic learning plan and work together with parents to achieve our learning goals.

Ms Barbra Tan

Guiding and motivating students to keep trying, praising and encouraging them frequently, we want to build young and confident self-learners who enjoy studying on their own!

Kumon Singapore 9

Local News

DEVELOP WRITING ABILITY, BUILD SELF-ESTEEM Children these days spend most of their time in school performing handwriting and other fine motor tasks. Failure to attain handwriting competency often has negative effects on both academic success and self-esteem. This is a concern for many parents and a stress for the children. Therefore, understanding factors related to developing handwriting ability would be very helpful in developing a positive self-esteem. The following are some ways to do so:

1. Start with early scribbling The development of handwriting begins with early scribbling. Parents can start to build this in their children by

simply having them to scribble on a white piece of paper. Since children are naturally attracted to colours, parents are encouraged to make use of colour pencils and crayons for the exercise. Remember, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s meant to be fun! 2. Give physical assistance Children experiencing movement difficulties require more time. They need constant feedback and may require physical assistance through movements. Parents may note that the pencil must be shifted after grasping in order to adjust it for writing. The ability to move the pencil from the fingers to palm or palm to finger should be noted. Movement of the pencil around the axis is essential for turning from grasp position to placement for writing or erasing. It matters whether you are there for the child! 3. Conducive environment matters These include sitting position, chair/ desk height, writing instruments, lighting and noise, and volume of handwriting the child is expected to complete. Desk or chair height that is too low will encourage slouching forward and conversely, when chair and desk height are too high and/ or feet are unsupported, written output may be compromised. With an environment conducive for learning, half the battle is won!

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Be patient and supportive. After all, it is the enjoyment during the learning process that will help to build self-esteem.â&#x20AC;?

Parenting Tips

Why Reading In Early Years Counts?

Reading is one of the most essential skills children need to learn for lifelong success. It helps to form the building blocks of language and literacy in the first three years of a child’s life. Enjoying books and reading stories from an early age will help to increase children’s ability to understand words, develop creativity and imagination. It also helps in their speech development too. How to encourage good reading habits in our little ones? Try these 10 easy tips to encourage good reading habits in your child by making them fun.

1 Create reading spaces for your little ones

6 Make reading fun

Fostering a love of books and of reading gives your little ones a

As you read to your child, point out interesting objects or

great start in life. By creating a cosy, comfortable reading nook,

characters, the “red balloon” in Goodnight Moon or “Jerry

you will give them every reason to fall in love with the world of

Jordan” in Dr. Seuss’s ABC: An Amazing Alphabet Book to

books and reading.

them to trigger their interests.

2 Set an example

7 Talk about what your child is reading

Be a role model and read in front of your child. Watching you

After your child has finished a book, talk about what

reading books or newspapers shows your child that reading is

happened or what his or her favourite part was. This helps

important. You can also encourage him or her to join you with his

to develop and enhance their comprehension skills.

or her own book.

3 Reading with your child

8 Reading beyond home Teach your child that reading is more than just books. It can

Set aside some time to read to your child. It is a time for closeness,

transcend from indoor to outdoor too. Practice reading street

laughing and having great conversations together. This great

names, road signs, instructions, and more. Show your child

bonding will also help to him or her to become lifelong readers.

that reading is everywhere.

4 Visit your local library

9 Praise your child

Visits to child-friendly libraries will make your child want to read.

As you read to your children, you may notice certain small

Making reading fun can be easy with a library card. Let your

achievements. It could be them completing a book in one

child pick out a book of their choice - one that caught his or her

sitting, or repeating the word “balloon” after you. Celebrate

attention from the Children’s Section.

these little achievements by praising them and let them feel

5 Pick books at the just-right level

good about reading.

Help your child find books that are not too hard or too easy.

10 Read each night

Children have better reading experiences when they read books

Make reading part of your child’s bedtime routine, and they

at the right level. You can check your choices by having your child

like routine. A good cuddle and bedtime story can help calm

read a few pages to you. If your child struggles with reading the

them down, and sleep better at night.

words, try a different book.

Reading should be fun, not frustrating. If you are unsure of what are the age-appropriate books to select for your child, the Kumon Recommended Reading List (RRL) is a good resource to help you get started with. The RRL consists of 380 carefully curated titles, intended to help students find books that they will enjoy reading, and to encourage them to read books from a wide range of genres and styles. The RRL can also be viewed here: http://www.kumon-english-rrl.com/

A S A ! r S o U t c N u r t JOI s n i e is h c an

Due to the interest and demand in India and Sri Lanka, we are expanding our footprint by seeking passionate individuals to join us a franchise Instructor. As Kumon parents, you have worked through the programme with your child. We believe no one knows the benefits of the Kumon Method better than you. If you possess a passion to work with children and desire to become an educator within your community, join us as a franchise Instructor to transform a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life through education.