What are the differences between Eye Level Math and Kumon Math?
Both Eye Level Math and Kumon Math are supplementary Math development programs for children. However, there are a few notable differences between the two programs. The two programs take a slightly different approach to learning.
Approach
Eye Level’s approach is based on the idea of creating a comprehensive understanding of mathematics and English. Eye Level aims to develop and perfect the child’s power of thinking and understanding through its emphasis on critical thinking. In particular, Eye Level teaches Critical Thinking Math, which is generally not a component of other Mathematics programs, including Kumon.
Kumon’s approach is focused on developing calculation skills, and it is often described as a drilling and practice-makes-perfect approach.
Math
Learning Approach
Eye Level Math: Emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of mathematical concepts with a focus on critical thinking. It includes a distinct Critical Thinking Math component, which encourages problem-solving, analytical skills, and logical reasoning. The program aims to develop a child’s ability to think independently and understand the “why” behind mathematical processes, fostering a deeper conceptual grasp.
Kumon Math: Focuses on a “drill and practice” method to build calculation speed and accuracy. It prioritizes rote memorization and repetitive practice to achieve mastery of basic math skills, progressing step-by-step through a structured curriculum. Kumon emphasizes self-learning, with students working independently on worksheets to build fluency and confidence.
| Eye Level Math | Kumon Math | |
|---|---|---|
| Instruction Style | Guided learning with teacher feedback and coaching | Independent learning with minimal instruction |
| Learning Materials | Varied: visuals, manipulatives, word problems, critical thinking booklets | Repetitive worksheets that drill calculation skills |
| Pacing | Adjusted based on mastery and understanding | Strictly sequential, focused on speed and accuracy |
Curriculum Focus
Eye Level Math: Covers math up to approximately 11th-grade level through its Basic Thinking Math curriculum, with an additional focus on critical thinking skills. It includes colorful workbooks with varied exercises, such as word problems, to engage students and reinforce concepts. The program is less focused on advanced topics like calculus.
Kumon Math: Offers a broader curriculum, starting from preschool counting and extending to advanced topics like calculus, trigonometry, and differential equations. It progresses through 21 levels (7A to O), allowing students to study up to pre-university or university-level mathematics.
| Eye Level Math | Kumon Math | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Broad coverage: arithmetic, geometry, measurement, word problems, patterns, reasoning, algebra | Mainly arithmetic and algebra (calculation-focused) |
| Two Strands | Basic Thinking Math (BTM) + Critical Thinking Math (CTM) | Primarily focuses on calculation and procedural fluency |
| Application Skills | Strong emphasis on applying concepts in real-life word problems | Minimal focus on application and problem-solving |
Teaching Style and Interaction
Eye Level Math: Combines self-directed learning with guided instruction from qualified instructors. It typically maintains a low student-to-teacher ratio (e.g., 1:4), allowing for personalized feedback and interaction. Coaches encourage students to ask questions and engage actively to find solutions.
Kumon Math: Primarily a self-learning program where students work independently on worksheets, with minimal direct instruction. Instructors or assistants provide support when needed, but the focus is on students mastering skills through repetition. The student-to-teacher ratio is higher (e.g., 1:6), and interaction is less emphasized.
| Eye Level Math | Kumon Math | |
|---|---|---|
| Instructor Role | Active guidance, error correction, and concept clarification | Supervises and marks worksheets, less conceptual teaching |
| Student-Tutor Interaction | Higher—students discuss questions, receive guidance, and reflect | Lower—students work mostly independently |
| Customization | Flexible pathway based on diagnostic test and observation | Progresses only after scoring perfectly in prior set |
| Engagement | Uses varied questions to maintain interest and challenge | Can feel monotonous due to repeated drills |
Critical Thinking & Reasoning
| Eye Level Math | Kumon Math | |
|---|---|---|
| Critical Thinking Skills | Explicitly taught and practiced (patterning, spatial sense, reasoning) | Not part of the program |
| Problem Solving | Encourages various strategies and logical reasoning | Focuses on correct answers through repetition |
Summary
✔️ Choose Eye Level Math if you prioritize critical thinking, conceptual understanding, and a more interactive, engaging approach with colorful materials and personalized guidance. It’s ideal for students who benefit from reasoning-based learning and word problems.
Choose Kumon Math if you want a structured, repetitive program focused on building calculation speed, accuracy, and independent learning skills, especially for students needing a strong foundation in basic operations or aiming for advanced math levels.
| Feature | Eye Level Math | Kumon Math |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Conceptual understanding + CT skills | Procedural fluency via repetition |
| Curriculum Style | Diverse and balanced | Narrow and deep in calculation |
| Instructor Involvement | High | Low |
| Ideal for Students Who… | Need concept clarity + like problem solving | Can thrive in repetition + self-discipline |
English
Learning Approach
Eye Level English: Focuses on individualized coaching and fostering foundational literacy skills through engaging content like stories, poems, and biographies. It emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and a systematic writing process, aiming to build confidence and a love for learning. The program encourages students to interact with instructors to develop problem-solving skills and understand concepts deeply.
Kumon English: Centers on self-learning and repetitive practice to develop strong reading comprehension and grammar skills. It uses a structured, worksheet-based approach to build fluency in reading and understanding complex passages, with a focus on mastering fundamentals through repetition. The goal is to enable students to read and comprehend texts quickly and accurately.
| Eye Level English | Kumon English | |
|---|---|---|
| Core Emphasis | Balanced focus on comprehension, expression, and accuracy | Heavy focus on reading aloud and vocabulary |
| Critical Thinking | Integrated in reading and writing tasks | Not emphasized |
| Comprehension Skills | Taught through questions that build inferencing, sequencing, summarizing, etc. | Mostly factual recall questions |
Curriculum Focus
Eye Level English: Offers a curriculum tailored to each student’s level, covering reading, writing, and critical thinking for ages 3–12. It includes four types of writing (narrative, informational, opinion, and research) and uses colorful, engaging materials to teach foundational literacy skills. The program integrates literature to build content knowledge and encourages practical application through varied exercises.
Kumon English: Consists of 26 levels (7A to L), each with 200 worksheets grouped into learning blocks focusing on phonics, grammar, reading comprehension, and critical analysis. It progresses from basic word sounds to analyzing complex texts, such as classic literature like Romeo and Juliet. The worksheets are repetitive and focus on mechanical practice, with less emphasis on creative writing or diverse literature.
| Eye Level English | Kumon English | |
|---|---|---|
| Skill Coverage | Comprehensive: reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary, listening, speaking | Mainly reading and vocabulary |
| Grammar Instruction | Explicit grammar teaching through structured activities | Minimal grammar instruction |
| Writing Practice | Frequent writing practice (from sentence to paragraph level) | Very limited writing practice |
Teaching Style and Interaction
Eye Level Math: Combines self-directed learning with guided instruction from qualified instructors. It typically maintains a low student-to-teacher ratio (e.g., 1:4), allowing for personalized feedback and interaction. Coaches encourage students to ask questions and engage actively to find solutions.
Kumon Math: Primarily a self-learning program where students work independently on worksheets, with minimal direct instruction. Instructors or assistants provide support when needed, but the focus is on students mastering skills through repetition. The student-to-teacher ratio is higher (e.g., 1:6), and interaction is less emphasized.
| Eye Level English | Kumon English | |
|---|---|---|
| Learning Method | Guided learning with teacher support and feedback | Self-learning with minimal guidance |
| Materials | Varied: phonics booklets, grammar sheets, reading booklets, writing prompts | Mostly worksheets with sentence-level exercises |
| Listening & Speaking | Practiced through oral reading and teacher interaction | Not a focus area |
| Customization | Curriculum tailored to learner’s level across multiple skills | Progression based on scoring perfectly in previous level |
| Interaction | Active discussions, reading aloud, and writing reviews | Individual worksheet-based practice |
| Motivation | Variety keeps learners engaged and builds expression | Repetition helps develop reading fluency |
Summary
✔️ Choose Eye Level English if you want a program that emphasizes critical thinking, creative writing, and engaging, literature-based content with personalized instructor guidance. It’s ideal for students who benefit from interactive learning and need to develop analytical skills for advanced tests.
Choose Kumon English if you prefer a structured, repetitive approach focused on mastering reading comprehension and grammar through independent learning. It suits students who thrive on routine and need a strong foundation in fundamental literacy skills.
| Feature | Eye Level English | Kumon English |
|---|---|---|
| Skills Covered | Reading, writing, grammar, speaking, listening | Mainly reading and vocabulary |
| Approach | Balanced language development | Repetition and reading fluency |
| Teacher Involvement | High – with feedback and instruction | Low – worksheets are mostly self-led |
| Writing & Expression | Strong focus on composition and idea development | Minimal writing practice |
| Ideal for Students Who… | Want to improve all-round English proficiency | Want to improve reading fluency |