Kumon Chinese 公文式國語

Through Guavarama, I discovered a mail-order Kumon Chinese program that overseas families can utilize as a curriculum for self-studying Chinese, ranging from toddlers to high school levels. Intrigued by the curriculum, I arranged an appointment during my visit to Taiwan to see it firsthand.

The curriculum is structured into various levels, from 7A to 2A for preschoolers, A-I to F for elementary students, and G-L for middle and high school students. Unlike Taiwan elementary textbooks, which are typically teacher-led, Kumon 國語 is designed for children to learn independently. Early on, a reading pen aids in reading comprehension and learning unfamiliar characters.

What stands out to me is its emphasis on comprehension rather than solely character memorization. Contrary to my initial assumption of heavy writing components, the curriculum focuses more on questions and answers to enhance Chinese reading comprehension.

While I find the curriculum impressive, the Kumon staff were candid about the potential challenges for overseas children, particularly younger ones, to complete the worksheets independently. Thus, parental involvement is crucial for success. Currently, most overseas students are from Japan.

The program operates by sending a month’s worth of materials based on the child’s assessment. Weekly Zoom sessions allow the staff to evaluate the child’s progress and adjust the difficulty level accordingly. Guided questions are used to assist children who struggle with the worksheets rather than providing direct answers.

Considering this for Little Bao, whose Chinese reading progress seems sluggish, I’m hesitant about potential conflicts over completing worksheets and its impact on our relationship. However, I believe it could be beneficial for older children, starting from 3rd grade, focusing on comprehension rather than character learning.

I’m currently exploring new tutors for both kids, but if those don’t work out, I may consider trying this program.

This is the link to the program: 公文式國語