THOUGHTS BY TORU KUMONPraising good points, rather than pointing out mistakes,

is much more effective in inspiring children to correct themselves.

Issue 2 Volume 10 2010

Don’t let your child fall behind this summer. As you explore fun activities and vacation getaways, remember that it is just as

important for children to participate in mental activities that exercise their brains as it is for them to participate in physical activities that keep their bodies strong. “Research shows that the pre-frontal cortex of the brain is growing during the first 20 years of a child’s life,” says Dr. Mary Mokris, education specialist with Kumon Math and Reading Centers. “A lack of learning activities during the summer months could result in lost stimulation during a critical development period.”

Studies in the Journal of Educational Research report that without any academic stimulation over long breaks, children

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can lose approximately 2.6 months of knowledge. This loss can have a negative effect when they return to the classroom. In preparation for this summer, talk to your Kumon Instructor about your child’s progress, specific goals, and the benefits of summer study. Kumon students often take their work on vacation or even discuss a change of workload with more time available to study. We interviewed students from across North America to find out how summer study helped them gain confidence and get ahead. We hope their stories will encourage your family to invest 15 to 20 minutes a day in Kumon.

Kumon Students Get Ahead This SummerBreak from School Not from Learning!

THIRD SUMMER OF KUMON

Casey Ramirez, nine years old, attends Kumon of Granger in Granger, Indiana,

and spends her summers playing the violin, attending tennis camp, and golfing. But unlike many of her friends, Casey takes time out each day during the summer months to tackle advanced work. “She does Kumon on planes, trains and automobiles,” said Casey’s mom, Janine Ramirez. “She does Kumon everywhere she goes.” Casey enrolled in Kumon during the summer of 2007 as a first grader and continues to enjoy year-round study. She started the math program in Level 2A and is now studying in Level F, three years above her grade level. She hopes to complete the math program before high school. “Doing Kumon over the summer helps Casey retain information and prevents the summer brain drain,” Mrs. Ramirez said. “She is able to walk right into the next grade level effortlessly.” In a recent letter to her Instructor, Yoko La Velle, Casey described how Kumon helped increase her math skills. “Now I don’t have to worry about the simple facts. I can take more time on story problems and get them right,” she wrote. “In addition to that, I get to help students in my class with their math and that makes me feel very important.” This summer, Casey will do 15 minutes a day of Kumon when she travels to the Caribbean and to Disney World in Florida. KUMON BEFORE PLAY LEADS TO AN “A”

Gisela Ortiz Pintor, 15 years old, attends Kumon of Newton in Mexico City, Mexico.

Gisela enrolled in Kumon when she was seven years old and is now studying Level M in the math program. After eight years in Kumon, Gisela understands the value and benefit of practicing Kumon math daily.

“My mom always says that success is achieved through consistent hard work and discipline,” Gisela said. “I have learned that even when I am tired or on holidays, I have to do my best and always try a little harder than the day before.”

She admits it was difficult for her to do her work every day when she started Kumon, especially during the summer. There were so many times that she wanted to go out and play with her friends, but her mother didn’t let her play until she completed her Kumon. In those days, Gisela didn’t understand the benefits of the daily work.

“It was difficult for me to see my friends having fun while I was doing Kumon in the summer,” Gisela added. “Now in school everyone but me is having a lot of trouble in math. I’m an A student, and I continue to do Kumon in the summer so I can stay ahead.” RIDING TO SUCCESS

Eleven-year-old Megan Lange attends Kumon of Auburn-Opelika in Auburn, Alabama, twice a week with Instructor Jean Rummer. She also dances in the Montgomery Youth Ensemble and rides her pony named, Lost My Sock. This summer she will continue her Kumon studies while attending dance camp and competing in riding competitions.

“Megan actually has more activities during the summer than during the school year, so she has to stay ahead of the curve, and

Kumon helps her do that,” said Stephanie Lange, Megan’s mother. “Last summer, Megan was riding, dancing, and even attended space camp – but everywhere she went, Kumon went with her.”

Megan started Kumon three years ago in Level AI in reading and Level 2A in math. She is currently studying Level J in reading and Level G in math with the goal of completing both programs. Megan’s math study has allowed her to participate in the accelerated math classes at school.

“Kumon helped me a lot last fall when we returned to school,” said Megan. “Many of my classmates had forgotten their math, but I had been practicing all summer and was even ahead.”

A STAY-CATION WITH MULTIPLICATION

Jay Reyes is eight years old and attends the Kumon Center of Shoreline in Shoreline, Washington. He started the math program in June 2009 at Level 4A and is now in Level B. His goal is to reach Kumon’s Student Honor Roll in September. “Starting Kumon last summer gave Jay more time to focus on studying,” said his father, Victor Reyes. “It motivated him to set high goals which made the school year a lot easier.” “Jay is a student that sets goals and stops at nothing to reach them,” said Instructor Davitra Lawrence, who believes that with daily practice through the summer Jay will soon be in multiplication. When Jay isn’t in Kumon, he likes to play basketball and soccer.

achievements to doing Kumon all year. Her next goal is to achieve a perfect score on the SAT so she can compete to be accepted into an Ivy League university and eventually medical school. She wants to become an ophthalmologist.

“Summer study makes the first months of school easier,” said Aastha. “While everyone else is reviewing, I can concentrate on other topics that I enjoy – like science.” In addition to excelling in math, Aastha plays the violin, runs track, and is a member of her school’s Science Olympiad team and charity club. Aastha enrolled in Kumon seven years ago at Level 3A and is now studying Level K in math. “Aastha sets goals, works hard work and always perseveres,” said Instructor Sonali Pandit. This summer she will continue her Kumon summer study while playing golf, training for track, and taking science and math classes offered by Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Talented Youth. “Aastha does Kumon to keep her mind sharp for the new school year,” says Mrs. Khanna. “Kumon has taught her that life’s goals are reached by achieving a little success each day.” GLOBE TROTTING

Eight- and ten-year-old sisters Jena and Jana Vandenberg of the Superstition Springs Kumon Center in Mesa, Arizona, have traveled around the United States and the world, most recently taking their worksheets to Germany, Paris, London, Dubai, and Washington D.C.

“I want to be a Kumon Instructor!” said Jay, when asked about his future career goals. “I want to do what they do in Kumon every day and help others do well in school.” ODE TO KUMONGenevieve Barit is an eight-year-old poet. Her work was recently published in the national publication A Celebration of Poets. Becoming a published poet wasn’t an easy feat. When she joined Kumon of Cambridge in Cambridge, Ontario, in 2009, she was struggling with language, literacy, and reading. She began studying Level 3A in the reading program and is now working on Level AII. Genevieve is on track to complete Kumon’s Reading program before high school. Working with Instructor Dave Haiskell, Genevieve developed confidence and stronger reading skills, achieving personal and academic success. Genevieve’s perseverance has motivated her to continue Kumon this summer. “We’re committed to Kumon,” explained Mrs. Stacey Stanley, Genevieve’s mother. “Genevieve’s success and accomplishments, both in the classroom and out, are the result of her consistent and concerted effort to reach her full potential. Summer may be a time to take a break from the classroom, but learning is a year-round endeavor, and our summer includes Kumon.” TO HIGH SCHOOL AND BEYOND

Thirteen–year-old Aastha Khanna, attends Kumon of Bear in Bear, Delaware, and was recently accepted into a prestigious charter high school. She attributes her

“Our rule is that when the girls get on the plane, before the DVD players or video games come out, they have to do their Kumon work,” said Jena and Jana’s mother, Mary Vandenberg.

Both girls have been enrolled in the Kumon Math program since kindergarten. Jana, a fourth grader, started at Level 3A and is currently studying F 110. Jena, a third grader, started at Level 4A and is on Level C.

Instructor Kathy Leano helps the Vandenbergs prepare for summer study by pulling worksheets ahead of time. “There have been times that we’ve had to pack an extra suitcase filled with only Kumon worksheets,” said Mrs. Vandenberg.

During their five years with Kumon, the Vandenbergs have observed a difference in their daughters’ academic performance if their worksheets aren’t completed daily. “Even if it’s hard to find the time for the girls to sit down and complete their daily work, we’ve learned that the 15-20 minutes of daily practice truly is valuable, and the continual study through the summer makes a big difference,” says Mrs. Vandenberg.

“We call it our daily brain exercise,” said Mrs. Vandenberg. “If we didn’t do Kumon consistently, it would be like starting over each time we returned from a trip.”

The Vandenbergs are traveling to Jordan this summer, and their suitcase will be packed with Kumon worksheets.

This Summer – Make Plans with KumonAs your family prepares for the summer, don’t forget to schedule an appointment with your Kumon Instructor to set goals for your child to do Kumon. Daily practice will help ensure that the upcoming school year is positive from the start. Research shows that consistent daily study is beneficial for children’s academic performance and confidence. Just a little practice every day can help your child stay ahead and truly unlock their potential with Kumon.

Thank you for supporting your child’s academic progress in Kumon. We hope your child is experiencing the value and benefits of studying Kumon.

AndrewBorn: 02/21/2005

NicholasBorn: 05/02/2003

KhushiBorn: 09/07/2005

KatharineBorn: 03/12/1998

SurajBorn: 08/28/1999

MayeeBorn: 05/14/2001

School Grade: PK2

Starting Level: Math 4A Reading 7A

Present Level: Math 3A Reading 3A

Age at Start: 4

School Grade: 1st

Starting Level: Math 7A Reading 7A

Present Level: Math AReading BI

Age at Start: 4

School Grade: 7th

Starting Level: Math A

Present Level: Math J

Age at Start: 7

School Grade: 3rd

Starting Level: Reading AI

Present Level: Reading DII

Age at Start: 7

School Grade: PK2

Starting Level: Math 6AReading 5A

Present Level: Math 2AReading 3A

Age at Start: 3

School Grade: 5th

Starting Level: Math 3A

Present Level: Math I

Age at Start: 7

Your opinions are very important to us, and we want to hear them.

E-mail your feedback and comments to straighttalk@kumon.com

EDITOR

Adam Shapiro

PRODUCTION

COORDINATORS

JimiBeth Myers

Nanette Richardson

CONTRIBUTORS

Jenny Cherrytree

Caitlin McHugh

DESIGN & LAYOUT

Randy E. Nicholson

WHY SHOULDN’T WE TAKE A VACATION FROM KUMON?Kumon is open all summer for a reason. When school’s

out, Kumon students keep their minds engaged with

daily practice. The Kumon curriculum does not mirror

the school curriculum but is a continual and consistent

progression of material requiring a modest amount of

daily practice. This helps Kumon students maintain a

comfortable level of academic ability, gain confidence,

and promote a pain-free Kumon experience. Children

that stick with Kumon through the summer continue

to make important headway when they resume their

school studies.

Steady progress pays off.

Interruptions in your child’s Kumon studies can can cause

difficulties in maintaining the routine in general and put

unnecessary bumps in what should be a smooth and

continual advancement. Daily practice and disciplined

study habits are the key ingredients to a successful

Kumon experience.

Summer is a time to play. Kumon encourages students

and families to enjoy the summer. However, parents

should understand that interruptions in their child’s

Kumon studies can be counterproductive to his or her

progress and reaching their goals.

Keeping up Kumon when you’re away.

Your child’s Kumon Instructor can prepare a packet of

assignments to help maintain the momentum of his or

her progress when attending the Center isn’t possible.

Give the Instructor plenty of notice to make the best

possible preparations for your child’s absence.

Kumon is actively seeking student testimonials. Tell us about your child’s interests and hobbies and how Kumon helps your child gain confidence, self-esteem, focus, self-discipline, and self-reliance to succeed independently, motivation to pursue challenging and advanced work, and a love of learning. Send us stories and photos of your children doing Kumon this summer and tell us about the challenges they overcame to stay ahead. Send your story to: jcherrytree@kumon.com.