The Kumon Programs | The Kumon Method and Its Strengths - About Kumon - Free Printable

The image you've uploaded is a Japanese language worksheet from KUMON, specifically for Grade 3, focusing on kanji (Chinese characters) and their structure. The task is titled:

> 漢字の字形（直画の長短）
> *(Kanji Structure: Length of Straight Strokes)*

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🔍 Task Explanation

The goal is to understand how the length of straight strokes (直画 - chokkaku) affects the balance and appearance of kanji characters.

The instructions say:
> "In the following examples, some strokes are longer than others. This makes the character look balanced. Try to copy them carefully, paying attention to the length of the strokes."

Then it gives examples of kanji with stroke-length variations, followed by practice blanks.

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✔ Examples Given in the Worksheet

#### 1. 三 (San) – "Three"
- The top horizontal stroke is shorter.
- The middle one is longer.
- The bottom one is shortest.
- This creates a balanced, pyramid-like shape.

#### 2. 里 (Sato) – "Village" or "miles"
- The vertical stroke in the middle is longer than the surrounding parts.
- The two horizontal strokes at the top and bottom are equal but shorter.
- The character looks centered and stable.

#### 3. 女 (Onna) – "Woman"
- The left diagonal stroke is longer than the right one.
- The curved stroke at the bottom is shorter.
- The long left stroke gives movement and balance.

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🧩 Practice Section

You're asked to copy the following characters, paying attention to stroke length:

1. 寺 (Teru) – "Temple"
- The horizontal stroke at the top is short.
- The vertical stroke in the middle is long.
- The bottom horizontal stroke is medium.

2. 童 (Dō) – "Child"
- The top horizontal stroke is short.
- The central vertical stroke is very long, extending below the baseline.
- The bottom part (the "child" radical) has shorter strokes.

3. 委 (I) – "To entrust"
- The top horizontal stroke is short.
- The vertical stroke is long.
- The bottom part (a simplified "heart" or "tortoise") has shorter strokes.

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✏️ How to Solve It

Step-by-step approach:

1. Observe each example character.
2. Identify which strokes are longer or shorter.
3. Copy the characters in the blank boxes, emphasizing stroke length.
4. Pay attention to proportion and balance — don’t make all strokes equal.

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📝 Example Answer (How to Write)

Let’s take 寺 as an example:

```
寺
```

- Top horizontal: short → just covers the width of the "roof".
- Vertical stroke: long → goes down past the horizontal base.
- Bottom horizontal: medium → connects both sides, but not too long.

Similarly, for 童:

```
童
```

- Top: short horizontal.
- Middle: long vertical stroke that extends down.
- Bottom: small "child" component — compact.

For 委:

```
委
```

- Top: short horizontal.
- Long vertical stroke down.
- Bottom: small, closed shape.

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✔ Key Takeaway

This exercise teaches visual balance in kanji. Even though strokes may be similar, varying their length helps create a harmonious and readable character.

> 💡 Tip: When writing kanji, think about which stroke should dominate (usually the longest one) and build around it.

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✔ Final Answer (Summary)

You should copy the three characters (寺, 童, 委) in the provided boxes, paying close attention to the relative lengths of the straight strokes as shown in the examples.

Make sure:
- The top strokes are short.
- The central vertical strokes are long.
- The bottom parts are compact.

This will help you write balanced, aesthetically pleasing kanji.

Let me know if you'd like a visual guide or practice sheet!