Eric Richardson, a sixth grade student at Liberty Intermediate School in Chesterton recently scored the Acer Aspire mini-laptop computer as a reward for his four year commitment to weekly sessions of math and reading at the Kumon Center. An after-school program that caters to kids from preschool through high school, Kumon helps students who struggle academically as well as those who seek enrichment.
After seeing a commercial about Kumon and the promise of “unlocking a child’s potential,” parents Gary and Sarah thought it might be a good opportunity for their son—at the time in the second grade. And although Richardson was not struggling, his mother stated that she always felt it important to get extra help with math in reading in the early years. “I have an older daughter and after watching her I wanted Eric to have advantages. I thought Kumon looked like the perfect answer.”
Over four years later, with the mini computer under his arm, Richardson beamed, “I love the people who work here and how they have helped me with my grades. My homework is so much easier and I love school.” Sarah Richardson agreed, “Kumon has made a huge difference in Eric’s confidence with his school work and has given him discipline with his study habits and with his other activities like piano and golf. I’ve been very pleased.”
Winning a computer is within the grasp of any student that enrolls at Kumon—it is part of a bonus incentive built into the program. The Cosmic Club allows students to collect points that can be redeemed for prizes. Points accumulate based on consistent enrollment and also on progression through math and reading milestones.
“I earned points by coming to Kumon and then I got more points every time I passed a level in math or reading,” said Richardson. “Before I knew it, I had 300 points in the top level.” And although other prizes in the top category included an iPod, an Xbox gaming system, and a telescope, Richardson admitted, “From the beginning, I wanted to work towards having my own computer. I thought about it a lot and now I finally got it.”
The Cosmic Club stocks prizes that are available at six different levels of achievement. Students can cash out at 50 points for a sleeping bag, alarm clock, or backpack, or like Richardson, save the points for bigger prizes. At 200 points choices include a digital camera, a Flip video camcorder, an electric guitar stage package or a Karaoke machine. “The Cosmic Club prizes are a nice bonus for hardworking, committed students,” said Steven Graham, the owner of the Valparaiso Kumon Center.
For more immediate gratification, Graham gives cash awards of one dollar and five dollars to students who meet academic goals. And then there’s always the stocked bowl of candy available every Monday and Thursday in preparation for nearly 100 kids that will come and go between the hours of 3:30p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Also an option for the twice weekly commitment to Kumon is Saturday morning between 9:00 a.m. and Noon.
Kumon was started 50 years ago in Japan by Toru Kumon, a teacher and parent who wanted to help his son do better in school. The unique instructional method he created was so successful that his son was able to do calculus by the time he was in the sixth grade. Kumon reading and math programs help children master those fundamental skills that are important to their overall academic performance and was founded on the belief that every child possesses untapped abilities and the potential to excel.
Graham said, “Kumon can help children who may be struggling and need to catch up, as well as those who are seeking enrichment. Our goal is for all students to begin studying above their school grade, and to always have opportunities to reach their full potential.”
With centers in 44 countries, Kumon has helped more students succeed worldwide than any other after-school program. There are over 1500 centers in the United States, with one located in Valparaiso at 2500 Calumet Avenue. For more information on Kumon and what potential awaits your child, contact Steven Graham at 219.477.5866.