I started my daughter @ this particular center when they opened 2 years ago. Let me be the first…read moreto say that I have not regretted that decision! She started in Junior Kumon and got to C level (3rd grade) before the end of 2nd grade! Her teachers @ school always tell me that she excels in math and reading (she takes both @ the center) as well as science. When asked by them what I do @ home to help her, I merely say, "KUMON".
Parents need to know the difference between Kumon and the other educational centers out there. This is not homework help nor is this a tutorial program. This should not be your last resort, but your first! I've seen parents put their kids in the program, take them out when they see improvement, only to put them back in when their kids starts to slide down in school again. This is a constant maintenance! You have to put the work in (YES, you get homework to take at the end of each session on top of the ones your kids bring home from school!)!
This method of learning is an extension of what your kids will learn @ school and then some! The program teaches the kids to think independently, to work out problems in their heads, but if they find themselves stuck on a problem, the teachers are on hand to assist. The staff knows the kids and their personalities well, making them more than capable of having a personal rapport w/ the students having gained their trust. I have to say that it's not easy! There are days when my daughter doesn't want to go or do her homework (trust me - you'll run into this!). This is when you pull the parent card out and say, "Just do it!"
I like the incentive program they have for the kids. Similar to a bank, each time a student "deposits" their completed homework; they get Kumon dollars to "save" until the end of the month. They can use their "money" to buy an item or items @ the store. My daughter holds on to hers until she has enough for a big-ticket item so she goes without buying for months! It's also fun for them to have their own "money" and have them spend it the way they like - the store has a huge selection of fun merchandise!
If you see that your child is struggling, don't wait until the next report card or parent-teacher conference. Call the center, make an appointment with the owner, Irene Tam, bring your child(ren) into the center, get them assessed, and get them started. The quicker you make this decision for them, the quicker you'll see their improvement! What are you waiting for? If you want to know where my daughter is in her own class, she's in the top 5! While I can say that I am always on her about getting her school work done, I have to give credit to Kumon for getting her ready early on, challenging her constantly, reinforcing what I work hard to instill at home. FYI, she also has other activities, fun ones, to balance things out. And NO, I'm not the Tiger mom's sister!