Kumon Method: a system of autonomous learning

The Kumon method is a Japanese learning system that pursues the acquisition of linguistic-mathematical skills through a self-taught approach.

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The Kumon method is a Japanese learning system that seeks to develop the learning potential of children. It is based on two programs, one for mathematics and the other for reading.

This method, rather than pursuing the acquisition of specific skills, aims to prepare the student for autonomous learning. This would be achieved by acquiring a habit of continuous study and with an individualized learning plan.

How did the Kumon method arise?

Every child has the potential to excel and skills to exploit

The Kumon method was created by the Japanese Toru Kumon in 1954 . This teacher started developing a mathematics program initially, since his son had difficulties with this subject. Later, it would also create a reading or language program, giving rise to the current system.

Kumon firmly believed that every child has the potential to excel and skills yet to be exploited. For that reason, a learning system was necessary that allowed to expand to the maximum the capacities of each child .

Learning is easy if you know how.

The objectives of this learning

The practice of this method focuses on an individual and personalized curriculum, in which each student advances at their own pace. Following the philosophy of Professor Kumon, children get to:

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• Master the most basic concepts of mathematics and language.

• Improve concentration , organization and study habits.

• Develop all its potential.

• Increase self - confidence and self - discipline .

• They will feel more motivated and satisfied on a personal level.

• They will be self-taught , they will be able to study by themselves.

On what is it based?

This system has two branches - mathematics and english language - and in each of them the progress and treatment of the matter are, logically, different. In both cases, you start with exercises that gradually progress and get complicated .

The method for mathematics is based on the repetition of basic exercises, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. These exercises will become progressively more complex until reaching an advanced level. In english language, on the other hand, the stages of reading and forming words are focused.

The keys to this learning are continuous study and self-taught approach. The teacher will actually be a counselor, who will reinforce the weak points of the children and program tasks. Occasionally he may "give clues" to propose the resolution of the activities, but he will not teach class as such.

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"With the Kumon method the teacher is a mere companion of the student's discoveries"

At what age to start?

One of the main characteristics of the Kumon method is that there is no age to start. Although it is recommended to start as soon as possible, it can be applied at any time, developing the potential of each student from early childhood education to university.

Each one studies at the most appropriate point of their capacity, without the limitations of age or school level. In this way, calmly and gradually, students can enjoy learning and the satisfaction of achieving good results with the effort invested .

What is valued with the Kumon method is the ability to learn by ones self, self-taught study. The study is carried out through readings and thinking, rethinking the problems until arriving, alone, at the solution.

The key role of parents

Although the goal is to get children to be self-taught and able to solve any challenge, they are not completely alone in this process. This methodology could be compared with a triangle, whose vertices would be the student, the counselors and the parents.

To help your child to study you have to be with her and accompany her.
The family is the key support of children, especially during the first years of their lives. In the case of the Kumon method, parents also have a fundamental role, which focuses on two tasks:

Make the qualification of the exercises that your children solve every day at home. It will not take much time, and sharing that study time with children can increase the personal satisfaction they feel when doing homework assignments.

Motivate the children continuously ,Studying is not fun for most children, and less so if learning is extracurricular (as the Kumon method suggests). Therefore, assessing the effort invested every day and encouraging them will be the main work of parents.

Where can you study the Kumon method?

Currently there are more than 200 centers distributed in Spain. Some of them are located in the schools themselves, which provide this system as an extracurricular activity. Others are their own centers , created exclusively to develop the Kumon method.

If what you want is to help your child improve their school performance, do not hesitate, the Kumon method is one of the best alternatives for it.