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Toru Kumon
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HISTORY OF
KUMON
Toru
Kumon was
a Math Teacher and a Father.
The Kumon method was developed from a
parent's tireless efforts to
realize his child's learning potential.
1954 Osaka, Japan - Toru Kumon, a high school math teacher and father,
designed a series of math worksheets to aid his struggling son in his
second grade arithmetic class. Through daily practice and commitment, his
son was able to solve integral calculus problems by the time he reached
sixth grade!
These first materials eventually became the basis for the largest
supplemental education program in the world.
In 1958, inspired by his experiences, Toru Kumon founded the KUMON
Institute of Mathematics (KIM), dedicated to help children excel in Math
and to succeed in life.
From its modest beginnings, the Kumon method has helped over
eight million
students in 43 countries attain academic excellence and self-confidence.
The first Kumon center in North America was opened in New York in 1974.
In North America, over 180,000 students are enrolled in the Kumon
Program at more than 1,700 franchised centers.
The Kumon Institute of Education
has kept on improving its comprehensive learning programs
and expanding in other countries.
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A Message
from
Toru Kumon
(1914-1995)
Parents frequently ask me, "What is the
most important thing to remember in teaching my children?"
I always reply with a question: "How much confidence do you
have in your children's potential?" It is important that we
do not set artificial limits on what our children are capable of
doing.
Children must be given every opportunity to
succeed. It is a shame to give up on any child's abilities
before he or she has had a real chance to grow. This is why I
say that it is crucial for both parents and children to have a
positive, "Let's try!" attitude. If you foster this
attitude in your own children, you will be amazed at what they
can do.
I firmly believe that this is our most
important duty as parents. Then why do we at Kumon promote
mathematics and reading?
Most people think that the Kumon Method only
helps children do better in mathematics or reading. But the main
objective of the Kumon Method is far greater: to give students
the ability to study ahead of their grade level in school. When
students study ahead of their grade level, they will gradually
acquire the skills and confidence to study any subject on their
own. In my experience, such children tend to develop certain
common traits such as a natural curiosity, self-confidence,
perseverance, and strong concentration. These traits help
children develop not only their academic skills, but their
athletic and artistic abilities as well. The skills and habits
that the Kumon Method helps to build can improve a child's life
in many ways.
At last count, more than 2.5 million children
in 30 countries around the world were studying with the Kumon
Method. I look forward to the day when these
children--self-confident and motivated achievers--will reward
our faith in them by making their own contributions to society.
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