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Primary education

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Kumon. Anyone used it? Can you recommend?

54 replies

HotCrossPenguin · 28/03/2007 18:16

Have just made an enquiry for my DS's. Don't know a lot about it, but figured that a few MNetters might!

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Homebird8 · 01/04/2007 18:10

You're right wahmum, kids do seem to like MathsWhizz. Perhaps it is because it's computer based and that's cool. There are paper exercises sometimes too though aren't there? There's definitely a bit where they can practise for a particular test coming up in school so they see their success there too!

MathsFish · 01/05/2007 20:01

I know I'm coming to this thread a bit late, but I agree with flamingtoaster - if you need a creative and gentle way to allow your DCs to get their heads around maths, the maths songs and activities are a good start (there are quite a few of the books and CDs around).

3littlefrogs · 01/05/2007 23:58

The thing about Kumon is that each child is individually assessed and started at a level they can manage. This builds confidence. then the level of work is gradually increased, covering all the basics. If the child struggles, they go back a level and gradually work up again. They have regular monitoring and assessments. The way maths is taught in primary schools is illogical and haphazard IMO, and many children get confused.

My friend is a kumon instructor. She has a degree and a teaching qualification. To run a class of around 30 children takes about 35 hours a week, checking, setting and doing home visits and assessments. She has to go on regular weekend training courses and conferences - (compulsory, or her class will be given to another instructor). She has to cover the entire syllabus and pass all the tests, up to A level standard. She has to buy all the work sheets (which are copyrighted), pay helpers to run the classes and mark work, pay rent for the church hall, and pay her own travel expenses to do all the home visits.

After all that, Kumon take around 40% royalties out of her gross income.

She does it though because it works, and she has a real committment to the children. Many of her class have special educational needs, and have made fantastic progress with Kumon.

Homebird8 · 02/05/2007 14:34

It sounds like 3littlefrogs' friend is really dedicated and I'm sure that there are a lot of children who benefit from the support of individuals under the Kumon scheme. It's always good to look around though and other routes work well too.

I don't know much about books and CDs but MathsWhizz is an online tutor which gives children that same individual assessment and teaches in line with the numeracy strategy by finding the way of explaining a topic that the child can get to grips with. If they're not understanding, it explains in a different way, at a level to suit them, until they do. They get brought up to a level playing field across all the areas of maths and then progress at a rate to suit them. Of course it's all fun and can be done at a time to fit around other family commitments and anywhere there's internet access.

If you fancy taking a look try MathsWhizzDemo .
If you like what you see then you can get a discount on a trial month or an annual subscription using the voucher code "UK-0000833"

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