Josie’s Story
Josie is 10-years-old, studying three years above her grade level in the Kumon Program. In fact, she’s studying the same math material that her mom, who is an eighth grade teacher, teaches her students. Imagine that, a 10-year-old transforming equations, working with linear functions and simplifying monomials and polynomials. She’s well on her way to advanced algebraic expressions and she isn’t even in middle school yet.
One of the things that Josie likes most about Kumon is the fact that she’s studying above her grade level.
“Kumon gives me confidence because I know how strong of a student it has made me,” says Josie. “I know that I can do and learn anything if I do the work and practice daily. Kumon has taught me about the importance of focusing and to not be afraid of challenges, but to enjoy them and work through them because I know I can overcome anything.”
Josie embodies everything that Toru Kumon had in mind when he founded the Kumon Method. He felt that students would experience the true benefits of the Kumon Method if they acquired the study habits necessary for self-learning and advanced study.
Discover more inspiring success stories on the Kumon Blog !
Bhanavi's Story
Bhanavi has learned that working hard is an important part of life. Knowing this she has worked hard to be where she is today. After going to Kumon for eight years, Bhanavi, a sixth grader, is now in Math Level J. Her parents enrolled her in Kumon to improve her learning and stay above her grade level in school. It didn’t take long to discover the progress she was making in Kumon. Bhanavi’s focus and determination grew while she was learning in Kumon. Although Bhanavi is only in sixth grade, she is studying high school level math. Bhanavi’s parents enrolled her when she was only 4 years old. Since then she used her problem-solving skills to persevere through Kumon. “Kumon has helped me in school and in life. It has helped me beyond academics by giving me the confidence in everything I do. It gave me the ability to work and study independently,” said Bhanavi.
Bhanavi, over the years, has developed a love for sports. She has played and done Basketball, Badminton, Tennis, Taekwondo and Swimming. Sometimes for fun she would play baseball or cricket with her brother and dad. Currently she plays Basketball, Badminton and Swimming. “Just like playing a sport, you have to put in the work to get better and better. Just like you have to do at Kumon every week,” said Bhanavi. Whenever she faces a new, hard concept she puts all her effort into understanding and getting the concept right.
“Kumon showed me that there are multiple ways to solve any problem, in math or in real life. It has also taught me that hard work always pays off in the end” said Bhanavi, “ Kumon has helped me improve my time management. While playing a sport I use the problem-solving skills Kumon has taught me. It really helps because it teaches me to never give up at hard times.”
Here is some more about Bhanavi.
Who is your inspiration?
My biggest inspiration is my parents. They have worked so hard to do everything for me. They always inspire me to try new things and work harder.
How would you describe your Kumon experience in one word?
Challenging.
What do you enjoy most about Kumon?
I enjoy the challenge of doing it all. Whenever there is something I don’t understand I work hard to finish it and challenge myself to do it. When there is a new topic, I always struggle to solve the questions at first. But when I finish, I feel proud of the hard work I put in. Everyone also learns at their own pace, so you never go too fast or too slow with learning new things.
How do you think Kumon helped you in real life?
I think Kumon has made my schoolwork a lot easier and has helped me be ahead of my peers. Kumon has made a strong foundation for me in school and in life. Kumon has also taught me to persevere when things get difficult. I think this is a great quality to have.
What activities do you enjoy doing outside of Kumon?
I really enjoy playing the keyboard. I have been playing the keyboard for 2 years now at the Sur Dhaara Music Academy. I like reading, baking, playing video games, watching movies and hanging out with family and friends.
What achievements are you most proud of?
I am really proud of getting the J by 6 award and other Kumon awards too. I am always proud when I am in competitions that are above my grade level. It gives me a feeling of accomplishment when I see kids that are above my grade in the same competition as me. But I am still proud of all my accomplishments.
What advice would you give others who are just starting Kumon?
I would tell them that it will be difficult at first but you have to keep going. When you finish, you will be proud of what you have done. What is really hard now will be easy when you finish the Kumon Level you were on. Your journey has just begun. Don’t give up!