What is Kumon and How Does it Work?
Kumon is a global learning program that originated from Japan and has been helping children around the world succeed academically for over 60 years. The Kumon Method is designed to help children develop strong academic skills through self-learning and mastery. Kumon students start by assessing their current skill level and then progress at their own pace, with the help of an instructor.
The Kumon Method is based on the principle of “Joho Kyoka,” which means “to foster independent learning.” This means that Kumon students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning and develop good study habits, such as time management and concentration skills. Kumon is not a replacement for traditional schooling but rather complements it, by providing a solid foundation in math, reading, and writing, for example.
The Kumon reading program is one of the most popular programs offered by the organization. The program is designed to help children develop strong reading comprehension skills, increase their vocabulary, and enhance their reading fluency. Reading is an important foundational skill that is essential for academic and career success in almost all fields.
The Kumon reading program is divided into 13 levels, starting with basic phonics and ending with advanced reading comprehension. Children progress through the program by completing daily reading assignments and worksheets. The program is designed to be self-paced, which means that children can take as much time as they need to master each level. Kumon instructors are available to help children when they need it and provide guidance and feedback on their progress.
The Kumon reading program is unique in that it is not tied to a specific grade level. Children are not limited by their age or grade level and can progress at their own pace. This allows for students who are struggling with reading to catch up and those who are advanced to continue to challenge themselves. The Kumon program focuses on mastery rather than grade level, which means that children are expected to master the material before moving on to the next level.
One of the benefits of the Kumon reading program is that it is tailored to each child’s individual needs. The program starts with an assessment that helps instructors identify a child’s strengths and weaknesses. This allows the instructor to develop a personalized learning plan that is designed to help the child reach their full potential. The Kumon program is also designed to meet the needs of children with different learning styles and abilities.
In conclusion, the Kumon reading program is a great option for children who want to improve their reading skills and develop a strong foundation in reading comprehension. The program is designed to be self-paced, which means that children can progress at their own pace and master the material before moving on to the next level. With an emphasis on mastery and personalized learning, the Kumon program is a great choice for parents who want to help their children succeed academically.
The Benefits of Kumon Reading for Children
Reading is one of the most fundamental skills that children must learn in their early years. This is where the Kumon Reading Program comes in, offering a unique teaching method that helps children develop their reading skills and build a strong foundation for their future education. Here are some of the benefits that children can gain from the Kumon Reading Program:
1. Builds Fundamental Reading Skills
The Kumon Reading Program begins with a focus on reading aloud, which helps children develop their phonemic awareness skills. As they progress through the program, they learn to recognize sight words, comprehend reading material, and make inferences. This builds a strong foundation that enables them to read more complex texts with greater ease, helping them succeed in their future education.
2. Improves Vocabulary and Comprehension
A strong vocabulary and comprehension skills are essential for a child’s academic success and overall life skills. The Kumon Reading Program helps children develop their vocabulary by introducing them to new words and their meanings. This expands their understanding of the world around them and helps them to understand what they read, laying the foundation for critical thinking and analysis.
The program also helps children develop their comprehension skills by teaching them to identify the main idea, summarize text, and make connections between ideas. These skills are essential for academic success, but also in daily life when reading instructions, articles, and news.
3. Builds Confidence and Independence
The Kumon Reading Program is designed to be self-paced, which helps children develop confidence and independence. The level of difficulty is gradually increased, challenging the child to improve their skills and progress at their own pace without any external pressure. This helps children develop a love for reading, which is essential for lifelong learning and academic success.
4. Reinforces Good Study Habits
The Kumon Reading Program also teaches children important study habits such as time-management, focus, and concentration. These skills are essential for academic success but also in everyday life to help children achieve their goals. The program provides a structured environment to learn these skills and reinforce them with practice.
5. Cultivates a Love for Reading
The Kumon Reading Program aims to cultivate a love for reading in children. This is achieved by introducing children to a variety of reading materials that are designed to engage their interests and spark their imagination. As they develop their skills and progress through the program, they are encouraged to read for pleasure, which helps build their vocabulary and expand their knowledge of the world around them.
Overall, the Kumon Reading Program is an effective way to develop children’s reading skills and build a strong foundation for their future success. As children progress through the program, they gain confidence, independence, and a love for reading that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Recommended Kumon Reading Books for Level 1 to 7
Reading is an essential skill that every child needs to master to succeed in academics and later in life. It is, therefore, necessary to encourage children to read and introduce them to good books while they are still young. Kumon, a world-renowned educational company, has designed a unique reading program for children that will significantly improve their reading skills. But what are the recommended Kumon reading books for levels 1 to 7?
Level 1 Reading Books
The Kumon reading program level 1 targets children from five years old who are beginning to learn how to read. The books in this level have a lot of illustrations to help engage the children and motivate them to read. Here are some of the recommended reading books for level 1:
1. My Book of Easy Words: Learning Short Vowels
This book is recommended as one of the first books for children in level 1. It has various easy-to-read words with simple illustrations that enable children to learn how to pronounce and read the words correctly.
2. My Book of Alphabet Games
This book is designed to help children learn the alphabet. It has various games and activities that the children can do to practice their alphabets. The visual cues in the book are designed to help the children remember the alphabets better.
Level 7 Reading Books
The Kumon reading program level 7 targets children between the ages of eight and ten. The books in this level have longer passages, complex sentences, and advanced vocabulary words. Here are some of the recommended reading books for level 7:
1. The adventures of Tom Sawyer
The adventures of Tom Sawyer are a classic novel by Mark Twain. The books follow the adventures of a young boy growing up in the American south. The book is recommended for children in level 7 as it helps to improve their reading comprehension skills.
2. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
The diary of a young girl is a classic novel that tells the story of Anne Frank, a young girl living in Nazi-occupied Netherlands during the Second World War. The book is recommended for children in level 7 as it helps to improve their reading and critical thinking skills.
3. Island of the Blue Dolphin
The Island of the Blue Dolphin is a novel by Scott O’ Dell that tells the story of a young girl named Karana who is stranded on an island off the coast of California and her struggles to survive. The book is recommended for children in level 7 as it helps to improve their vocabulary and comprehension skills.
In conclusion, the Kumon reading program has books at every level that are specifically designed to help children improve their reading skills. The recommended reading books for level 1 to 7 are just some of the books that you can find in the Kumon reading program. With the right books and practice, children can develop a love for reading that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.
How Kumon Reading Compares to Other Reading Programs
When it comes to learning to read, many programs and methods are available to parents. Some of the most popular and well-known reading programs include Hooked on Phonics and Reading Eggs. However, Kumon Reading is another highly recommended reading program that stands out from the rest. Here are four ways in which Kumon Reading compares to other reading programs.
1. Individualized Learning Plan
Kumon Reading uses a unique individualized learning plan to help students develop their reading skills. Each student starts at a level that is appropriate for their reading ability and progresses through levels at their own pace. This approach allows students to focus on areas where they need extra practice, without feeling held back or rushed by the pace of the rest of the class. Other reading programs may have students move through levels at a set pace, which can be frustrating for some students who may need more time or more challenging material.
2. Emphasis on Mastery
Another way in which Kumon Reading stands out is its emphasis on mastery. Rather than simply moving through levels, students must demonstrate mastery of each level before moving on to the next one. This means that students are not just learning to read, but learning to read proficiently. Other reading programs may focus more on getting through material quickly, rather than ensuring that students truly understand what they are reading.
3. Direction Following
Direction following is another component of Kumon Reading that sets it apart from other reading programs. In Kumon Reading, students must read and follow directions carefully in order to complete the assigned work. This helps to develop reading comprehension skills and also teaches students to pay close attention to details. Other reading programs may not have as much of an emphasis on direction following, which can be a vital skill in both reading and in life.
4. Practice Makes Perfect
Finally, Kumon Reading puts a strong emphasis on practice. Students are encouraged to practice their reading skills every day in order to master new concepts and improve their overall reading proficiency. As the saying goes, practice makes perfect, and this is certainly true when it comes to learning to read. Other reading programs may not have as much of an emphasis on daily practice, which can lead to slower progress and less mastery of reading skills.
In conclusion, Kumon Reading is a highly recommended reading program that stands out from other reading programs in several important ways. By using an individualized learning plan, emphasizing mastery, teaching direction following, and encouraging daily practice, Kumon Reading helps students to develop strong reading skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.
Success Stories from Kumon Reading Students
When it comes to helping children improve their reading, Kumon has a proven track record of success. Many students have improved their reading skills and developed a love for reading thanks to Kumon’s reading program.
Here are five success stories from Kumon reading students:
1. Sarah’s Story: Sarah was a struggling reader when she started Kumon’s reading program. She couldn’t keep up with the other students in her class and was falling behind. After just a few months with Kumon, Sarah’s reading skills improved dramatically. She was able to keep up with her classmates and even began to enjoy reading for fun.
2. John’s Story: John was a reluctant reader who didn’t enjoy reading at all. His parents were worried that he was falling behind in his reading skills, so they enrolled him in Kumon’s reading program. At first, John wasn’t thrilled about the idea, but as he progressed through Kumon’s program, he began to see how much he was improving. Today, John is an avid reader and loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book.
3. Emily’s Story: Emily was a struggling reader who found it difficult to focus on her reading. She had trouble keeping her place on the page and often skipped over words or lines. After just a few months with Kumon, Emily’s reading skills improved dramatically. She was able to read with more confidence and focus, and her grades in school improved as well.
4. Michael’s Story: Michael was a shy and introverted child who struggled to connect with his classmates. He often felt left out and alone. However, after enrolling in Kumon’s reading program, Michael discovered a love for reading that helped him connect with his classmates. He would often share what he was reading with his classmates and they would ask him for book recommendations.
5. Lily’s Story: Lily was a struggling reader who was often embarrassed to read out loud in front of her classmates. She lacked confidence in her reading skills and didn’t enjoy reading at all. However, after enrolling in Kumon’s reading program, Lily’s confidence grew and she became more comfortable reading out loud. She even began to enjoy reading and now spends most of her free time with her nose buried in a book.
Kumon’s reading program has helped countless children improve their reading skills and develop a love for reading. If you want your child to experience the same success, consider enrolling them in Kumon’s reading program today.