Kumon maths?

[lizzythemonkey]

My DS, who is nearly 7 and in year 2, has come home very keen to start Kumon maths - I think some of the older children have told him about it. I dont know whether it'd be a good idea or not! He likes maths puzzles and is quite good at thembut I dont know if this means he would enjoy or benefit from Kumon...also, tbh, he does quite a lot of - mostly sporty! - stuff out of schol already and waht with that and my other 2 kids to deal with I'd need to be convinced about adding an extra thing! Does anyone have experience of kumon and what did you think of it?

Kumon is not about puzzles, far from that.
It is very ripetitive tradiotnal maths like: every ten minutes 14+5 17+ 7 and ten pages of only that, until you progress to substractions, then multiplications, divisions, fractions etc.
But you might ahve to do 2 months of only divisions..get it? it is not creative and my children ahve found it boring .
I must admit it has helped even me, my adding-up is quicker after practise!
Have look at their american site : www.kumon.com for examples of worksheets

I agree with you, belgianbun: it is mainly memory.
It is just one part of the story...without learning how to aply, it is limited.

Thanks everyone - this reinforces my initial feeling that this probably wasnt for us! I think ds would be very bored actually!

Kumon is great for kids who lack confidence - and need to get the basics hammered in.

Very repetitive though - not inspiring.

Try h
mathematical spectrum magazine

which is probably a touch too advanced - but might be more inspiring.

Off the top of my head, can't think of any 'junior problem' magazines..

Here is a maths magazine aimed at primary school children.