Follow us NEW ZEALAND | AUSTRALIA

Category : News

Seven tips for supporting your child to develop a love for reading

jwells

As well as providing children a window through which to explore their imaginations, reading books allows for the development of essential skills for school and later life. These include comprehension, a wider vocabulary, increased concentration and self-motivation, an awareness of the world around them (particularly if they are interested in non-fiction), and higher levels of empathy and emotional intelligence through relating to the characters they encounter in their favourite books.

Some children have a natural interest in reading – they will happily nestle down and read a book of their choice. Christopher Melrose, Deputy General Manager of Kumon Australia & New Zealand, recalls that he was such a child.

“I used to enjoy reading the Doctor Do-Little series, and a series called The Three Investigators, about three young boys who solved crime mysteries”, Christopher says. “There was a book by Gerald Durrel called, My Family and Other Animals, which I loved. It was set on a Greek island named Corfu”.

“I also used to get given our school textbook list at the end of the year. I remember I was always really excited on the day that I received all my school books [and] I’d actually read all of the novels that were on the reading list for that year. I wasn’t doing it to get ahead or for academic reasons; I just liked reading”.

Now Christopher is adamant about encouraging children to read for enjoyment, both for children who are naturally inclined and those who might be a bit more reluctant. Below, we provide some solutions for parents who want to see their children develop a love for reading.

 

  1. When they are young, read aloud with your child

Children are never too young to be exposed to reading. Reading aloud to your children introduces them to the beauty of language. When your child observes you reading, they will follow your example and in time, will start to read on their own. We recommend you spend 5-10 minutes reading a book to your young child every day.

 

  1. When reading aloud, make it fun

When reading together with your child, let them hold the book. It’s often easier to sit behind your child as they do this. Make sure you read with lots of expression. Put on different voices for book characters – the more fun you make it, the more they will develop a love of books and reading. Before reading a book aloud for the first time, it is best to read the book to yourself first. This will allow you to add more expression when you read it to your child.

 

  1. Establish a routine for reading

We highly recommend creating a reading routine. For example, 10 minutes reading before school or at bedtime will demonstrate the importance of daily reading.

You may like to schedule in regular visits to your local library to attend events such as story times that promote reading together with your child. If your child is reading independently, spend time at the library time choosing books together. You can then read passages from each other’s selected books to share the excitement and love of reading.

 

  1. Choose books that are appropriate for their current ability

As your child reads, always keep in mind whether the book is suitable for their ability. If your child is having trouble reading a word, simply tell them what the word is so they can continue reading. If they are making many mistakes and losing enthusiasm for the book, it may be best to choose an easier book instead. Visiting Kumon’s Recommended Reading List could be a helpful first step in choosing the most appropriate book: https://www.kumon-english-rrl.com/ 

 

  1. When they are ready, encourage your child to read a wide-range of books

Children can be encouraged to read on their own at any age. Most children will develop a strong reading habit and love for reading when parents actively read to them from a young age. Reading a range of books broadens knowledge and interest in further learning. Consider recommending not only fiction but non-fiction books for your child to read. This will broaden their knowledge of particular topics.

 

  1. Turn reading into a family activity

Be sure you ask your child to describe to you their favourite part of the book they are currently reading. Some families have special book-reading times where all family members sit together and quietly read their own books. This is often followed by a few minutes of discussion.

 

  1. Seek out reading opportunities that go beyond books

When visiting public spaces like museums or parks, draw your child’s attention to the great variety of information that can always be found at such places. This helps link reading to real life.

Trial Kumon English or Mathematics as a second subject, obligation free, in May 2023

jwells

With Kumon’s second-subject Free Trial in May, students currently enrolled in either Kumon Mathematics or English can trial the other subject for two weeks, for free.

Students who study both Kumon Mathematics and English:

  • learn the fundamentals of both maths and English — the foundations for success in all subjects at school
  • further strengthen study habits and concentration
  • have a greater sense of achievement and motivation.

To register for our second-subject Free Trial in May, follow these four easy steps:

  1. Contact your Kumon Instructor to register your interest
  2. Discuss your child’s second-subject assessment and study plan with your Instructor
  3. Have your child study the second subject during the month of May
  4. Meet with your Instructor to discuss your child’s experience studying the second subject.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

  • The registration deadline for the Free Trial varies across centres
  • Places are limited and acceptance for the Free Trial is on a first-come, first-served basis
  • The Free Trial consists of worksheet study over two weeks during May
  • Late registration may result in a shorter Free Trial
  • Operating procedures at each centre will vary
  • The Free Trial is available for one subject only (either English or Mathematics)
  • Offer not available at all centres
  • There is no obligation to enrol after the Free Trial.

To find your Kumon centre’s contact details, visit: https://www.kumonsearch.co.nz/

Experience Kumon English or Mathematics over two weeks during May 2023

jwells

With Kumon’s Free Trial your child can experience our individualised Mathematics or English programme over two weeks, for free.

Find out how we can develop in your child:

  • calculation and reading ability
  • concentration
  • a daily study and reading habit
  • the confidence to learn independently.

Follow these four easy steps to register:

  1. Contact your local Kumon centre to register for an information session
  2. Have your child assessed for Kumon Mathematics or English and discuss a study plan
  3. Arrange for your child to study worksheets and attend classes over the two-week Free Trial period
  4. Meet with your Instructor to discuss your child’s Kumon experience.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

  • The registration deadline for the Free Trial varies across centres.
  • Places are limited and acceptance for the Free Trial is on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Attendance in an information session is mandatory prior to your child participating in the Free Trial.
  • The Free Trial consists of worksheet study over two weeks during May.
  • Late registration may result in a shorter Free Trial.
  • Operating procedures at each centre will vary.
  • The Free Trial is available for one subject only (either English or Mathematics).
  • Offer not available at all centres.
  • There is no obligation to enrol after the Free Trial.

Please visit this link to find your nearest Kumon centre: https://www.kumonsearch.co.nz/ 

To learn more about how the Free Trial could benefit your family, please watch this video.

To read about a current Kumon student who previously experienced a Free Trial, please visit: https://nz.kumonglobal.com/free-trial-student-testimonial/ 

Four tips for optimising your child’s home study

jwells

Kumon Mathematics and English are daily study programmes. Students generally attend the centre once or twice a week, and are assigned worksheets for daily home study. The right amount of practice and a daily study habit – ideally no more than 30 minutes per subject, per day – prepares your children for higher levels and lays the foundation for smooth progress in Kumon.

As home study is a core component of Kumon, below are four tips on how parents can establish ideal study conditions and motivate their children:

1. Try not to spend more than 30 minutes on each subject. The goal of Kumon is not to cram, but rather to teach students the power of small, consistent efforts towards achieving larger goals. If a student studies mathematics or English worksheets that are at the ‘just-right level’ – the point of difficulty between too easy or hard – then they should not have to spend more than half an hour to complete their set. Exceeding this time limit will likely be counterproductive, as it drains students’ motivation for completing the next day’s homework. We advise parents to notify their Instructor if their child is taking too long to complete a particular set. The Instructor can advise accordingly and take the appropriate action to help the student.

2. Schedule a regular Kumon time. ‘Kumon time’ is a set time for students to commence their home study of worksheets, providing a helpful structure for consistent, daily study. ‘Kumon time’ can vary depending on the worksheets your child has been assigned. Many families find that the morning is best for ‘Kumon time’ as it helps the child focus for the day ahead. Of course, the exact timing of ‘Kumon time’ is up to each family to decide.

3. Establish a Kumon study space. The bedroom, living room, study; these are some of the spaces where students might go to complete their homework. There are different approaches. The space where your children study at home will vary, depending on age and how much parental supervision they need. We suggest that students should study in a place free from distractions and in an area that will become their regular study space. To learn more about establishing a Kumon study space, click here. 

4. Be present when your children are studying. During the first year of Kumon especially, students are building their study skills. To support, we recommend that parents be in same room as their children when they are studying to ensure their centre study is being replicated at home. Students should be working quickly, with pencils moving and eyes focussed on the worksheet. English students are often reading aloud, as well. Breaks should be kept to a minimum so that learning can continue uninterrupted. In the later stages of Kumon, students who can self-learn advanced material may not need parents to be present.

For further tips on how to support your children’s study at home, speak with your Kumon centre and visit the Home Study Portal.

Meet the new Instructor of Kumon Kilbirnie Education Centre

jwells

Kumon Kilbirnie Education Centre in Wellington is now operating under the guidance of a new Instructor, Rudeep Gaur.

Rudeep Gaur, the new Instructor of Kumon Kilbirnie

Rudeep is a former mathematics and physics tutor from University of Canterbury and Victoria University of Wellington. He is also currently pursuing a PhD in mathematics. While working with university students, Rudeep saw that many of them have large learning gaps that they acquired at a young age and carried into their higher education. He wants to help young children by ensuring they have a strong foundation in mathematics and reading for now and later life. So, he became a Kumon Instructor.

“Being an Instructor allows me to use the programme to help these kids at a much younger age. In the process of advancing through the Kumon programme, students learn many skills”, Rudeep says.

“Kumon students develop confidence with their academic ability and self-learning capabilities. These skills allow students to tackle challenges such as their NCEA exams and university.”

Kumon Kilbirnie is located at Level 1, 35 Bay Road, Wellington, 6022. Classes run on Monday and Thursday afternoons from 3:15pm to 6:15pm.

To learn enrol or learn more, please contact Kumon Kilbirnie directly: https://www.kumonsearch.co.nz/Centre/KUMON-KILBIRNIE-WELLINGTON#info

Motivating your children over summer

jwells

Young children are naturally curious; they love to explore and discover. If their exploration brings pleasure or success, they want to learn more. During these early years, your support and guidance can foster in your child a positive attitude towards learning that lasts a lifetime.

As Kumon is primarily a home-based method of study, knowing how to develop your child’s attitude towards learning is key. To assist you, the following tips are adapted from an article titled Motivating Learning in Young Children by Martha Carlton, Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education at Southern Illinois University, and the findings from Carol Dweck, Professor of Psychology at Stanford University.

  1. Establish the reasons for study

Children may believe they are doing Kumon for their parents, or for a reward. While this belief may have short-term benefits, it does not provide a healthy approach towards future learning. Ideally, a child will want to learn due to self-motivation. Self-motivated children are more likely to learn and retain information. One step towards nurturing self-motivation is to help the child understand that Kumon is for them; it will help make their school work easier and assists them in achieving future goals.

  1. Strategies for self-motivation

To encourage your child’s self-motivation, try the following strategies:

  • Avoid use of excessive rewards. These provide the child with extrinsic motivation.
  • Praise your child based on their persistence and effort, as opposed to their talent or skill. For example, say, ‘Wow, that’s a good score. You must have worked really hard’. This will help your child develop a mindset where they understand that their talents and abilities can be developed through effort and persistence.
  • Rather than stating that you think they have done a good job, ask your child what they think of their work.
  • Encourage your child to see mistakes as learning opportunities.
  1. Motivation cycles

As your child progresses, Kumon will extend your child with advanced problems beyond their comfort zone. Even the most motivated students occasionally find their work difficult or are be reluctant to study. During these times, remind your child how much they have improved, and acknowledge the effort they have put into their studies.

  1. Supporting your child

For many children, the motivation to learn with Kumon is not instant, as it can take time to see and feel the benefits for themselves. A child may notice the benefits within a few weeks, while some may take more than a year. Supporting your child as they are developing self-motivation may include setting aside a Kumon time and place at home, showing interest in what they are doing, and encouraging their efforts.

If you would like any further advice on how you may be able to further support your child at home, please contact your Kumon centre.

Trial Kumon English or Mathematics as a second subject, obligation free, in August 2022

jwells

With Kumon’s second-subject Free Trial in August, students currently enrolled in either Kumon Mathematics or English can trial the other subject for two weeks, for free.

Students who study both Kumon Mathematics and English:

  • learn the fundamentals of both maths and English — the foundations for success in all subjects at school
  • further strengthen study habits and concentration
  • have a greater sense of achievement and motivation.

 

To register for our second-subject Free Trial in August, follow these four easy steps:

  1. Contact your Kumon Instructor to register your interest
  2. Discuss your child’s second-subject assessment and study plan with your Instructor
  3. Have your child study the second subject during the month of August
  4. Meet with your Instructor to discuss your child’s experience studying the second subject.

 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

  • The registration deadline for the Free Trial varies across centres
  • Places are limited and acceptance for the Free Trial is on a first-come, first-served basis
  • The Free Trial consists of worksheet study over two weeks during August
  • Late registration may result in a shorter Free Trial
  • Operating procedures at each centre will vary
  • The Free Trial is available for one subject only (either English or Mathematics).
  • Offer not available at all centres
  • There is no obligation to enrol after the Free Trial
  • Kumon centres will always comply with COVID-19 guidelines and requirements of the New Zealand Government. Physical distancing and health and safety practices are in place at all centres.

To find your Kumon centre’s contact details, visit: https://www.kumonsearch.co.nz/

Experience Kumon English or Mathematics over two weeks during August 2022

jwells

With Kumon’s Free Trial your child can experience our individualised Mathematics or English programme over two weeks, for free.

Find out how we can develop in your child:

  • calculation and reading ability
  • concentration
  • a daily study and reading habit
  • the confidence to learn independently.

Follow these four easy steps to register:

  1. Contact your local Kumon centre to register for an information session
  2. Have your child assessed for Kumon Mathematics or English and discuss a study plan
  3. Arrange for your child to study worksheets and attend classes over the two-week Free Trial period
  4. Meet with your Instructor to discuss your child’s Kumon experience.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

  • The registration deadline for the Free Trial varies across centres.
  • Places are limited and acceptance for the Free Trial is on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Attendance in an information session is mandatory prior to your child participating in the Free Trial.
  • The Free Trial consists of worksheet study over two weeks during August.
  • Late registration may result in a shorter Free Trial.
  • Operating procedures at each centre will vary.
  • The Free Trial is available for one subject only (either English or Mathematics).
  • Offer not available at all centres.
  • There is no obligation to enrol after the Free Trial.
  • Kumon centres will always comply with COVID-19 guidelines and requirements of the New Zealand Government. Physical distancing and health and safety practices are in place at all centres.

Please visit this link to find your nearest Kumon centre: https://www.kumonsearch.co.nz/ 

To learn more about how the Free Trial could benefit your family, please watch this video.

To read about a current Kumon student who previously experienced a Free Trial, please visit: https://nz.kumonglobal.com/free-trial-student-testimonial/ 

 

1 2 3 8