As parents, we always strive to provide the best for our children especially when it comes to education. With the right programme and method, our child can excel and stand out amongst their peers. That’s the hope that every parent has for their child, don’t you agree?
My boy is currently in Year 2 and I’m looking around for an after-school enrichment programme. Undecided which programme to enroll him, I was given a chance to understand more about Kumon Malaysia at their annual Advanced Student Forum 2019 (“ASF”). This is a platform aimed at recognising students who have successfully advanced 5 years ahead of their school grade as well as programme completers who have completed the Kumon Mathematics or English programme up to level O and L respectively.
Yes, you heard me right 5 years ahead of their school grade! This year, 771 Kumon students from over 200 centres in Malaysia received the recognition for their exceptional performance at the event held in Putrajaya Marriott Hotel a couple of weeks back on 20 April. I was totally amazed seeing students as young as 4 years old stepping onto stage to receive their awards! By the way, this award is also held in other countries such as Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, New Zealand and Australia across the Asia and Oceania region.
A big applause to all outstanding students who made it this year! Let me share a quick backgrounder on Kumon so that you’ll understand why the Kumon Method is successful.
Kumon’s History & Background
Founded in 1954 by Mr. Toru Kumon in Japan, Kumon is one of the first leading after-school enrichment programmes. The programme was created from a father’s love to his son who saw the need to help his son develop learning ability especially in Mathematics. By creating worksheets to help his son develop the self-learning method which gave him the opportunity to develop his learning abilities beyond his school grade.
The Kumon Method
Kumon Malaysia focuses on teaching children the self-learning method invented by its founder Toru Kumon. Lesson plans are customised based on the student’s ability and progress. The students are required to undergo an Achievement Test to evaluate their progress before advancing to the next level. Through this method, students, from as young as four, are able to progress in Mathematics and English at a level that is comfortable (‘just-right level’), and not limited to their school-grade levels, some surpassing it!
At Kumon Malaysia, children also develop the ability to self-learn and eventually be equipped with critical life skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking. It helps in preparing them to be disciplined, independent and gain positive traits such as confidence and perseverance. WOW!
The Kumon Method is in accordance to the 7Cs Model of Resilience, advocated by the American Academy of Pediatrics. The 7Cs includes control, competence, coping, confidence, connection, character and contribution are key areas to set students on the right track to resilience.
I was pretty impressed with the Kumon Advanced Student Forum 2019 (“ASF”) event. The amazing event was further enhanced with the special appearance of Dato’ Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, Malaysia’s first astronaut as a Guest Speaker and Kumon Parent.
Dato’ Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, Malaysia’s first astronaut as a Guest Speaker and Kumon Parent
Dato’ Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor has two daughters, whom are also currently attending Kumon programmes for Mathematics and English. At the event, he inspired the students by sharing his real-life journey to success having fulfilled his lifelong ambition to be an astronaut. He passionately shared the challenges he faced to excel in his academics and eventually graduated as an orthopaedic surgeon, and eventually represented Malaysia as the first astronaut. I believe every parent and students in the hall was captivated by his passionate speech.
In his speech, he shared that ‘students thrive on routine and we as parents should assist to propel them to excel’. Dato’ Dr Sheikh was kind enough to share his 5 tips to success with the students present:
- Dream Big
- Be Brave
- Be Bold
- Fluent in Language especially English
- Complete your degree
I also had the opportunity to attend a dialogue session with Dato’ Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor; Mr Yosuke Sugawa, General Manager of Kumon Malaysia and Ms. Dana Lekshmi, Kumon Instructor. At the dialogue, I had a deeper understanding on how Kumon works. I loved the idea where they believe in taking small steps to allow children to learn to learn in their own pace and let them gain confidence gradually. With proper guidance, children can excel and fly!
It was definitely an eye opener event for me to better understand Kumon. I will be bringing my son for a trial and see how he fares in the classes. If you would like more information on Kumon Malaysia, please visit Kumon’s official website www.kumonmalaysia.com or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kumonmalaysia/