A new experiential and interactive way to prepare your child for holistic learning
April 15, 2019
As parents, we want our kids to enjoy learning and perform well without missing out on their childhood. Make the transition to primary school more enjoyable for your little ones by helping them develop their intellectual, emotional and social abilities through engaging and fun activities.
JAPAN’S LEADING EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING METHOD FOR 3 TO 6 YEARS OLD
Inspired by the Japanese learning culture where they believe in letting a child play and learn systematically and independently in small-group settings before transiting to formal education, Kuno Method adopts an experiential and interactive approach to engage children aged between three and six.
Unlike the fast-paced learning strategies emphasising only right-brain stimulation, or the subject-and-worksheet-focused approach usually adopted by other centres, Kuno Method aims to unlock a child’s intellectual potential by developing both right-and left-brain abilities.
It bridges the gap between a typical pre-schooler’s abilities and the demands of formal education, laying a strong foundation for the child to better understand concepts taught in school and beyond.
Founded by Mr Yasuyoshi Kuno over 30 years ago, Kuno Method is popular in Japan because of its holistic and comprehensive learning structure. Its students have excelled in high-stakes entrance exams for prestigious primary schools in Japan.
It was introduced to Singapore in 2017 with centres currently in Northpoint City, SAFRA Punggol and Buangkok Square.
Here are six ways that Kuno Method will make your child’s learning come alive.
1. Raising logical thinkers
Through hands-on activities centred on concepts of measurement, students pick up comparison and deductive skills needed for a strong foundation in mathematics and science. PHOTO: KUNO METHOD
Pre-schoolers are inquisitive by nature, constantly trying to make sense of the world around them. Kuno Method helps them make connections between what they experience with new knowledge and concepts learnt. For instance, they will learn how to order 5 objects by their weight, using a see-saw to help them problem-solve. Through this process, they will acquire logical reasoning skills and learn to solve problems systematically. Such skills will put them in good stead not only for mathematics and science lessons in school, but also for the future.
2. Nurturing their inner math whizz
Children understand concepts better when they are taught through visuals and concrete representations. PHOTO: KUNO METHOD
Exposing children to mathematical concepts at an early age will give them the confidence to tackle the subject when they progress to primary school. Starting with the basics such as addition and subtraction, children are taught how to solve problem sums in a step-by-step manner. The emphasis is on developing a deep understanding of a concept so they can confidently apply what they know to solve problems instead of simply memorising formulas or relying on just one method.
3. Exploring the space around them
Through activities like map reading, children learn how to understand directions and take on different perspectives. PHOTO: KUNO METHOD
Spatial awareness is another important cognitive skill best learnt when young. Games that include playing with blocks, puzzles, grids and maps involve a lot of thinking and movement on the part of the child. Teachers encourage the use of spatial language – for example, under, on top of, left, right – which aids in the development of their spatial skills. By seeing how different pieces come together to form a larger and more comprehensive image, the child learns how to visualise and create mental maps. It has been proven that early exposure to spatial abilities is the foundation of success in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) field.
4. Shaping their minds
Sensory activities help pre-schoolers deepen their understanding of the properties of shapes and to improve their visualisation and abstract reasoning skills. PHOTO: KUNO METHOD
Early exposure to geometry helps pre-schoolers solidify their understanding of shapes and structures. Hands-on manipulation like transforming six square faces into a cube and shifting only one shape each time to form a new figure are used during lessons to enable them to visualise things from different angles. As their abstract thinking develops, so will their logical reasoning, deduction, analytical and problem-solving skills.
5. Moulding them to become confident speakers
By getting the children to sequence events and describe what they see in the pictures, the teachers encourage the children to organise their thoughts and express their ideas confidently. PHOTO: KUNO METHOD
Parents are usually more concerned with their child’s reading and writing abilities and tend to overlook the importance of oral communication, listening skills and comprehension. Language and communication skills are crucial for a child’s development and the ability to articulate confidently is a lifelong skill they will need. Activities such as listening comprehension and story-telling sessions will encourage the pre-schoolers to hear not only the words that another person is saying, but more importantly, interpret the meaning of the story and respond appropriately.
6. Boosting their cognitive and social skills
Pre-schoolers learn symmetry and patterning through fun activities involving toys and everyday objects. PHOTO: KUNO METHOD
At Kuno Method, children learn to analyse patterns to deduce the rules behind the patterns. They are also encouraged to be creative and flexible thinkers to think of different ways to achieve the same result. This learning approach applies to both academic and social skills. For instance, they will discuss in small groups situational problems, such as what to do if their friends quarrel or what to do if their pets go missing. This will teach them social skills, ways to cope with a situation and how to come up with practical solutions.
HOW CLASSES ARE CONDUCTED
The Kuno Method programme is delivered in three key segments in every lesson to ensure that children understand and can apply the concepts taught:
Segment 1: Learn concepts through interactive group play – Introducing new concepts through interactive play with their peers and the use of objects around the classroom, movement and real-world examples.
Stage 1 – Pre-schoolers learn concepts through interactions with peers and teachers. PHOTO: KUNO METHOD
Segment 2: Practise concepts with individual hands-on manipulatives – Reinforcing concepts and letting children discover answers through trial-and-error.
Stage 2 – Hands-on activities, conducted with guidance from teachers, allows pre-schoolers to discover the answers by themselves. PHOTO: KUNO METHOD
Each lesson ends with brain teaser activities such as puzzle play to lengthen pre-schoolers’ attention span and get into the habit of solving problems independently. This is a great brain exercise for them to develop key skills such as critical thinking, hand-eye coordination, spatial recognition and attention to details. By engaging them in fun-filled activities, children are more motivated to learn and keep trying.
Each lesson ends with a puzzle game for children to learn how to analyse and solve problems. PHOTO: KUNO METHOD
Segment 3: Master concepts through dialogue and worksheets – Applying what they have learnt by articulating their answers through one-on-one dialogue with teachers.
Stage 3 – Master concepts through articulating thought process and completing worksheets. PHOTO: KUNO METHOD
Children will illustrate their understanding through a worksheet component. This allows teachers to identify their strengths and weaknesses, and provide more coaching in the areas they are weak in.
Experience a trial class
Find the right learning experience for your child.
Sign up now for a full-length trial class at the special price of $40 (usual price: $60 to $71) at any of Kuno Method's centres located at Buangkok Square, Northpoint City and SAFRA Punggol.
Quote “Japan’s leading enrichment” to receive a 12-piece wooden puzzle set (worth $70) when you sign up for a term. Whilst stocks last. Terms & conditions apply.
Visit www.kunomethod.com.sg/trial-class.html to find out more and to register.
This article was brought to you by Kuno Method.
