THE ROLE OF PARENTS IN THE KUMON PROGRAMME

The Kumon Method is a well-known educational method that encourages students to become self-learners, fostering independence and confidence in their academic abilities. While Kumon is designed to empower children to take control of their learning, the role of parents remains crucial. Parents are not only supporters but also active participants in their child’s educational journey. Striking the right balance between providing support and encouraging independence can significantly impact a child’s progress.

Here’s how parents can navigate the balance to ensure their child thrives in the Kumon programme.

1. Understanding the Kumon Method

The Kumon Programme is based on self-learning, where students complete worksheets daily at their own pace, gradually building mastery in subjects like Maths and English. The process is designed to help children become independent learners who take responsibility for their progress. Parents should aim to understand the core principles behind Kumon, such as incremental learning and repetition, so they can offer the most effective support. Thus, the role of parents is to provide a nurturing environment that supports the child’s learning process.

2. Creating a Consistent Learning Routine

The best way parents can support their child’s learning in Kumon is by helping the child establish a consistent study routine. Regularity is key to success in Kumon, as daily practice is essential for reinforcing the concepts learned. Parents can ensure that their child has a quiet, well-lit space for study, free from distractions and help them set aside dedicated time each day for completing Kumon worksheets. It’s essential that parents allow their child to take the lead in completing their worksheets. Parents should also observe their child’s progress, offering encouragement and praise for effort rather than focusing solely on results.

3. Encouraging Self-Reflection and Problem-Solving

Once a daily study routine is established, parents can begin to shift their role from providing guidance to becoming an observer. Encourage your child to reflect on their learning process. If your child encounters a challenge or doesn’t understand a problem, rather than providing an immediate solution, ask guiding questions that prompt critical thinking. For instance, you could ask, “How can you approach this differently?” By fostering a problem-solving mindset, parents help their child develop the essential skill of self-reliance. Encouraging children to attempt challenges independently and praising their efforts, even when they make mistakes, promotes resilience and critical thinking. This builds confidence and self-esteem—both of which are key components of nurturing independence in learning.

4. Providing Encouragement and Positive Reinforcement

While independence is the ultimate goal, encouragement and positive reinforcement are essential in the Kumon Method. Parents should celebrate milestones, no matter how small, to motivate their child to continue progressing. Acknowledge your child’s efforts, not just their results. By focusing on effort rather than performance, you help your child understand that learning is a process and mistakes are a natural part of growth. Positive reinforcement can take various forms, such as a praise, rewards or simply acknowledging their hard work. For example, if a child completes their Kumon assignments, parents can say, “I’m proud of you for working so hard on your own today!” This recognition helps the child feel accomplished and strengthens their belief in their ability to succeed independently.