Is Kumon Worth for Pre-k?

Question

My son is 3 years 5 months, he can identify (Lower & Upper case), read & type in my PC (MS-Word a - z in order ) alphabet. We are thinking of sending him to KUMON for improving reading skils. He also can spell his name, my name and his mom name. He can tell home phone, my cell numbers also. he also can tell 1 - 90 (approx) numbers. Is it worh sending him now. Please advise me.

Giri

Answer 1

Yes, if money is not an issue and your child's social skills and level of adjustment is up to snuff. It sounds like your child is ahead of the curve for academic learning. At his age, however, research shows the more important skills are his level of socialization and resilience. Is he a generally happy child? Does he play well with others and by himself? Can he adapt well to new situations? Does he get plenty of physical and outdoor activity? Has he mastered the potty and dressing himself and does he have the basics of good table manners and cleaning up his toys? If your child is well-adjusted or advanced in all of these areas and enjoys academic learning, then Kumon is excellent for teaching the basics. But beware of being a parent who pushes early academics at the expense of basic socialization. Research suggests those parents are setting up their child for anxiety, risk of depression and lack of creativity, resilience and adaptability. I know too many Mensa members who are total washouts in the real world, and the biggest successes I know are the people who combine both smarts and social skills.