is outside enrichment really unaffordable?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I work as a data center technician when I could be making three times working as a computer engineer. In hindsight, I was weak in math and that's what discouraged me from pursuing a four year college degree in a stem field. I dont want to make the same mistake with my child and would like to make sure they are confident with math from elementary grades itself. It's not that school math is bad, except child doesnt get it in one pass, and needs reinforcement. I tried supporting with evening math practice myself using free internet resources and workbooks, but child doesnt listen to me. After input from other parents, I got them started with Kumon, and was pleasantly surprised it costs just $150 per month, while I expected it would be much more and unaffordable. I am completely comfortable with this nominal investment into my child for what I see as necessary given my child's math learning needs.

When people here say outside enrichment is expensive and unaffordable, is there another offering from Kumon that costs much more for elementary math? Of are the rich people trying to keep us lower middle class people from accessing these affordable outside enrichment options to prevent our children from competing academically?

Places like Kumon aren't all that great really. It not that different than you just buying the books and making them do a few worksheets. If you are an involved parent, your child will benefit much more if you work with them at that age. However, once they get to Algebra or higher courses may be in order. This will cost a minimum of $1500+/year. They would also even benefit from a tutor which can be as little as $2500/year. My point is that even kids who are great at math need to learn it somewhere.

this is what I mean by rich people scaring poor people away from enrichment. Throw around figures in thousands, while not mentioning that kumon can be afforded using pocket change. We spend more money on useless clothes and unhealthy outside food, than we would ever spend on kumon. I dont care how good or bad kumon is, my child wont listen to me and doesnt feel compelled to sit everyday working with khan academy and free resources. With kumon, they have an external entity to whom they feel obligated to report to.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In elementary school, we just did workbooks at home. Much more affordable.

Children may not always heed their parents' guidance for enrichment work because they perceive their parents as loving caregivers rather than strict authorities, and may resist their advice as a way of asserting their independence. However, if the same enrichment materials come from an external authority such as Kumon, they may be more inclined to follow their instructions, as they view them as respected educators whom other children also follow.

[Anonymous]

NP here. As others have said, a lot of this comes down to family culture. My kids attend a public elementary that is academically weak and so we supplement at home starting when they’re in kindergarten.

It takes a ton of work but they’re used to the idea that they have “homework” with us for 30 minutes several nights a week. DW and I bought a printed reading curriculum and AoPS paper workbooks and do those with the kids. We also bought the teacher supplement which helped us get started but now we don’t bother with that part (neither of us has any teaching background).

It was intimidating at first because I’m terrible at math and didn’t understand the new way of thinking about it and DW had similar challenges understanding how to teach reading. We’ve been doing this for 4 years now though, and it does get easier. We bribe the kids with some candy or screen time if they do this work without complaining and that’s helped. We also restrict candy and screentime the rest of the time so that the bribe is more meaningful, and so now the kids ask for homework so they can have their treats. It takes a ton of effort for the parents, but it’s doable at a very low cost if that’s what you want.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I work as a data center technician when I could be making three times working as a computer engineer. In hindsight, I was weak in math and that's what discouraged me from pursuing a four year college degree in a stem field. I dont want to make the same mistake with my child and would like to make sure they are confident with math from elementary grades itself. It's not that school math is bad, except child doesnt get it in one pass, and needs reinforcement. I tried supporting with evening math practice myself using free internet resources and workbooks, but child doesnt listen to me. After input from other parents, I got them started with Kumon, and was pleasantly surprised it costs just $150 per month, while I expected it would be much more and unaffordable. I am completely comfortable with this nominal investment into my child for what I see as necessary given my child's math learning needs.

When people here say outside enrichment is expensive and unaffordable, is there another offering from Kumon that costs much more for elementary math? Of are the rich people trying to keep us lower middle class people from accessing these affordable outside enrichment options to prevent our children from competing academically?

Places like Kumon aren't all that great really. It not that different than you just buying the books and making them do a few worksheets. If you are an involved parent, your child will benefit much more if you work with them at that age. However, once they get to Algebra or higher courses may be in order. This will cost a minimum of $1500+/year. They would also even benefit from a tutor which can be as little as $2500/year. My point is that even kids who are great at math need to learn it somewhere.

this is what I mean by rich people scaring poor people away from enrichment. Throw around figures in thousands, while not mentioning that kumon can be afforded using pocket change. We spend more money on useless clothes and unhealthy outside food, than we would ever spend on kumon. I dont care how good or bad kumon is, my child wont listen to me and doesnt feel compelled to sit everyday working with khan academy and free resources. With kumon, they have an external entity to whom they feel obligated to report to.

Wow, you’re really hung up on the idea that rich people are purposely keeping tutoring options from you. If you’re that unmotivated that you can’t research tutoring options and costs, I’m not sure what is going to help you here. You don’t want to take advantage of low-cost options, or teach your kid yourself, but *somehow* your unwillingness to engage in the process is about how wealthy people deny you something. Sounds more like you denying your kid something.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I work as a data center technician when I could be making three times working as a computer engineer. In hindsight, I was weak in math and that's what discouraged me from pursuing a four year college degree in a stem field. I dont want to make the same mistake with my child and would like to make sure they are confident with math from elementary grades itself. It's not that school math is bad, except child doesnt get it in one pass, and needs reinforcement. I tried supporting with evening math practice myself using free internet resources and workbooks, but child doesnt listen to me. After input from other parents, I got them started with Kumon, and was pleasantly surprised it costs just $150 per month, while I expected it would be much more and unaffordable. I am completely comfortable with this nominal investment into my child for what I see as necessary given my child's math learning needs.

When people here say outside enrichment is expensive and unaffordable, is there another offering from Kumon that costs much more for elementary math? Of are the rich people trying to keep us lower middle class people from accessing these affordable outside enrichment options to prevent our children from competing academically?

Places like Kumon aren't all that great really. It not that different than you just buying the books and making them do a few worksheets. If you are an involved parent, your child will benefit much more if you work with them at that age. However, once they get to Algebra or higher courses may be in order. This will cost a minimum of $1500+/year. They would also even benefit from a tutor which can be as little as $2500/year. My point is that even kids who are great at math need to learn it somewhere.

this is what I mean by rich people scaring poor people away from enrichment. Throw around figures in thousands, while not mentioning that kumon can be afforded using pocket change. We spend more money on useless clothes and unhealthy outside food, than we would ever spend on kumon. I dont care how good or bad kumon is, my child wont listen to me and doesnt feel compelled to sit everyday working with khan academy and free resources. With kumon, they have an external entity to whom they feel obligated to report to.

Wow, you’re really hung up on the idea that rich people are purposely keeping tutoring options from you. If you’re that unmotivated that you can’t research tutoring options and costs, I’m not sure what is going to help you here. You don’t want to take advantage of low-cost options, or teach your kid yourself, but *somehow* your unwillingness to engage in the process is about how wealthy people deny you something. Sounds more like you denying your kid something.

You're not reading the entire post, are you? Just the word "rich", sends you into a defensive mode.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:“Of are the rich people trying to keep us lower middle class people from accessing these affordable outside enrichment options to prevent our children from competing academically?”

That’s the bit where they are suspecting that wealthier people are somehow hoarding tutors.

OP here. There is lack of awareness among lower middle class on leveraging low cost enrichment options as effective parenting tool.

You're absolutely right. A small investment in afterschool enrichment yields exponential returns. School teachers bear the burden of lifting up the last child, while parents should bear the burden of at least pulling up their own child.

[Anonymous]

Fcps offers free tutoring?

Anonymous wrote:I work as a data center technician when I could be making three times working as a computer engineer. In hindsight, I was weak in math and that's what discouraged me from pursuing a four year college degree in a stem field. I dont want to make the same mistake with my child and would like to make sure they are confident with math from elementary grades itself. It's not that school math is bad, except child doesnt get it in one pass, and needs reinforcement. I tried supporting with evening math practice myself using free internet resources and workbooks, but child doesnt listen to me. After input from other parents, I got them started with Kumon, and was pleasantly surprised it costs just $150 per month, while I expected it would be much more and unaffordable. I am completely comfortable with this nominal investment into my child for what I see as necessary given my child's math learning needs.

When people here say outside enrichment is expensive and unaffordable, is there another offering from Kumon that costs much more for elementary math? Of are the rich people trying to keep us lower middle class people from accessing these affordable outside enrichment options to prevent our children from competing academically?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Different parents choose different forms of math enrichment for their kids. Mine is pretty good at math, so I can help with anything she needs, if she cannot get clarity with help from YouTube videos or Khan Academy.

Some of my friends and relatives have used Kumon. What I have found is that especially as they get older, kids don't like Kumon and its 1000 worksheets, and will eventually stop, usually around upper Elementary. IME, Kumon kids get very good at arithmetic, doing it quickly and accurately, which helps them out in the long run.

Others go to Mathnesium or equivalents, where there is more one on one help, and I believe costs more. Still others go to AoPS and RSM, which are still more expensive. So, the expenditure depends on what resources you are using.

RSM is not more expensive then Mathnasium and the like, I have seen the monthly bills for those programs. It is set up differently, it is a 2 hour class once a week with homework instead of 2 times a week drop ins. The programs are different, one is a class while the other is small work groups.

Look for the program that works best for your child and for your schedule. A lot of the programs have scholarships, I know RSM does.

AoPS VA is a lot cheaper than Mathnasium options near me, about 66% cheaper. That's not to say it's cheap, though. For ES math, your best bet is to spend time with your kid. I got the best results from this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:“Of are the rich people trying to keep us lower middle class people from accessing these affordable outside enrichment options to prevent our children from competing academically?”

That’s the bit where they are suspecting that wealthier people are somehow hoarding tutors.

OP here. There is lack of awareness among lower middle class on leveraging low cost enrichment options as effective parenting tool.

You're absolutely right. A small investment in afterschool enrichment yields exponential returns. School teachers bear the burden of lifting up the last child, while parents should bear the burden of at least pulling up their own child.

That requires parents to prioritize education and many just don't know or care to do this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In elementary school, we just did workbooks at home. Much more affordable.

Children may not always heed their parents' guidance for enrichment work because they perceive their parents as loving caregivers rather than strict authorities, and may resist their advice as a way of asserting their independence. However, if the same enrichment materials come from an external authority such as Kumon, they may be more inclined to follow their instructions, as they view them as respected educators whom other children also follow.

I "registered" my kid from an "online" class, and present the weekly homework. Schools provide IXL you can assign modules from, signed "the teacher" .
You don't need to pay someone else to help trick your foolish kid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Different parents choose different forms of math enrichment for their kids. Mine is pretty good at math, so I can help with anything she needs, if she cannot get clarity with help from YouTube videos or Khan Academy.

Some of my friends and relatives have used Kumon. What I have found is that especially as they get older, kids don't like Kumon and its 1000 worksheets, and will eventually stop, usually around upper Elementary. IME, Kumon kids get very good at arithmetic, doing it quickly and accurately, which helps them out in the long run.

Others go to Mathnesium or equivalents, where there is more one on one help, and I believe costs more. Still others go to AoPS and RSM, which are still more expensive. So, the expenditure depends on what resources you are using.

RSM is not more expensive then Mathnasium and the like, I have seen the monthly bills for those programs. It is set up differently, it is a 2 hour class once a week with homework instead of 2 times a week drop ins. The programs are different, one is a class while the other is small work groups.

Look for the program that works best for your child and for your schedule. A lot of the programs have scholarships, I know RSM does.

AoPS VA is a lot cheaper than Mathnasium options near me, about 66% cheaper. That's not to say it's cheap, though. For ES math, your best bet is to spend time with your kid. I got the best results from this.

I thought both Mathnasium and AOPS classes are very close to $35/hr.

It may hit differently depending on exactly how long exactly each session is.

In either case, you're paying far too much unless your student is doing at least 2x time on free homework than in class/center.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In elementary school, we just did workbooks at home. Much more affordable.

Children may not always heed their parents' guidance for enrichment work because they perceive their parents as loving caregivers rather than strict authorities, and may resist their advice as a way of asserting their independence. However, if the same enrichment materials come from an external authority such as Kumon, they may be more inclined to follow their instructions, as they view them as respected educators whom other children also follow.

I "registered" my kid from an "online" class, and present the weekly homework. Schools provide IXL you can assign modules from, signed "the teacher" .
You don't need to pay someone else to help trick your foolish kid.

Feel sorry for you as there appear to be shortcomings in your own upbringing that now you go around calling unknown kids foolish.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:“Of are the rich people trying to keep us lower middle class people from accessing these affordable outside enrichment options to prevent our children from competing academically?”

That’s the bit where they are suspecting that wealthier people are somehow hoarding tutors.

OP here. There is lack of awareness among lower middle class on leveraging low cost enrichment options as effective parenting tool.

You're absolutely right. A small investment in afterschool enrichment yields exponential returns. School teachers bear the burden of lifting up the last child, while parents should bear the burden of at least pulling up their own child.

That requires parents to prioritize education and many just don't know or care to do this.

We are in this category, and just now heard about kumon and enrolled.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:“Of are the rich people trying to keep us lower middle class people from accessing these affordable outside enrichment options to prevent our children from competing academically?”

That’s the bit where they are suspecting that wealthier people are somehow hoarding tutors.

OP here. There is lack of awareness among lower middle class on leveraging low cost enrichment options as effective parenting tool.

No, I think there is lack of desire or lack of time or lack of desire to spend limited time finding the resources, introducing them to the child and then following up that the child is using them.
Because reality is if a parent can use google they can find free stuff online. The school will always send home resources either the kind that the school provides and the kid can log into or free stuff online.
And I should say it's not just lower middle class - it's any class of parent who can make the same claim - lack of awareness- and have the same resources for making it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are a lot of free resources out there. Parents just have to know where to find them, and both the parents and kids have to be motivated to use them.

Khan Academy is free and covers a lot of subjects. AoPS has many free resources as well as a message board where kids can ask for help if they didn't understand something.

We know these free resources exist and tries using them, but child is not motivated. How to get them motivated and interested in studies?

Welcome to the world of parenting.

Understand it's parenting and we are doing everything as parents, but cant get child interested in studies. Child says no homework. How are they learning with no homework? We get library books but child doesnt touch them. Can we ask school for help to get child interested in studies?

DP and yes we took our kids to the library, they checked out books, and then when we brought them home, we actively read them with our child. We even read chapter books to them at night as they got older. We used more simple books and modeled the process of reading. We helped them pick out non fiction books in the library that they normally would not have looked for and when they brought those books home actively engaged with them on reading the books and finding extensions of that information in everyday life. We had them read newspaper articles and magazine articles as they got older and discussed those as well.

When there was homework, and they had trouble starting or focusing, we would sit next to them and do our own work to help keep them on task. We had lots of complaints doing review the week before a test starting a week before a test so we had to help them do it.

Basically the young kids who are self motivated and will organize themselves to do these things and stay focused and are on task are the exception and the rule is that parents have to help direct and focus kids when they are young gradually reducing support as the kids get older.