Cornering the Market

Developing skills for long-term learning growth

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Kumon Math and Reading Center of Merrick
71 Merrick Ave., Merrick
(516) 206-4200, www.kumon.com/merrick

The Kumon Method was founded in Japan in 1954. Toru Kumon, a high school math teacher, was trying to help his own child. Convinced that his second-grade son could be taught the necessary skills to understand advanced mathematics, he created a way to teach these skills, one step at a time. Kumon’s techniques grew to include reading, thus developing children’s abilities to learn, think, concentrate and be creative. He launched a network of after-school learning centers, which can now be found world-wide. Steven Dershowitz, an extensively trained and certified Kumon Instructor, opened the Kumon Math and Reading Center of Merrick in January 2016.
Unlike traditional tutoring services, the Kumon Method promotes self-learning, and students progress at their own pace. Devoting approximately 30 minutes a day, everyday, students complete carefully developed work sheets, mastering the material before moving on to the next topic.

Prior to starting on the work sheets, a placement exam is given to see where the child needs to begin. Students then visit the center twice a week, and take home work sheets for the other days. The program is designed to build confidence and self esteem, instill self-discipline, and to help the student become self-reliant. Whether the child is lagging behind, or is already at grade level and wants to excel, he or she can only benefit. Tutoring centers often focus exclusively on catching up. Kumon learning centers offer an opportunity for children with all academic abilities to study material beyond their years.
The Kumon Math Program helps children develop skills necessary to progress from counting to calculus. The Kumon Reading Program spans from basic phonics to advanced reading comprehension. The programs are designed to enrich what the child is learning in school. Dershowitz and his staff monitor each child’s progress, making sure the comprehension is there before progressing to a new concept.
        Parent orientation and placement testing is all free. Call for an appointment during business hours. Class hours are at the Merrick center are Monday and Thursday, 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Office hours are noon to 2:30 Monday and Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.