The Kumon study program has been around since the 1950s and is dedicated to helping children learn basic skills like math and reading. Kumon has a very specific approach that encourages children to practice and repeat skills until they become comfortable with them. However, there are some potential drawbacks to the program that parents should be aware of before commit to putting their children in Kumon.
#1: Is Kumon Too Rigid?
Kumon is a very structured program that focuses heavily on repetition and practice to master basic skills. This can be beneficial for children who enjoy structure and like the idea of mastering a specific skill before moving on to the next. On the other hand, for children who need a bit more flexibility and variance in their learning, the structure of Kumon may become monotonous, and thus less effective.
Additionally, the program encourages competition among children, which is not always appropriate. The order of the Kumon program is very specific and there is no room for deviation.
This means that children who may be advanced in some skills may find themselves stuck if they are not able to complete the pre-requisite materials. Even though the Kumon program can be tailored to the individual’s needs, the overall layout of the program cannot be changed.
This may make Kumon difficult to adjust for those who are particularly quick learners. Another con is the Kumon program’s exclusion of creativity or imagination. It is strictly a program to teach basic skill, and it lacks the ability to help children explore their interests or engage in certain subjects.
Overall, the rigid structure of the Kumon program may make it difficult for some students, as it does very little to meet the individual needs of each student.
#2: Does Kumon Take Too Much Time?
Kumon demands a good deal of time in order for the child to complete the program. Not only must the student put in time each day to complete their worksheet and daily tasks, but they must also attend the study center twice a week for the instructor to monitor their progress.
This cumulative amount of time can add up and be hard for a child with a busy schedule to fulfill. It takes an average of two to three years for a student to complete a Kumon program, meaning the student must stay patient and consistent in order to complete it. This may be tough for some students to handle over a prolonged period of time.
In fact, this long commitment to the program could lead to burnout, leaving the student feeling uninterested or unmotivated. Furthermore, it can be very expensive, depending on the location and they type of program.
Overall, the Kumon program requires a significant amount of a student’s time, and this can be hard to maintain over a long period of time.
#3: Is There Too Much Pressure?
Kumon is a very intense program and it is focused on results. Students are informed of how much faster or slower they are as compared to all the other students. This can create a lot of pressure, both on the student, as well as the parent.
Some parents may feel like they are spending too much money and time on the program if they are not seeing the desired results. In addition, some children may take a step back or refuse to participate if they feel overwhelmed or discouraged.
They may also start comparing themselves to other students and develop feelings of inadequacy. This kind of pressure won’t help one’s self-esteem.
Overall, the competitive nature and intense pressure surrounding the Kumon program may lead to students feeling discouraged and achieving results that are worse than expected.
Conclusion
Kumon is a great program for students who are looking to focus and improve on their math and reading skills. It is also appropriate for students who enjoy competition and like the structured approach to learning that Kumon provides. However, parents and students should be aware of potential cons like too much pressure, too much time commitment, and lack of flexibility in the program before committing to Kumon.
Ultimately, Kumon is a great resource for those who are looking to improve their basic skills, but it may not be the right fit for everyone.