If you’re looking for ways to help your child strengthen their math or reading skills, you may have heard about Kumon. But what exactly is the Kumon Method? How does it work, and why do so many parents choose it?
Here’s a simple introduction for anyone curious about this popular Japanese learning program.
Disclosure: This article includes sponsored content. I only feature products and services I genuinely recommend, especially those related to kids’ learning, parenting, and global communication.
What Is the Kumon Method?
Kumon is an after-school learning program that started in Japan in 1958. It was developed by Toru Kumon, a high school math teacher who wanted to help his own son improve his skills.
Today, Kumon is one of the largest education franchises in the world, with centers in over 50 countries. It originally started with math, though now students can also study subjects like Japanese and English. Many Japanese people—who are generally strong in math along with many other Asians—have experience attending Kumon.
How Does Kumon Work?
At its core, the Kumon Method is about self-learning through small, incremental steps.
- Students complete daily worksheets at their own level.
- Each worksheet builds slightly on the last one.
- The goal is mastery and confidence before moving ahead.
- Instructors guide students, but they don’t “teach” in a traditional sense. Instead, they help children discover answers themselves.
Kumon’s philosophy is that children learn best when they figure things out on their own, step by step.
What Subjects Does Kumon Cover?
Kumon typically offers:
- Mathematics: From counting to calculus.
- Reading/Language: Reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary.
- Some regions also offer English as a Foreign Language (EFL) courses.
Why Do Parents Choose Kumon?
Parents often choose Kumon because:
- It helps children catch up or get ahead in school.
- It builds discipline and daily study habits.
- It encourages independent learning and problem-solving skills.
- It’s flexible and works for many age groups.
My 4-year-old son also goes to Kumon, where he studies Japanese and English. He attends class twice a week diligently. Sometimes he says he doesn’t want to go, but once we arrive, he switches modes and cheerfully says “I’m off!” as he heads into the classroom on his own. Since starting Kumon, his vocabulary has grown a lot, and he asks “What does this mean?” much more often. He also seems really happy that he can read the alphabet now.
Recommended educational toys of Kumon
Kumon also makes educational toys that kids really love. Some of our top recommendations are the jigsaw puzzles, Logical Road, and Pattern Gram.
- Jigsaw Puzzles: These puzzles are designed with age-appropriate difficulty levels to help children develop spatial awareness, concentration, and problem-solving skills.
- Logical Road: A fun game where kids arrange tiles to create a continuous road, encouraging logical thinking and planning.
- Pattern Gram: A set of colorful shapes children use to recreate patterns or design their own, which builds spatial reasoning and creativity.
My 4 yo son plays with these puzzles for almost two hours! It really helps developing children’s concentration skills. The puzzles are carefully designed with great attention to detail, so that fitting the pieces together feels really satisfying and gives kids a real sense of accomplishment. When you play with them together, you’ll notice even adults find it enjoyable and pleasing to do.
When my son was younger, he especially loved the Spinning Ball Tower, a toy where kids drop balls that spiral down and ring a chime at the bottom. It’s simple but really engaging for toddlers, helping them develop hand-eye coordination.
There’s also a Kumon Park in Takashimaya in Futako-Tamagawa where you can freely try out many of these toys. It’s a great place to see which ones your child enjoys most!
Final Thoughts
The Kumon Method is a time-tested approach that has helped millions of children worldwide. Its focus on incremental learning, daily practice, and self-reliance appeals to many families who want to build strong academic foundations.
If you’re considering extra learning support for your child, Kumon is worth exploring!
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