Kumon Publishing
Over sixty years ago, Kumon had its origins with a father and son in Japan. Toru Kumon, a high-school math teacher, devised a step-by-step, personalized approach to assist his son, Takeshi, in improving his math skills. This approach, known as the Kumon Method, laid the foundation for the world's largest supplemental education program, spanning 56 countries and serving over 4 million students.
In 2004, Kumon Publishing North America was established to extend the principles of the Kumon Method to a broader audience. Since then, it has evolved into a leading independent publisher in childhood education, boasting an annual sale of over 2 million workbook copies worldwide.
Our books are the result of close collaboration among instructors, editors, artists, and designers in both North America and Japan. This collaboration ensures that our workbooks and educational materials are not only highly effective and intuitive but also offer children a distinctive and innovative approach.
What kinds of books does Kumon Publishing produce?
Kumon publishes workbooks and educational materials for children, focused on math and reading skills. Topics include addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, geometry and measurement, reading, writing and word problems, all using the step-by-step Kumon Method.
What age or grade levels do Kumon workbooks target?
Kumon workbooks cover early childhood through school-age learners. They span foundational skills through more advanced topics so learners at different stages can use them.
How do I choose the right Kumon workbook for my child?
Choose based on the child’s current skill level and the specific skill you want to develop rather than only age. Many families start with a short placement check or begin at the level where the child can work independently and confidently.
Are Kumon books organized in a sequence or series?
Yes. The materials are designed as leveled, sequential workbooks so skills build gradually. Many topics are presented across multiple progressive books to support step-by-step learning.
Can Kumon workbooks be used alongside school learning?
Yes. Kumon workbooks are intended as supplemental materials to reinforce and extend classroom learning, providing extra practice and mastery of specific skills.