TEANECK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Throughout the country, children as young as three years old are experiencing the joy of “aha!” moments and an “I can do it!” spirit as they develop their abilities in Kumon, the world’s largest after-school math and reading program. From counting pictures and repeating words to practicing pencil skills and more, thousands of early learners enrolled in Kumon are developing a love of learning and a solid academic foundation. The early levels of the Kumon Program now provide even greater flexibility with the practice of pencil skills, depending on each child’s specific need.
“Like taking first steps, using a pencil for the first time can be a challenge for early learners. In the Pencil Skills level, our exercises compliment the math and reading material in our early levels. Through the practice of scribbling and drawing lines, curves, and angles, early learners in Kumon develop pencil skills in a fun, colorful, and engaging way,” says Dominique Ciccarelli, education spokesperson at Kumon North America.
Proper grip and pressure are key components in learning how to write with a pencil. Writing continues to play an important role in the brain development of children, despite advances in technology that simply call for a touch of a button or screen. According to research conducted by Indiana University, preliterate preschoolers who practiced writing exhibited a level of brain activation similar to adults.
The accompanying chart shows Kumon's step-by-step approach, where each level builds upon the skills previously developed. The Pencil Skills level is an available writing supplement to either the Kumon Math or Reading Program.
About Kumon Math & Reading Centers:
Kumon is an after-school math and reading enrichment program that unlocks the potential of children, so they can achieve more on their own. Founded in Japan in 1958, the learning method uses an individualized approach that helps children in preschool through high school develop a solid command of math and reading skills. Through daily practice and mastery of materials, students increase confidence, improve concentration, and develop better study skills. Kumon has 26,000 centers in 48 countries and more than four million students studying worldwide. The company’s North American headquarters is located in Teaneck, N.J. Visit kumon.com to learn more.
