Why is studying both Kumon Maths and English beneficial?
If your children are already enrolled in one Kumon programme, you may wish to consider whether enrolling in a second subject would be beneficial.
According to the Queensland Department of Education and Training, numeracy enables students to develop logical thinking and reasoning strategies. They need these qualities in order to solve problems and make sense of time, numbers, patterns and shapes. This supports them in activities like cooking, reading a map or bill, reading instructions, and even playing sport.
Strong literacy skills are equally important, according to the Queensland Department of Education and Training. Literacy enables children to make sense of written, visual and spoken texts. This includes books, newspapers, magazines, timetables, television, radio, signs, maps, conversations and instructions.
The study of literacy also supports students with their numeracy. Research published in the Journal of Educational Research and Practice, indicated that English native language proficiency is a predictor of students’ maths scores.
This backs up assertions made by Toru Kumon, Kumon’s late founder.
“Many of the students who cannot calculate the answers [in maths] do not understand the meaning of the questions”, Toru Kumon said.
“They cannot figure out the answers because their reading comprehension is poor.”
Aside from literacy and numeracy skills, the Kumon Maths and English programmes also support students in developing vital skills. This includes identifying and interpreting information, critical and creative thinking, transferring knowledge into new contexts and a disciplined approach to learning every single day.
Studying both programmes at the same time, can also further enhance reasoning and communication skills in the classroom, and beyond.
If you’re considering enrolling your children in a second subject, you may wish to take this article into consideration. We welcome you to speak with your Kumon Instructor to discuss how we can support the individual learning needs of your children.
