Student Testimonial Vol.6

Shaun

"The first thing I like to do when I come back from school is to read the Straits Times."

Subjects

English

Started

5 years old

Cultivating a reading habit starts from young and Shaun has nurtured a great love for reading since he started Kumon at just 5 years old. For Shaun, reading has now become a quest for knowledge and an appreciation of language.

Q: Congratulations on your completion of the English programme! What is your motivation for completion?
My motivation for completing the English programme is to be the youngest Completer in my learning centre!

Q: How have your Instructor and parents helped you in achieving your goal?
My parents have always been supportive, constantly encouraging and guiding me in my studies. I seek their help when the questions are too difficult for me to comprehend. They also remind me to make good use of the dictionary each time I encounter new words that I do not understand. I am also fortunate to have an Instructor who is very patient with me throughout my Kumon study. She will assist whenever I have difficulties and correct my mistakes in my work. Without her, I would not be able to achieve what I have accomplished today. I would like to thank her for her dedication and patience all these years. Initially, I found doing worksheets daily tough, but I am glad that I did not give up on this journey!

Q: What challenges did you face during your study and how did you overcome them?
My main challenge was to juggle time between my school work and Kumon, yet still find time to play tennis, my favourite sport. Thus, it is important that I have self-discipline and proper time management so that I can complete all my daily school work, Kumon worksheets as well as allocate time for tennis training.

Q: In what way(s) has your Kumon experience helped you?
Through Kumon, I have become an independent learner. I have also learnt to persevere; not to give up easily on the goals I have set for myself whenever I face challenges in my work.
Exposure to a wide range of reading materials increased my vocabulary bank and this helped me in my composition writing. I have also picked up good reading habits along the way.

Q: How often do you read and what type of books do you usually read?
I read whenever I can find time. The first thing I like to do when I come back from school is to read the Straits Times. I also like mystery and adventure books. The thrill, suspense and excitement found in these books always captivate me.

Shaun’s mother, Mrs Tan, is a very supportive parent and she is proud of Shaun’s achievement.

“My initial reasons for enrolling Shaun in Kumon are to instill discipline and develop some good qualities such as perseverance and focus, so that he will have a good head start in his studies. Shaun is now more responsible over his own work and he is able to figure out how to solve problems on his own. The wide range of reading materials in the English programme has also nurtured him to be an avid reader today.

With discipline, independence and determination, I think he is better equipped to face challenges in real life.

I have seen some of his work and it is not easy! I believe he has put in a lot of effort. Being able to complete at a young age, I feel very proud of him!”