When students enroll in Kumon, they may place into a level below their school grade level. There are a variety of benefits in doing so. Students can fill in any knowledge gaps they may have, deepen their concentration, strengthen their thinking speed, and experience success right away. The aim for all students is to reach grade level material within one year of enrollment. Students progress at different rates depending on a variety of factors, and instruction is individualized so students are studying at the just-right level.
Kumon recognizes excellent academic achievement in students, relative to their grade level. The Advanced Student Honor Roll (ASHR) is to motivate students to achieve advanced study. Students who advance two and three years ahead of their school grade become more confident about studying on their own. Studying beyond grade level is important and necessary because students cannot fully experience the value of self-learning by studying what they have already learned at school. When students start learning beyond their grade level they begin to feel the joy of learning because they are learning new things on their own. In Kumon, we want as many students as possible to experience the joy of self-learning.
Kumon instills in students the skills and mindset for learning new materials without being taught. Toru Kumon said, “We must allow children to experience the joy of self-learning and advancing on their own. We hope that they will then continue learning by themselves even after going out into the real world, and growing up into people who give their best in everything they do.” Through the process of exploring unknown content, students cultivate the mindset to embrace challenges and confident in their ability to achieve their personal goals.
Past articles from Kumon:
Kumon and the Common Core
Reading Proficiency in Third Grade
To Have and to Hold...A Pencil
Information provided by Kumon Math & Reading Center of Issaquah Highlands. For more information, please visit their website or call at 425-369-1072.
