Kumon - Discussion

[gajidouma]

mummyloves:

Anyone sends your kids to Kumon chinese? Usu Kumon is known for their Maths prog... but heard someone saying that their Chinese is good too! ANy comments?

Well, my kid has been in Kumon Chinese programme for a year now. She likes reading but she hates the writing part. No choice, I have to coax her to write nearly every night.

My 2 cents: if you want to start Kumon Chinese, better don't start too early. Coz writing Chinese characters is really demanding for young children and it may end up that they may \"hate\" Chinese just becoz of the writing part... and when my kid first came to writing, it can take her up to 1/2 hour just to trace a few simple strokes. On retrospect, it could have saved me some money if I start my kid 1/2 to 1 year later by letting her do some tracing or pre-writing practice at home first.

But overall, their Chinese programme still benefits my child as I see her improvement in reading.

[foreverj]

gajidouma:

mummyloves:

Anyone sends your kids to Kumon chinese? Usu Kumon is known for their Maths prog... but heard someone saying that their Chinese is good too! ANy comments?

Well, my kid has been in Kumon Chinese programme for a year now. She likes reading but she hates the writing part. No choice, I have to coax her to write nearly every night.

My 2 cents: if you want to start Kumon Chinese, better don't start too early. Coz writing Chinese characters is really demanding for young children and it may end up that they may \"hate\" Chinese just becoz of the writing part... and when my kid first came to writing, it can take her up to 1/2 hour just to trace a few simple strokes. On retrospect, it could have saved me some money if I start my kid 1/2 to 1 year later by letting her do some tracing or pre-writing practice at home first.

But overall, their Chinese programme still benefits my child as I see her improvement in reading.

hi at what age did u start your kid on the chinese?

[gajidouma]

Started at 4+.


A bit tough at the start, have to say, to get her to do worksheet every night, as comparing to other Chinese enrichment programme, less fun so to speak (coz worksheets after worksheeets), but it allows kid to progress on his/her own pace... so less stressful in this sense.

I know someone would say Berry, TianXia etc is more popular or.... better. But to me, no good or bad programme, just suitable or not suitable for the specific child coz they all have their own preferred learning style at certain age. My kid used to be pretty quiet and was not really into those \"talking, dancing, singing, chanting\" kind of learning style. That's why I chose Kumon for her.. But recently she seemed to grow out of it and becomes a chatterbox... More fidgety when doing her homework... Let's see how...

[shaynamommy]

[Moderator's note: Topics merged.]


Hi

Just want to check if any parents know which maths method is better - Abacus or Kumon? My dd has been with Kumon maths for more than a year and doing okay but the kiasu mum here is just wondering if abacus training would be better.

I heard that Abacus maths is all about visualisation/mental maths and that the child may make mistake without knowing what has gone wrong. Kumon is really rote learning and doing tons of worksheets. Not sure if any parents have gone through both methods and would be able to provide their insights. TIA!

[jedamum]

1. how do you compare orange to apple?

2. have you done a search before posting?
discussion on Kumon http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?t=995&start=0.
discussion on Abacus http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?t=42&start=0.

[shaynamommy]

Hello grandmaster. Sorry my comments to your queries as follows, maybe I haven’t phrased my query in the right context.


1. Comparing apples to oranges? But they are both pertaining to maths enrichment… It’s like comparing Tien Hsia vs Berries for Chinese enrichment, correct? Both use diff methods for Chinese and I thought if there are parents who have had the chance to experience both methods for maths, it’d be much appreciated if they can share. Particularly if they have switched from one method to the other.
2. Okay I know the etiquette for this forum lah. Yes, I had read thru all the postings on both topics but still did not get the answers. For instance kumon requires daily worksheets within 10 Mins and abacus training seems to have homework but is it given for daily practice?

[jedamum]

shaynamommy:

1. Comparing apples to oranges? But they are both pertaining to maths enrichment.. It's like comparing Tien Hsia vs Berries for Chinese enrichment, correct? Both use diff methods for Chinese and I thought if there are parents who have had the chance to experience both methods for maths, it'd be much appreciated if they can share. Particularly if they have switched from one method to the other.

Tien Hsia, Berries, etc all teaches chineses; word recognition basics for preschoolers; all relevant to prepare for MOE P1 Chinese.
Abacus touches on Left/Right Brain; Kumon on rote learning - obviously different.
If you had read through Abacus thread and Kumon thread, you may realised that both Abacus and Kumon's Math cons is that it is not entirely in line with MOE's math syllabus; Abacus train the brain and also forms the foundation of mental calculation for speedier calculation; Kumon prides itself in allowing kids to progress at their own pace; some kids cannot stand rote learning via Kumon Math; some kids cannot visualise abacus beads - how to compare?
IMO, it is best for you to read through both threads, post questions separately for both threads and then derived at your/your kid's preferred method of learning.
As for wanting to know if abacus have daily homework, you can post that in the Abacus Thread.

[sleepy]

shaynamommy:

Hi

Just want to check if any parents know which maths method is better - Abacus or Kumon? My dd has been with Kumon maths for more than a year and doing okay but the kiasu mum here is just wondering if abacus training would be better.

My elder child was with Kumon whilst younger one is taking abacus. I find their progress comparable, both can do addition/subtraction at 4+ years old. Both programmes have merits & require consistent work. However, if really have to choose one, I think I would opt for abacus because I find abacus workload more manageable (for me!). Less worksheets = less nagging

I agreed with Jedamum that both Kumon & abacus aren't quite in sync with MOE's model drawing & heuristic type of questions. In my opinion, these 2 programmes seem more suitable for preschoolers, to build a stronger foundation in Maths. Once reach primary school level, I prefer a Maths programme that follows MOE syllabus. That's just my personal preference. There are many kids who continue even when they are in primary schools

[shaynamommy]

Sleepy and Jedamum, thanks for the advice. I agree on the Kumon workload, it has become a constant struggle for me and my dd. I would pose my queries regarding Abacus on the other thread… Thanks!

[Jona]

Hi,


My DS is in Kumon 2A in English. And is in K2. Kumon is catered for individual learning abilities. Each student learns in a different pace. Since Kumon teaches each student individually it is good for my son. He has picked up English reading so well, and is able to read books ahead of his age. I had put him in phonics class as well. Definitely it does help kids to pick up in their speed. Individual attention is given to each kid since my kid gets usually distracted easily. It develops a sense of time, discipline and legible handwriting.

English is same every where whether it is school or anywhere else. Kumon English exposes kids to wide vocabulary, and memory drill methods. And it is upto the kids to pick up in their own pace which is the strength of Kumon. It is a proven method for success though initially kids may find it boring and repetitive. Kumon English just requires kids to spare 10 min a day for completing the worksheets.