Kumon Philippines - Potential 2023 Issue 1

ACHIEVING GREATNESS TOGETHER

CONSISTENCY IS THE KEY TO OUR SUCCESS

Madelyn and Margaret Cruz

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines consistency as something that is marked by harmony, regularity, or steady continuity. As we enter the 2nd quarter of the year and take a look at our progress so far, we know that being consistent is one of the things we aim for.

At Kumon, consistency is one of the factors that leads students to develop the needed skills and habits to achieve their goals and excel beyond expectations. Our two featured stories share just that—how being consistent in their Kumon study led them to success.

For Madelyn and Margaret Esther Cruz, Kumon has made them realize the value of consistency—be it in academics or in other activities—and has developed in them the determination and motivation to achieve milestones together

The Infante Family shares how developing a consistent study habit led to all 3 children—Francheska, Fatima, and Philippe —reaping the rewards of their hard work and effort.

There are also 2 articles that discuss the importance of consistency and tips on how to develop consistency in children.

We hope that this issue gives you valuable insight and inspires you to take that extra step in being consistent this 2023.

Potential Editorial Team Kumon Philippines

ACHIEVING GREATNESS TOGETHER

Madelyn and Margaret Cruz

It was William Shakespeare who once said that, “some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.” Achieving greatness can be the situation that can best describe the academic journey of twins, Madelyn and Margaret Esther Cruz.

As shared by their Kumon Instructor, Teacher Tess Santos: “Mads and Marge started their Kumon journey in 2004 at the age of three. Over time and with the support of busy parents (who always made it a point to see to it that the twins were able to answer their Kumon worksheets daily), they developed a very high level of ability in Math and Reading. In fact, completing the Math and Reading Programs by grade 6 helped them to be accepted in Philippine Science High School (main campus), where they graduated with high honors. Both Mads and Marge competed in international math competitions and brought home medals and honor for our country. This is why they were the recipients of the DOST Youth Excellence in Science and Math Award for 4 consecutive years from 2016 to 2019. It also wasn’t a surprise then that they both decided to take up Bachelor of Science in Mathematics at the University of the Philippines – Diliman.”

Indeed, it can be said that they have come full circle with their Kumon journey leading to the both of them graduating from a four-year course in just 3 years and as summa cum laude. Also, they both decided to pursue further studies – with Mads pursuing her scholarship grant PhD in Michigan, USA and Marge pursuing her MS at UP Diliman.

How has Kumon helped them reach this milestone? Let’s hear from Mads and Marge as they share how their Kumon experience prepared them for their present and future.

Why did you enroll in Kumon?

Madelyn: I was influenced by my older sister who enrolled in Kumon ahead of me and my twin sister.

Margaret: I remember when we were three years old, we used to accompany our older sister when she went to Kumon. While we were waiting for our sister, our mother would let us play in the playground; so we thought that when we would eventually enroll in Kumon, we would play a lot.

Can you recall your first few months? How was it?

Madelyn: I remember how I began learning to write, count, and read numbers which I found interesting.

Margaret: As for me, I remember doing the magnetic number board exercise, which was really fun. I also enjoyed the days when we sang, danced, and played with other students.

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

Margaret: Because I was motivated enough by the people around me, doing my Kumon worksheets was not really a burden. While not always, I mostly enjoyed my time in Kumon, and that was what has helped me balance my time. It also helped that we were disciplined by our parents.

Madelyn: For me, having acquired the speed and ability to finish my worksheets in the shortest possible time, I had more quality time for other worthwhile activities.

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

Madelyn: The greatest challenges were when I had to skip Kumon classes due to academic competitions and other school related activities and had to catch up with finishing my worksheets. With Kumon teachers adjusting to my schedule, I managed to overcome said challenges.

Margaret: On my end, the greatest challenge was time. While most kids were playing during vacations, we spent entire days in the Kumon Center. It was good that we were able to do that, but I remember times when I cried on the way to Kumon because I didn’t want to go to Kumon. There were times when I did not finish my homework, so I was afraid that I would be scolded.

Were you already a self-learner before joining Kumon?

Margaret: Since we started young, our mother was the one who was really hands-on in terms of teaching before Kumon. Through Kumon, I became more disciplined and because it promotes self-learning, I became more accountable.

Madelyn: It’s the same for me. At a young age, I already developed the virtues of discipline, hard work, and time management.

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

Margaret: Kumon might be one of the reasons why I always want to do things perfectly. Kumon taught me that it’s alright to make mistakes as long as I try to correct it afterwards, and that attitude helped me reach a lot. It always made me feel that I can do more, and with that mindset, I really got to achieve more. Of course, Kumon also served as a jumpstart in my math subjects, so I got to focus on other subjects that I’m weaker at. It also applied to my work outside school, which really helped a lot. I believe that I was able to form good work ethics, which allowed me to achieve exceptional things.

Madelyn: As for me, Kumon has helped me become independent and confident in my studies. The program paved the way for me to do well in school not only in Mathematics but also in other subjects. I became responsible, hardworking, and disciplined. Luckily, this allowed me to choose my preferred course, Mathematics, were I found fulfillment and happiness.

Margaret Cruz

Madelyn Cruz

What/who was your inspiration to complete the program?

Margaret: As a person with a twin, I was quite competitive, so that was one of my motivations to complete the program.

Madelyn: My inspirations were my parents and siblings. Also, my very supportive Kumon teachers, especially Teacher Tess.

How did your parents support you to complete the program and reach your Kumon goals?

Madelyn: They gave full support to me. They patiently reminded me to strive hard in realizing my ambitions.

Margaret: I remember how they would bring us to Kumon even if it’s really far from home.

What is your most significant learning from your Kumon journey?

Margaret: As someone who spent most of my childhood in Kumon, it has a huge influence on how I grew up. I would say that I became disciplined and I was able to learn a lot of things that not many people get to experience in their everyday lives. Aside from the math lessons, it taught me to never give up. Sometimes, we have the chance to be better and fix our mistakes, so we need to take that opportunity. It also taught me that we should do things at our own pace. Life is not a race. While it feels satisfying to excel, we should remain humble, and if we can, we need to help others in their own journeys too.

Madelyn: My most significant learning is the importance of discipline, hard work, and effective time management. Having been enrolled in Kumon at a very young age taught me to be independent, diligent, and competitive in and beyond school.

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

Margaret: Know your motivation when completing the program. I know a lot of people who started Kumon and were not able to complete it, but are still successful in life. Life is short and it is really stressful at this time, so I would just advise you to enjoy it. To finish the program, you need to have motivation, but if it’s not enough and if it does not make you happy, it’s okay.

Madelyn: Every Kumon journey entails a lot of hard work, sacrifice, and discipline. But you could overcome whatever difficulties you encounter if you are determined to fulfill your dream of becoming a Kumon Completer.

Consistency

Why is it so important for children

Did you know that on average, we forget more than half the information within the first few days of learning? In 1885, German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus conducted a series of tests and found that we retain only 40% of the information after a few days. This phenomenon is the “forgetting curve”. In separate studies studying the efficacy of learning, experts have also found that spaced repetition is superior to cramming to counter the forgetting curve. In one of the studies, researchers found that spacing was more effective for 90% of the participants.

Space repetition makes use of studying the same material consistently at regular intervals to reinforce the knowledge to negate the forgetting curve. This consistency in learning is not just for studying just for information retention; doing a little every day is beneficial in the long run. Like many professional sportsmen honing their skills and developing muscle memory through

daily practice, students do benefit through consistent daily practice. As they work on their Kumon worksheets daily, they will develop discipline and make daily study a habitsomething that is second nature to them.

Having a consistent routine allows students to know when it is time to bring out their Kumon worksheets and school homework. Rather than having a power struggle with them, having a consistent study schedule helps them know when it is time to put the toys away and pick up their pencils. Beyond studying, having a consistent schedule with time dedicated to various activities help helps them get accustomed to the schedule and internalize it, making transitioning from one activity to another a smoother experience for both parents and students. At the same time, students feel a sense of accomplishment and confidence that they know what to do and are in charge of themselves.

Historically, students return to school after a holiday at a significantly lower learning level than they were before the holiday – a phenomenon commonly referred to as summer learning loss. Summer learning loss has interested education researchers for more than a century and in 2021, a group of researchers found that students lost 17% –34% of the year’s learning gains during the following summer break. They also found that students who suffered summer learning loss are also more likely to continue to lose ground in subsequent summers. Not only do they lose ground on their learning progress, but it also sets them back from their learning goals and targets as well.

Students who study consistently daily can reap many benefits, both on the academic front and in important life skills. Hence in Kumon, they complete a set of assigned worksheets daily, instead of cramming a few days worth of worksheets at one go.

Not only does doing so help students manage their workload, but they also retain information better and develop discipline, good habits, and a better transition from one activity to another. Also, during the holidays, consistent daily practice helps negate summer learning loss, keeping them on track with their learning goals.

Consistency yields more effective learning. It is not going to be a figurative walk in the park as it will take time for students to get used to the new schedule. Look out as we discuss the 7 tips to help students get into a consistent routine in the Parenting Tips section.

Instructor’s Quotes

The saying, “we are what we repeatedly do; therefore, excellence is not an act but a habit” strikes right at the very heart of what we do in Kumon. There are certain study practices in Kumon which, when consistently done over a long period of time, ensure that our children become self-learners that enable them to advance beyond their grade levels. It is not easy to be consistent especially when we’re impatient and want to see results right away; but with patience and commitment from both the student and the parent, the lifelong skills developed from being consistent will benefit our students. Being consistent is a process that evolves through daily habit and practice starting in the easy levels.

In Kumon, mastery of the basics is very important in order to advance smoothly to the higher levels. This allows our students to gain traction and experience success through the step by step progression of the lessons and learning them on their own. When we see the small improvements daily and the positive changes in study attitudes being formed through the challenges in the journey, the study practices are reinforced and become powerful habits for success and achievement.

The design of the Kumon Program starts students off on the right foot, with a low starting point to build self-confidence and the motivation to learn. As the Instructor, it’s important that I ensure students are progressing at their own pace, and the work is at their ‘just-right’ level, challenging yet not too difficult. With frequent communication to discuss barriers to progress, both students and parents can establish strategies to overcome them and consistently reach their goals.

Teacher Susan Carag, Kumon Philippines

Ms. Ashley Chown, Kumon Australia and New Zealand

At Kumon, students study worksheets on a daily basis. This enables children to develop a daily study routine that builds discipline. Children are encouraged to study everyday at the same time and same place that enhances discipline further. This allows children to be self-driven, responsible and consistent. Kumon aims to develop healthy habits from a young age that builds selfconfidence, helps overcome challenges and leads them to enjoy learning. My experience at Kumon tells me that children who adapt to the daily study routine show consistent growth and are driven to succeed in whatever they pursue.

I believe that every child has limitless potential. In order to fully develop their potential, they need the right amount of practice and consistency in their daily study. I think to do something consistently and repeatedly, which I consider it as “habit” is not such an easy thing to do. During the process, we have to encouter many obstacles, such as: students’ sickness, examination, holiday, unstable mood, etc. I always encourage my students and then communicate with their parents about the importance of consistency in study that includes regular attendance in Kumon and doing Kumon homework daily. The result is students will not only have a good academic ability, but they will also have good study habits, good time management skills, and a sense of responsibility and self-sufficiency that will be such a strong foundation for their future.

Ms. Neelima Lingareddy, Kumon India Sri Lanka

Ms. Cynthia Posuma, Kumon Indonesia

Parenting Tips

7 tips to build consistency and confidence in your children

1. Getting your children involved

Sit your children down at a place that is free from distractions. Get them to list down the daily activities that they need to put into the daily routine, which could include meal times, nap and bedtime, school homework, Kumon time, music and sports practice.

2. Assigning the time and duration

After deciding on the activities, discuss with your children on the duration to set aside for each task, adding in a little buffer to cater for activities overrunning the time allocated. The buffer could be used as a reward for extra play or screen time as a reward for completing the activities punctually.

3. Put the activities and time slots into a schedule

You can choose to DIY this – another opportunity for bonding – using recycled or scrapbooking materials, or even toys such as magnetic tiles. This helps to reinforce the various activities against the allocated time.

4. Display the schedule prominently

This acts as a source of reference for your children and yourself to refer to (and countering the forgetting curve). It could be on the wall, or if you had chosen to use magnetic toys or materials, then the fridge or on something that conducts magnetism well.

5. Have a clock

Having a clock helps to remind your children that it is time to transition to another activity. No more excuses for not knowing the time! This can be an analogue or digital clock. For younger children, a digital clock could be helpful.

6. Be patient and encouraging

Don’t expect the schedule to run smoothly from the get-go, as children will take some time to get used to it. You can remind them of the schedule in the beginning, and encourage them to keep to the schedule. You might even want to reward them with extra activities that are not listed in the timetable, like extra time to read, or a trip to the playground or supermarket, for taking the initiative to complete the task punctually.

7. Be flexible

Exercise some flexibility with the timetable especially if you are on a family outing or overseas trip. For example, many Kumon parents would let their children complete their Kumon homework in the morning during overseas trips, festive occasions or when there are family outings planned.

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then is not an act, but a habit.” - Aristotle

CONSISTENCY IS THE KEY TO OUR SUCCESS

How being consistent in their Kumon study helped my children excel in school and beyond

Mrs. Lucia Infante

As parents, we always make it a point to provide our children with everything they need to be successful in life. One of the most important gifts we can give them is the gift of education – making sure that they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to pursue whatever careers they desire. This is why enrolling in Kumon was an instant yes for my husband and I. We enrolled our three children in the learning program mainly to enhance their skills in Mathematics and English. Being consistent in their Kumon study – meaning doing Kumon every day and continuing the journey despite the challenges – has developed my three children into independent, disciplined, and responsible students.

What are the other benefits we have gained from the Math and Reading Programs?

Here are 4 benefits that have greatly helped our three children, Francheska, Fatima and Philippe excel in school and beyond.

1. Excel in math and other subjects

Math is one of the most challenging subjects for most students. Since our children were enrolled in Kumon, Math has become their strength. Our eldest child, Francheska, was exempted from one of her major exams in integral calculus. Our second child, Fatima, was given the opportunity to be a math tutor for her classmates who needed assistance to improve. Our youngest child, Philippe, was a consistent champion for sports writing during the Division Schools Press Conferences when he was in elementary and junior high school. He also attained the highest score for his entrance exam for a science high school in Pampanga. Recently, he was also given the privilege to be a DOST Scholar.

As they are Completers, their cousins look up to them and ask them for assistance in doing their tasks in school, even though they are far away from us. It is also a big blessing to the family that every time they take entrance or qualifying exams, they excel. Because of this, all their cousins and their relatives are now interested in Kumon. We know that second to God’s help the knowledge and skills they gained from Kumon are what contributed to these great blessings.

2. Close family ties

As parents, our primary role is to give the best to our children especially in their studies. To sustain their Kumon journey, we made sure to bring them to the Center and fetch them once finished. We also made sure that their worksheets were done on time. We believe that a child must learn in his/ her own pacing. We did not use force when it came to their studies as we respect each learning curve. No matter how long the time they took to finish, as parents, we encouraged our kids to never give up, and always promoted time management.

During low moments, we assured them of our love and support in everything they do. We just let them do what they want to finish, and we always reminded them to take their time while making sure to follow the allowable timeframe of Kumon. We also sought the assistance of the Kumon teachers to encourage them to finish the course, and it all ended successfully. Now, our three children are Kumon Completers for both Math and Reading.

3. More prepared to face challenges

Challenges form part of everything we do, which is why we should deal with these challenges carefully and patiently, and must always consider these challenges as learning lessons.

The most difficult was when Fatima approached us and told us that she will stop attending Kumon. We were shocked. We prayed as a family to give our child strength and courage. After that, we decided to talk to her about giving up one subject first if she’s having a hard time balancing Kumon and her studies in school. Through prayers and lots of patience, little by little, we made her realize the importance and privilege she would enjoy once she finishes Kumon, specifically that no task is easy without learning time management and self-discipline. However, she still stopped Kumon Reading temporarily. We sought the help of her Kumon teachers to help us motivate her, which resulted to her enrolling in the Kumon Reading Program again and eventually becoming a completer for both Math and Reading.

Support, love, understanding, and patience were the keys to help Fatima in her Kumon journey.

4. Developing patience

As the saying goes, “Patience is a virtue” – all parents must have enough patience to bear all the challenges they may encounter in the Kumon journeys of their children. We should always consider that children must enjoy while learning and not compare our children with other children’s progress. This might cause them to quit since all this does is bring down their selfesteem. We should allow each child to progress, learn, and excel at their own pace. Whether they finish first or last does not matter, what matters is that they finished the program.

Indeed, we have reaped the fruits of our patience. Francheska graduated with a of Bachelor of Science degree in Food Technology from the University of Sto. Tomas and is now employed as a quality assurance officer at Nestle Philippines. Fatima graduated Cum Laude with the a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology from the University of Sto. Tomas. Philippe is currently in his sophomore year as a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry student at the University of Sto. Tomas too and is a consistent Dean’s lister. Also, all 3 have passed the Career Service Professional Examination given by the Civil Service Commission. They are now all eligible to apply for government service and their advantage in passing the exam is their Kumon experience.

As parents, we know that Math and English are subjects most students have difficulties with. Taking Kumon lessons helps remove and/or lessen the difficulties. We are sure that our kids learned a lot from their respective schools, but with the help of Kumon, we know that they enjoyed the journey more, and they will enjoy the benefits and pride of being Kumon Completers for both Math and Reading.

The Origins of t he Kumon Method

Afte rm ore than half a century, hisp hilosoph ys till continues to help many children develop th e ability to reach for thei rg oals andd reams.

Kumo no ffers learning opportunitie si nm ore than 50 different countrie sa nd region s around the world.

Handmade materials create d by Toru Kumon fo rh is son (Takeshi )i n1 954.

Toru Kumon (Founder of the Kumo nM ethod)