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JAN – JUN 2019
MY LIFE,
MY DREAM KUMON
FEATURE “Just-right” Level: How Kumon finds the right level for every student
Ysabelle Pangilinan James Ronald Ferrer
PARENT’S ARTICLE Kumon as a Valuable Part of a Child’s Life
Editor’s Note
ON THE COVER JAN - JUN JAMES RONALD FERRER Dear Parents, As the year 2019 commences, we are looking forward in reaching out to more students for them to experience the beauty of the Kumon Method. This issue of Potential highlights the characteristics of a true Kumon student – disciplined, persevering, and always aiming for the best. Nothing gets in the way with James Ronald Ferrer’s eagerness to push his limits for the future that awaits him. Through the confidence he gained from Kumon, he was able to consistently join international competitions to prove that every opportunity hones a person’s character. If good stories never end without challenging tropes, so does the journey of Ysabelle Pangilinan’s lifeafter-Kumon. Her dream of going to medical school is almost at reach, thanks to the value of patience and determination she developed in Kumon. Speaking of value, Dr. Guadalupe Ramiso, also a Kumon parent, shares why education is one of the best gifts you can give to your child. Thank you for continuously believing in the Kumon Method and for entrusting your children to us.
Contents MY LIFE, MY DREAM
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Better than Average Ysabelle Pangilinan
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Fostering Discipline and Perseverance - The Kumon Way James Ferrer
FEATURES
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Regional Article “Just-right” Level: How Kumon finds the right level for every student
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Instructors’ Quotes
REGULARS
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Parent’s Article Kumon as a Valuable Part of a Child’s Life
Indeed, this is a year of thanksgiving and more opportunities! KPI Potential Team
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Ysabelle Pangilinan, 22 Reading Completer
My life, My Dream
BETTER THAN AVERAGE
Ysabelle Pangilinan identifies herself as an average student – neither the most intelligent person in class, nor the achiever. This is the main reason why her parents decided to enroll her and her siblings in Kumon. Her parents found out about the Kumon Method from common friends and heard countless testimonials about how it has helped developed the habits of their children. “After participating in the Free Trial and seeing how the program can help my siblings and I, my parents realized that we had so much potential that can be unleashed if we enroll in the program. So they decided to do just that – enroll us in the Reading Program first then in the Math Program after a few months.” Armed with a degree in Industrial Pharmacy and with plans to pursue medicine, Ysa can attest to how Kumon has indeed pursued her potential, ignited her passion for reading and learning, and pushed her one step closer to success. “Kumon has taught me that success really takes time and effort. If I really want to achieve something, I have to exert effort constantly until I reach it. Success doesn’t come overnight, but it will come at the right time, with patience and determination.”
How did you manage your time between Kumon and your other activities? Making time for Kumon while juggling academics and extra-curricular activities in high school wasn’t easy. There were times when I’d come home and would want to spend the energy I had left on homework and projects; but after quite some time, I got the hang of it. Luckily, I wasn’t the only one doing Kumon in school, so there were times during breaks when we’d group together and answer our worksheets at the same time. I also got through with the help of my Kumon teachers, who kept on making adjustments with my workload whenever they feel I’m overwhelmed with my schedule.
that I, an average student, am also capable of achieving greater heights. Now, because of that, I dream bigger and push towards a better version of myself for my future.
medical school by next year.
How did Kumon help you in school? In your chosen career?
More than finishing the program, I realize now that my ultimate goal was to make my parents and teachers proud of me. I learned that nothing would make them prouder than seeing me finally take and finish my Completion Test.
How did Kumon develop you?
In the field of academics, I feel like Kumon has helped me most in high school. I never had problems with math and reading/English since I was already doing advanced levels in Kumon at that time. People (myself included) would be amazed by how fast I solve math problems and how good my diction was when I’m asked to read aloud. I also believe that, aside from my high school education, Kumon has helped me greatly with passing all of my college entrance exams.
Kumon has become a part of my life I’d never forget. It was where I learned that in this life, we only need six things to survive – food, water, correct grammar, pronunciation, diction and intonation. Kidding aside, Kumon has taught me the value of patience and determination. Patience - a reminder that all things come to an end no matter how long and exhausting the journey might seem – and determination – the unceasing persistence made me realize that nothing is impossible as long as we put our heart, mind, and soul in it. Put together, these values make a bond that is stronger and harder to break.
My career as a regulatory pharmacist requires me to ensure that all our products are safe, effective, and of quality for our patients. This entails me to reading and comprehending countless articles and legislations regarding pharmaceutical products, drafting le tters and communicating with all types of people in our field. The main part of my job is to communicate with the Food and Drug Association with the licensing of our products and establishment. This I do with enjoyment since my reading, writing, and communication skills have been honed over the years.
Kumon also instilled in me the confidence I have now. Kumon made me believe that I could achieve something I thought wasn’t achievable, and made me do it. It made me realize
Kumon also taught me how to focus and prioritize my goals and to never stop until I achieve them. This is why I took the National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) last year and I plan to enroll in
What was your inspiration to complete the program? How did you inspire your siblings in their Kumon study?
As the eldest, there was a lot of pressure on me to complete. When my parents told me that I should be a role model to my siblings, I took this to heart. I even saw it happen when my sister completed the program after I completed it – I saw my reflection in her. Our youngest two siblings are still enrolled in Kumon so I always remind them of the benefits of the method and the investment we have made.
What advice can you give to current Kumon students who are experiencing difficulties and who dream of completing the program? Never. Give. Up. I may not be the first person to tell you this but this advice is applicable not only to your Kumon journey, but in your journey through life as well. There are things far more complicated and difficult than what you’re experiencing now, and I promise you that Kumon is only equipping you with the skills you need for the challenges ahead. You may not be experiencing the benefits Kumon has to offer now, but always remember that all the hard work, time, and effort you exert temporarily will be rewarded in different ways in the end.
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My life, my dream
James Ronald Ferrer, 10 Current Kumon Level: Math Level Level K Reading Level H
FOSTERING DISCIPLINE AND PERSEVERANCE – THE KUMON WAY It was pure interest and a curious mind that stirred the eagerness of three-year-old James to attend regular school like the other kids. He tends to ask questions about what school was like to his mom, pushing Mr. and Mrs. Ferrer to enroll James in Kumon to entertain his curiosity towards learning. Since then, he is still not expressing any sign of leaving the program until completion. His Kumon Instructor even shares that James was the type of student who would punctually come to the Center just to finish his worksheets after he had gone from a long day of exams in school. After seven years with the program, Mr. and Mrs. Ferrer saw many positive changes in James’ habits and character. Fortunately, the Potential Team had the privilege to sit with the Ferrer family to know more about how Kumon worked in their lives. Mr. and Mrs. Ferrer, what were the changes you’ve witnessed in James throughout his Kumon study? Aside from being more disciplined, focused, and organized, James developed his own techniques on how to learn faster through his
inquisitiveness. It is also apparent that James developed self-confidence especially in socializing with others. His curiosity was always there which was why he was attentive and interested in many subjects since kindergarten. James, tell us more about the confidence you’ve acquired at this point. I consistently joined and participated in international exams such as the International Competitions and Assessment for Schools (ICAS), International Mathematics Assessments for Schools (IMAS), Australian Math Competitions (AMC), Math Trainers Guild (MTG), Association of Math and Science League International (AMSLI), and Singapore and Asian Schools Math Olympiad (SASMO). Since I am an advanced student in the Kumon Math Program, my classmates noticed my skills and they would often ask me to help them understand our lessons in school. Apart from joining competitions, I am also involved in our church’s dance ministry. Mr. and Mrs. Ferrer, how did Kumon lead James to all these opportunities he has mentioned?
We found the Kumon Method to be a good foundation in building a disciplined way of learning as it made a great impact on James’ time management skills. He knows when to do his homework even when he has no classes. He is independent and responsible enough which is why he still has time to play and enjoy with his friends.
Yes. In fact, I had a hard time in learning the new lessons. I ask my mom and dad to help me understand the problems and I was able to figure them out after some time. There was also a time when I was at the point of quitting the program which was why I guess and/or miss a question on my worksheets. If not for my parents’ continuous motivation for me to stay in the program, I might have thought of quitting. Mr. and Mrs. Ferrer, how do you support and prepare James for his future?
When James was young, we still assisted and checked his worksheets. We would even sit We always encourage James with him and do the worksheets to never miss his class days together since he liked being because we believe that doing challenged. As he advanced to the his worksheets is also a form of higher levels, we try to motivate review for school. Still, he makes him by promising rewards such as time for his extra-curricular taking him to GameZoo and Toy activities where he is able to meet Kingdom during the weekend. new friends and be in different schools and places. He really When James got older, we enjoys everything he does. slowly removed these kinds of rewards so he can see the results James, were there any instances of his own actions and take that you felt challenged in your responsibility in it. We also give worksheets? him the privilege to prove himself.
James is now independent enough to do his projects and we know that this skill will help him as he enters high school and college no matter how many tasks to be done. James, what are your dreams? I want to be a pilot so I could travel around the world with my family and loved ones. I know that I can because I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, as stated in my favorite verse – Philippians 4:13. Mr. and Mrs. Ferrer, what pieces of advice would you give to parents in supporting their child in Kumon? DO NOT QUIT, DO NOT GIVE UP. Just continue what you have started. As parents and decisionmakers, we should always motivate, equip, empower, and encourage our children especially when we see them facing difficulties in their Kumon study. As the Bible says in Galatians 6:9, “Let us not become weary in doing good. For at the proper time, we will reap harvest if we do not give up.” God bless us all!
Regional Article
“Just-right” Level: How Kumon finds the right level for every student
W
hat is the most important feature of Kumon? According to Toru Kumon, the most important aspect of Kumon is the “just-right” level of
study.
“I have made a revision to The Strengths of the Kumon Method last autumn. I decided that the “just-right” level of study is the most important element of education, because every child should be given the learning that matches his or her ability. When they are given what is “just-right” for them, they enjoy learning that will help them advance beyond their school grade level. Up to this point, ‘Advancing beyond school grade level’ has been ranked as the Number One Strength of the Kumon Method. But to emphasis even strongly what is most important, I think the “just-right” level of study is the Number One,” Toru Kumon wrote (Yamabiko, 1995). What does this Kumon jargon really means? In this article, we look to demystify the concept of “just-right” level. Finding the “just-right” level simply refers to identifying the sweet spot that motivates every child to do his or her best. In sports, sportsmen have specific abilities best suited to the level required by the role or position they operate at. For example, football fans would remember Thierry Henry as a flop at Italian club Juventus. He was assigned to play as a left winger and in addition to organising the attack, was also expected to defend. He could not perform and his career was in the trench. Most of all, he was not happy. “I wasn’t enjoying myself at all, I felt like I’d lost the desire to play football,” Henry later
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admitted. He was allowed to seek employment at Arsenal after just one season in Italy. In Arsenal, he was deployed to play as a reserve striker but it was where he truly flourished. Henry later became the first-choice striker and eventually became the all-time top scorer for both Arsenal and the France national team. Through this example, it is clear that Henry was not played correctly in Juventus. It was only at Arsenal where the coach found the sweet spot that matched his ability, or in Kumon, we call it the “just-right” level. It was also then when he started to enjoy playing football. “When I scored, in that moment, I rediscovered some emotions, some feelings that I had not felt in a long time,” he said. Similar to the role performed by coaches in football, one of the most important roles of a Kumon Instructor is to find the “just-right” level of each child. Since different children have different level of abilities, their “just-right” level has to be different too. But matching the materials to the children’s ability is important, because when they study at their “just-right” level, they will begin to enjoy
studying and self-learn the materials. Eventually these children will enjoy learning and be able to progress beyond their level in school – just like Thierry Henry who began to enjoy football and played well at Arsenal. How do Kumon Instructors ensure that every student is studying at their own “just-right” level? To illustrate this, let’s look at how Toru Kumon ensured that his method and worksheets are suitable for his son, Takeshi, using worksheets on addition of fractions as an example. When Takeshi was doing the addition of fractions, he did not understand the concept of lowest common multiple at first; he simply multiplied all the denominators together to get a common denominator. He also did not know how to reduce his answers. Toru Kumon did not simply ask Takeshi to redo the entire worksheet again and again until he gets it on his own, contrary to popular belief. He provided examples, based on Takeshi’s errors in the previous worksheets, to draw his attention to the correct way to reduce the fractions. Then he made Takeshi redo one side of the worksheets, but this time with all the denominators written as hints. His purpose of this repetition was to help Takeshi solve the problems without having to deal with the denominators. In the next worksheet, Takeshi was able to solve the problems without additional help from Toru Kumon. However, he still just multiplied the
denominators together and this time, after marking the worksheet, Toru wrote, “For all of these problems, it is not necessary to multiply all the denominators”. The next day, while doing corrections, Takeshi read his father’s note and realized that he should have just used the lowest common multiple instead of simply multiplying the denominators together. In the next worksheet, Takeshi could use the lowest common multiple and solved the problems, getting most answers correct. To this day, the Kumon Method continues to use worksheets suitable to each student’s ability and let them work out their own solutions using hints, examples and, if necessary, guidance from the Instructors. Atsushi Yamada, president of Kumon Asia & Oceania, believes that finding the “just-right” level begins with the Diagnostic Test. “Before a child comes to the Center, you should share fully with your assistants the image that you have formed of the child when doing the Diagnostic Test or the likely learning situation on the next class day, so as to provide the appropriate instruction. Such efforts will translate into children gaining motivation and confidence, as they are given the “just-right” level of study upon enrolment,” Yamada wrote to Instructors in May (President’s Message to Instructors, 2018).
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Feature
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Instructors’ quotes The concept of “just-right” level is the most important aspect of the Kumon Method. Through the regional article “Just-right” Level: How Kumon finds the right level for every student, we have seen how Toru Kumon, founder of the Kumon Method, found the “just-right” level for his son, Takeshi. In this edition of the Instructors’ Quotes, let us find out what our Instructors think about the “just-right” level and how they go on finding the “just-right” level for their students.
Ms. Rakhi Gupta Kumon India
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As a Kumon Instructor, it is my constant endeavour to find out the “just-right” level (JRL) for every student that comes to my Center. The “just-right” level of study refers to the study condition where student can self-learn without being taught. This helps them engage with the worksheets with good study attitude. When students start with their “just-right” level, they can progress at their own pace eventually helping them catch up to their school grade level and then advancing far beyond it. It is sometimes difficult for a parent and student to accept their JRL being quite lower than the class level. In this situation, sharing study plan, study projection and regular communication with the parent and student is important. To maintain JRL of study for each student, it is important to consider their JRL of understanding, work skills and the level in accordance to the change in their learning situations.
Teacher Candy Katigbak Kumon Philippines
The “just-right” level principle that is unique to the Kumon Method has been our Center’s constant go-to guide in identifying students’ current individual needs and abilities. Using the “just-right” level in finding the One More “Can-Do” (OMCD) also allows us to streamline our observations in terms of understanding, work skills and study attitude. This way, it is possible to provide appropriate instruction plans and prioritize a number of what-todo lists so that a smoother progress through the levels is more likely to be achieved. The “just-right” level of study attitude is of equal importance, just like understanding and work skills. For me, enabling students to be confident by allowing them to have as many self-learning experiences as possible will not only keep them challenged, but highly motivated as well. Talking to our students and giving timely praise and encouragement becomes imperative as there are more than a dozen reasons why our students become demotivated. I find it daunting to develop any form of understanding and/ or work skills if my student is demotivated to begin with. Keeping in mind the “just-right” level of understanding, work skills and study attitude in identifying challenges and interventions will surely make our center days more fruitful and meaningful.
The “just-right” level is the sweet spot where students’ are challenged in their studies without feeling overburdened. I believe this benchmark categorically defines the Kumon Method. It represents a Kumon Instructor’s desire to help each child excel, unrestricted by age, school year, or because of their own or others’ preconceptions. I would argue finding a student’s “just-right” level could be life-changing because they prove to themselves they can overcome challenges. Therefore, I spend much of my time mulling over each of my students’ “just-right” level, so they can show themselves they can achieve through their Kumon study.
Ms. Liang Muh Jiuan
Ms. Saree Lawler Kumon Australia & New Zealand
Students are not likely or willing to do something that is difficult for them. They will instead lose focus on the work and start doing other things such as daydreaming or playing with the items in their surroundings. However, with the “just-right” level, they are able to do their worksheets with ease, without getting too bored working on over-easy work in the beginning. Students doing the “just-right” level worksheets will most likely do their work with full concentration and with a high level of focus. These students may even begin to enjoy doing their work which is slightly challenging for them. They will be able to progress independently, without the need of specific teaching nor guidance.
Kumon Brunei
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Kumon as a Valuable Part of a Child’s Life By Dr. Guadalupe Ramiso As a parent, education is one of the best gifts and investments that I could give to my children. So when we relocated to Zamboanga del Sur (because my husband is from the area), I was afraid that my kids were not getting the best education in Pagadian. This was the typical thinking of someone who grew up in a big city (since I am from Manila). Also, I was able to witness firsthand how students from the provinces encountered so many difficulties, and I thought that my kids would turn out the same. Although I’ve learned now that this fear was baseless, at that time, that was my main concern. I’ve heard about Kumon from my friends in Manila. They always talk about how it improved their kids’ academic abilities. When my kids started their elementary education, there was no Kumon Center in our area. I was thinking of enrolling them in the nearest Center, but that was a 2 ½ hour drive from our place. So, imagine my delight when Teacher Aileen Hidalgo opened a Kumon Center in Pagadian way back in 2010. I immediately enrolled my two eldest kids, and they became part of the pioneering batch. I initially enrolled them in Math and then in both subjects when Reading was offered a year later.
Growth and Development Even before my kids were enrolled in Kumon, they were already doing well academically. However, upon experiencing the method, they advanced very fast. They knew their lessons in math well before they encountered these topics in school. As a result, they got higher grades, and won often in math competitions. They also excelled
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in journalism, as the Reading Program helped boost their vocabulary and writing techniques. I would like to believe that Kumon had also helped them prepare better for the science high school entrance exams. They passed with flying colors. They were already Math and Reading Completers before they went to high school, so they didn’t find their math and English subjects too difficult. Since they didn’t spend too much time studying math, they were able to spare more time to study other subjects. As I often told my children’s instructors, Kumon had brought out the best in my kids.
Challenges and Solutions However, just like other Kumon students, my children encountered so many problems when doing Kumon. Foremost was how to juggle the worksheets, academics, and extra-curricular activities. Whenever they had school assignments, drama practice, or school projects, they got too tired to go to the Center – not to mention the difficulty they experienced when they were doing advanced topics! There was even one time that my son got so frustrated that he crumpled his worksheets and threw them away (he picked them up later and tried to put them into a semblance of order). Good thing, though, that I am a disciplinarian and my children listen to me whenever I tell them to do something. I taught them the value of good education, and how they can get 100% value in Kumon. Whenever they became lazy and bored, I reminded them that not all children get to experience Kumon, so
Parent’s Article
they need to maximize everything that they could get from it. During periodical exams and long tests, I tell them to lessen their worksheet load, but to try and increase it once their schedule becomes easier to manage. Kumon was an additional workload for my kids, that’s a fact. But I always told them they would reap the profit a hundredfold. Whenever my youngest would cry over the worksheets, I just let her be, because I knew it would pass. I helped them adjust their schedules to fit their school activities. Whenever we went on vacations, their Kumon bags were also brought with them. My kids’ lives revolved around school, co-curricular, extra-curricular activities, and Kumon. The latter was never taken for granted, and was very much entrenched into our daily activities.
From One Parent to Another I have bigger plans for my kids, and I know that Kumon would help them achieve these goals. I firmly believe that although Kumon is a long process, we would get there eventually if we only persevere.
My greatest learning as a Kumon parent is that every child is different in their skills and capacity for learning. I have four children, and three already completed the Math and Reading Programs. My youngest is still enrolled in the Center, and is also doing both subjects. All of them have different personalities and different abilities. My struggle was not to expect one to be the same as the other, and to deal with each child differently (and honestly, I am still working on this part). To other Kumon parents, think of Kumon as a long process that will help your child in the future. If you are only thinking of passing the math quiz tomorrow, or just making your child learn how to read sentences, then Kumon is not the answer. It is not a tutorial – it is a way of life, with learnings that happen at different pace for each child. Never let them stop once they have started with Kumon, and never give up on your children.
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