Celebrate Math Today and Every Day with the World's Largest After-School Math and Reading Program

Success in math begins with genuine interest and an appreciation for the subject itself. Students enrolled in the Kumon Math Program often experience a boost in confidence as a result of improved mental calculation ability, reasoning skills, and enhanced problem solving techniques. In fact, many Kumon students study material two to three years above their grade level.

"Proficiency in mathematics is a key that opens many doors for children," said Dominique Ciccarelli, Ed.M., education spokesperson for Kumon North America. "Today, students need to have strong math skills in order to be accepted into the best institutions of higher education and in order to excel in many prominent careers."

Pi Day, celebrated on March 14, provides the perfect excuse for everyone to incorporate math into all aspects of the day. Here are a few fun ways to celebrate:

• Enjoy Pi-Themed Foods. Children of all ages will enjoy exploring circumference, diameter and fractions by making a pizza pie or a dessert pie of any kind. Or you could even try making a pie in the shape of pi or adding the symbol to any circular treat.

• Play Pi-Themed Games. Pi games are not only fun, but will also improve your child's understanding of pi. For older kids, have a memorization or recitation contest with a prize for the winner. Even the youngest mathematician can participate in the making of a pi paper chain. Different colored paper strips are paired with numbers (e.g., red with two, blue with four). The strips are then linked in the order of pi. The chain can be as long or short as you want.

• Calculate Pi. Have your child cut out circles of different sizes. They can even trace popular circular household items. Have them measure the diameter and circumference of each circle and see if they can calculate pi.

If you share our infinite and irrational love for math, and want to create this spark in your child, learn more about the Kumon Math Program.

About Kumon Math & Reading Centers:
Kumon is an after-school math and reading enrichment program that unlocks the potential of children, so they can achieve more on their own. As a comprehensive program, Kumon serves children in preschool through high school. Founded in Japan in 1958, the learning method uses an individualized approach that helps children develop a solid command of math and reading skills. Through daily practice and mastery of materials, students increase confidence, improve concentration, and develop better study skills. Kumon has over four million students enrolled in nearly 25,000 learning centers in 49 countries and regions.  

SOURCE Kumon North America