Wow how do you juggle both homework and Kumon? Overload?

[Anonymous]

I'm a private reading tutor. I work with many children to bring them up to grade level in reading and spelling. The majority of students I work with, even those with a learning disability diagnosed, really just need basic, structured remediation that isn't being addressed by the school curriculum; or it is being addressed but not efficiently and thoroughly. (Kids are pulled out once a week for some extra help, but not systematically and the help isn't fast enough.)

I think one one one with a skilled tutor is probably best, but I have seen the Kumon program and it seems more than adequate for many students, and is probably more affordable than a private tutor.

A physician that has encountered many children with learning disabilities. I agree with the fresh and wise words of the PP. My recommendation/therapy of Kumon to a close and frustrated family friend in Boston with a 5th grader performing many grade levels below par has worked wonders for this girl after 13 to 15 months. I know many other children who have benefitted by the discipline of these frequent (daily) short working sessions in math and reading.

This does not mean this approach will benefit all children; but scanning the commentary of shrill and ignorant (no one gives a damn about any Yale or Big 3 degrees) individuals carping away provides for humorous entertainment, solely.

I have no stock or financial interest in Kumon (or any similar entity); but it's about the well being of the child, stupid, and not the paranoia and insecurity of people consumed with real or imagined motives of the parents of kids in Kumon -- as if their gifted children are somehow short changed or their American dream fantasy childhood threatened.

Warning: if you are allergic to Kumon please stay away for your own health and carry an Epinephrine Pen at all times

[Anonymous]

Well, but those you work with who have a diagnosed learning disability may have been referred to you rather than a learning specialist precisely because what they need is basic, structured remediation. In other words, arguably, what you've said reflects more on your niche than on what most kids with learning disabilities need.

Nonsense. No child on the globe needs a diagnosis or label to benefit from Kumon or the daily discipline of structured reading and math exercises.

[Anonymous]

Kumon is a multi-million dollar industry seeking the broadest consumer base possible.

[Anonymous]

Those of us who argued that Kumon was an absurd choice for "enrichment" made it clear that our opinion didn't apply in cases where the child needs remediation. That is not the topic of this thread.

[Anonymous]

Those of us who argued that Kumon was an absurd choice for "enrichment" made it clear that our opinion didn't apply in cases where the child needs remediation. That is not the topic of this thread.

We all acknowledge your view -- only an opinion. Kumon has also provided enrichment for many children -- another opinion. The morale of the story: do what works for your child. There is a reason Kumon is a multi-billion dollar industry. Just like there is a reason Google and Apple are multi-billion industries. Consumers, like you and I, avail themselves to these services and products by choice.

[Anonymous]

If a learning disabled kid can get to Kumon Calculus by the 9th grade that's some powerful enrichment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If a learning disabled kid can get to Kumon Calculus by the 9th grade that's some powerful enrichment.

There was an 8th grade student at our tutoring center (diagnosed with learning diasbility in reading but not math) doing calculus in school and participated in math competitions.

[Anonymous]

Those of us who argued that Kumon was an absurd choice for "enrichment" made it clear that our opinion didn't apply in cases where the child needs remediation. That is not the topic of this thread.

more entertainment

[Anonymous]

It is hard to juggle all of our responsibilities but my kids do Kumon first then their schoolwork. If it becomes too much we would cut back on the number of worksheets and then the program itself if necessary.

I'm not a huge fan of Kumon. I have two kids, one who needs remediation and the other who doesn't. We took both kids to get tested and the one needing remediation was behind and the other was on target or ahead. Before we decide to register the one who did not need remediation kept asking to go back to Kumon. So we decided to sign them both up.

I have definitely seen strides in independence and confidence in the one needing remediation. My DC is doing Kumon reading. We still have a long way to go but I'm seeing signs of improvement in DC Kumon work, homework and hopefully schoolwork will come along as well. Independence and confidence is a definitely a need for my DC and I do see this improving.

My other DC, who is competitive and doing well in school, is doing Kumon Math. My DC is very creative, smart, has a fear of failure and is competitive. I do believe Kumon is not flexible enough, it is too rigid. There are too many mind numbing worksheets that repeat and repeat. I feel that my DC that was excited about Kumon and learning is slowly beginning to hate doing the work, and is actually doing sloppy work and is just going thru the motions. We are going to switch out of Math to Reading, which might be a better fit. If my DC doesn't like Reading then we will stop completely. I think CTY or other programs might be a better fit but the Kumon worksheets are just too repetitive and slow. My DC absolutely loves learning but the repetitive nature of Kumon is not a good fit.

So for us, Kumon works in one situation and not in the other. Personally, I find it very boring and I cringe but I do like that it teaches independence, routine and helps with confidence by taking a kid back to a level in where they can be successful. I appreciate these strategies and I will definitely employ them when working with my kids in the future. Also, it has definitely, help me learn what not to do with my kids and what to do.

[Anonymous]

Do anyone believe honestly think that worksheets are the answer? Worksheets are dull beyond words.

If your kid needs help or enrichment, get a qualified tutor who will work with your child and his/her learning styles.

Of course, the problem with a good tutor is it is way more than $120 a month.

With Kumon you get what you pay for. It can work for some kids, but not all by any means.

[Anonymous]

My kids gets one on one instruction and Kumon. Yes, it is expensive to hire a tutor and Kumon teaches independence, speed and accuracy.

[Anonymous]

Do anyone believe honestly think that worksheets are the answer? Worksheets are dull beyond words.

If your kid needs help or enrichment, get a qualified tutor who will work with your child and his/her learning styles.

Of course, the problem with a good tutor is it is way more than $120 a month.

With Kumon you get what you pay for. It can work for some kids, but not all by any means.

Better yet, let outcomes determine which intervention works for your child. Therefore, Value (of the intervention) = Outcome divided by cost (of the intervention). Useful concept for those that are not trust fund babies.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Do anyone believe honestly think that worksheets are the answer? Worksheets are dull beyond words.

If your kid needs help or enrichment, get a qualified tutor who will work with your child and his/her learning styles.

Of course, the problem with a good tutor is it is way more than $120 a month.

With Kumon you get what you pay for. It can work for some kids, but not all by any means.

Better yet, let outcomes determine which intervention works for your child. Therefore, Value (of the intervention) = Outcome divided by cost (of the intervention). Useful concept for those that are not trust fund babies.

How do you know the outcome before you have put up the cost?

[Anonymous]

Many times you don't because children are unique individuals. Therefore, you monitor your intervention for appropriate response. It's what your doctor does when he or she gives you (prescribes) a new medication because it may or may not work for half the population (despite the myriad of trials for regulatory approval-FDA...or DCUM). You simply measure the response or outcome of any intervention in your own children -- medications or bearded WPSSI testers. I suspect Kumon is a multi-billion dollar industry (with over a 50 year history) because consumers of this global service have been satisfied with the outcome and assigned it a relative high value (e.g., Apple).

Value = Outcome (e.g., happiness, improved performance, top of the math class) divided by cost

[Anonymous]

How do you know the outcome before you have put up the cost?

Reminds me of the following:

SAT prep: " How do I know my child will get into Harvard if I sign this check for my 8th grader to take your prep course so he hits the test score ceiling?" inquired helicopter MOM.

Well, in all honesty...you don't and won't know until April 14, 2016