Why Kids Should Play Chess

Introduction by William Stewart from OnlineChessLessons.net. Article available on William's site on Why Kids Should Play Chess.

Original Article By Mary M. Alward.

Children should play chess because chess can impart valuable life skills and experiences to it’s players. There has been extensive scientific documentation that chess quantifiably improves memory, critical thinking, mathematics, and reading skills (to name a few). The earlier a child begins learning and playing chess, the greater the likelihood that he/she will excel in the aforementioned areas. The concept of plasticity of the developing cerebral cortex in children suggests that the earlier a child begins learning a skill/language/etc.. - the more natural success he/she will experience as the developing brain is very similar to an extremely effective sponge (especially in the earlier stages). A good example is that children are much better at learning languages at an early age - because their brain is naturally more receptive to encoding external stimuli into meaningful patterns. The following article by Mary Alward (with reference to original material by Chess Coach Grandmaster Yasser Seirawan) details the benefits of teaching chess to children.

Chess: Teaching the five R's to Children

One of America’s premier Grand Masters, Yasser Seirawan, believes that chess teaches kids the 5 R’s; reading, writing, arithmetic, responsibility and respect. Here are the reasons why.

Chess and Mathematics:

Each piece on a chess board has a value. Some pieces are worth more than others. If you allow your opponent to capture stronger pieces while you protect those of lesser value, it can cost you the game. Chess helps kids to calculate mentally.

Chess and Writing:

The rules of chess mandate that the players have to keep score of the game. This encourages children to write.

Chess and Reading:

Chess encourages kids to read because in order to perfect their game, they have to study chess books in order to learn rules and strategies.

Chess and Respect:

In chess, you must respect both yourself and your opponent. Each game begins and ends with a handshake. Chess is the game of Kings and there is no room for cheating or being frustrated because you lost.

Chess and Responsibility:

It is up to the player to lead his army of chess pieces to its best possible deployment. The child has to make decisions. If he allows his pieces to be captured, he may lose the game. This teaches kids to be very responsible when making decisions. This habit stays with them throughout their lives and helps them to make responsible decisions in all that they do.

When kids learn to play chess, they begin to develop mathematical skills such as algebra and geometry, critical thinking, logical thinking, decision making and problem solving. These skills will allow them to move through life prepared to deal with the unexpected and to take control in all situations and make intelligent choices. Dr. Peter Daubergne of the University of Sydney in Australia conducted a study on children who play chess. He concluded that these kids had raised their IQ’s significantly in the following areas.

• The kids learned how to make very tough decisions without the help of an adult.
• Their skills in creative, critical and original thinking were finely honed.
• Reading, language, mathematics and memory were greatly enhanced.
• Problem solving skills were substantially strengthened.
• They were able to make accurate and quick decisions under time pressure, which helped them bring up their exam marks.
• They learned the importance of flexible planning and that once decisions were made there was consequences to be reckoned with.
• Chess challenged gifted children and helped underachievers learn how to study and strive to put forth their best effort.
• Chess helps children of all social and economic backgrounds.

Chess in the Schools

European and Russian schools have included chess in their educational curriculum for years. Today, it is also included in the curriculum of many Canadian schools. Kids are attracted to chess and it teaches them many important life skills.

Chess appeals to the competitive nature of children. In chess, unlike team sports, the child takes full responsibility for their losses. He is taught that he only has himself to blame. On the other hand when they win, it is their victory and theirs alone. They learn that they’ve won because they’ve put more effort into studying and learning the strategies of the game. They were the one who out-thought their opponent and maneuvered their opponent. Victory is sweet.

Children who take up chess love the game deeply. Once they learn to make logical choices, hard decisions and plan intricate strategies, the lessons stay with them for life. Emotional children learn to take losses and continue to return to play time and again. Over-achievers learn that they won’t always be the best at everything they do, because there’s always someone who can beat you. Kids who lack confidence and have never won anything in their lives win at chess.

Chess has been called the Game of Kings and the King of Games. It is beneficial to both adults and children. It teaches life skills that will help them excel in life and give their best in all they do. Enroll your child in a chess club where they will have an excellent coach, or contact a chess master about teaching your child to play the Game of Kings.

Original Article By Mary M. Alward.

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Bahamas hosts Chess workshop for teachers

BCF hosts Chess workshop for teachers at Martin Town Primary School
Thursday, July 21, 2011
The Freeport News
Bahamas

President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, of the Chess in Schools Commission, which is an iniatiative of the World Chess Federation aims for 'One Billion' – one billion people around the world playing chess. The Commission's latest online article was a report from The Bahamas.

The President of the Bahamas Chess Federation and National Instructor, Kean Smith, describes the latest work to contribute to the development of chess in the schools of these beautiful small islands.

The Bahamas Chess Federation (BCF) hosted its first chess workshop for Primary School Teachers on May 27 and 28, 2011.

There were ten (10) participants from two Primary Schools namely Holmes Rock and Martin Town Primary.

During the one day workshop conducted by NI Byron Small, the teachers were introduced to chess with a view to using it as a teaching tool to develop their students' learning skills and intelligence.

The main areas of intelligence are spatial judgment, linguistic, interpersonal and logic. During the workshop, NI Kean Smith took time out to work with interested students.

The interest and enthusiasm shown by the teachers during the chess workshop was impressive and encouraging.

At the end of the workshop, Holmes Rock and Martin Town Primary were presented with ten and two chess sets respectively.

The two chess sets presented to Martin Town was in addition to ten chess sets donated to Martin Town in February of this year at the BCF Freeport Rating Tournament.

The BCF has pledged a total of twenty chess sets and two demonstration boards to each school and Steps 1 and 2 of the Learning Chess Manual for chess trainers written by Rob Brunia and Cor van Wijgerden.

This initiative is just the beginning of a developmental effort by the BCF, to promote chess throughout The Bahamas and the interest displayed, particularly by these Grand Bahama schools, is very encouraging.

Source: http://freeport.nassauguardian.net

Mandatory Chess in the School in Armenia

Chess to be taught at schools from coming 2011-12 school year

Thursday, July 14

The government has made amendments to its previous decision envisaging holding chess lessons in comprehensive schools from coming 2011-12 school year.

Pupils in second, third and fourth grade will have chess classes twice a week, government’s press office reported.

TODAY, 16:00

Source: Aysor.am

Chess in Schools starting in Lebanon

Memorandum of Understanding between FIDE and LOC
Chess in Schools starting in Lebanon

On June 30 FIDE President visited Lebanon where he met with the President of the National Olympic Committee of Lebanon Mr. Antoine Chartier and the member of IOC Mr. Tony Khoury.

During the meeting the leaders signed the Memorandum of Understanding between the Lebanese Olympic Committee and the World Chess Federation.

It is agreed that:

1. The Lebanese Olympic Committee will do its utmost to promote the introduction of a "Chess in Schools" programme in the various primary, secondary schools and colleges throughout Lebanon.

2. The World Chess Federation pledges its support for this programme by providing adequate equipment in terms of books for children (workbooks), instructors' manuals, computer software, demonstration boards, chess clocks as well as seminars for "Training the Trainers".

Anand pleased with children taking to chess

GM Viswanathan Anand pleased with children taking to chess

Jul 06, 2011

Thiruvananthapuram, July 6 (IANS) World chess champion and NIIT MindChampion Viswanathan Anand Wednesday expressed happiness that young minds are taking to the game.

"It is heartening to note that young children are taking up chess enthusiastically and mastering the strategies of the game," Anand said while felicitating the south zone finalalists of NIIT MindChampions Academy (MCA) at a function here.

Recent studies suggest there is a strong correlation between chess and academic excellence and MCA Clubs have positively influenced the students by enabling them to experience holistic learning during the school hours, a company official said.

Source: http://mangalorean.com

"Chess in Schools" in Libya

FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov and Mr. Muhammad al-Gaddafi, Head of the Libyan Olympic Committee

"Chess in Schools" in Libya
Monday, 04 July 2011 09:59

On the 4th of July, FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov arrived in Tripoli, Libya and met with Mr. Muhammad al-Gaddafi, Head of the Libyan Olympic Committee.

Later Kirsan Ilyumzhinov met Dr. Abdulkabir Fakhry, Minister of Education and Science of Libya.

They discussed a draft agreement between FIDE and the Libyan government, i.e. the Libyan Ministry of Education and Science, on the "Chess in Schools" programme realization. The Libyan Minister noted that the agreement will be of great importance for Libyan education and heartily thanked the FIDE President for the attention he pays to this question at such a complicated time in the country. In addition Dr. Abdulkabir Fakhry laid special emphasis on the role and individual contribution of Kirsan Ilyumzhinov.

It is planned that chess lessons will be phased into the curriculum of Libyan schools. At the suggestion of Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, starting from the new school year (1st October), chess will be implemented as a pilot project in the obligatory education programme in 20 Libyan schools.

Also seminars for chess teachers will be organized by FIDE and the translation of the methodological books into Arabic will be financed by the Ministry of Education and Science of Libya.

As a result of the negotiations it was agreed by the Parties to sign the final agreement by the end of July 2011.

"Chess-in-the-schools" an amazing program!

By Chess Coach William Stewart (USCF 2270)

Original article on Chess-in-the-schools available on William's website.

“Chess-in-the-Schools is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to improving academic performance and building self-esteem among inner-city public school children.”

I could not be more impressed by this NYC program. The fact that chess instruction and participation improves critical scholastic skills in students is undeniable, and this project has been taking chess promotion to a new level. This program is not about making money, it’s about helping students advance their educational opportunities by making the right choices.

How does Chess-in-the-Schools work?

“Through structured classroom, after-school, weekend, and summer programs, we use chess as an educational tool to promote learning... For more than twenty years, Chess-in-the-Schools has placed chess teachers in hundreds of schools to teach thousands of children to play chess. The benefits of learning chess include increased reading comprehension, better problem solving skills, and even higher scores on standardized reading tests.”

How do teachers/schools get involved? Cost?

“The Teacher Training Institute (TTI) is a program that teaches educators in New York City how to implement a chess program at their school.”

If teachers don’t know how to play chess, TTI will teach the basics. There is no cost to participating teachers/schools, thanks to a grant from the NY City Council. This grant also provides for teaching supplies (chess sets, workbooks, demo board, etc..) There is no catch. This is a city-funded project intended to increase the value of educational opportunities for students in public schools in NYC. Chess-in-the-Schools is a truly comprehensive program working with students from the elementary, middle, and high school levels.

What happens to students when they graduate High School?

“The College Bound program empowers New York City youth to continue their education beyond high school, become productive citizens, and give back to society by providing comprehensive college preparatory services and chess instruction in a safe and engaging environment.”

Chess-in-the-Schools encompasses all levels of pre-college education and helps participants get in to college. Students who are involved in chess programs have been proven to perform better in school. The only downside to this program is that it is not more widely available. I’m sure I’m not the only person who thinks this a great idea. It would be fantastic to see similar projects instituted on state and federal levels. For information on how to contribute to Chess-in-the-Schools, please visit: How You Can Help

“The Chess-in-the-Schools program has demonstrated how through chess children can improve their concentration, work habits, logical thinking and other skills related to school success.”

Harold O. Levy, Former Chancellor, The Board of Education of the City of New York

By Chess Coach Will Stewart (USCF 2256, FIDE 2234)

Chess in Education - Chess makes kids smarter!

By Chess Teacher William Stewart

Original article on Chess In Schools available here

Chess Makes Kids Smarter - YES!

Not only does chess develop essential mental skills and abilities, it is also capable of doubling improvement in reading and math. The benefits of chess in schools range even farther, definitively improving social skills for children of all backgrounds - truly leveling any socioeconomic factors to encourage intellectual development on an even playing field. In today’s world of non-stop technological action and instant click satisfaction, ADD is more prevalent than ever. Due to it’s very nature, chess may serve as a cognitive and behavioral treatment for ADD by requiring unwavering attention and dedication for prolonged amounts of time. There is absolutely no doubt that the growing movement in the USA to achieve widespread institution of chess in school curricula will achieve exponential educational benefit.

Gary Kasparov's Chess Foundation

Former World Champion GM Garry Kasparov has committed to personally ensuring this incredible resource is utilized to the fullest. He has tireless campaigned in the United States to insert chess in teaching plans, and recently turned his attention to similar implementation in the European school systems. His success in the US has been demonstrated in New Jersey, New York, and more. His latest efforts in Europe have been very warmly received and the details are being ironed out to begin a European-wide chess education program. For more information on how to get involved, please visit the Kasparov Chess Foundation.

Susan Polgar's Foundation for Chess Excellence

Former World Champion GM Susan Polgar is extremely active in the United States by constantly pushing chess promotion to new limits, especially with respect to young women. Polgar dreams of making chess so popular that it competes with other sports, like tennis, baseball and football. "We hope to get many more colleges to start offering scholarships for chess," she says. "And we are working to promote chess as a grassroots movement in some of the smaller cities." The mission of the Susan Polgar Foundation is to promote chess, with all its educational, social, and competitive benefits throughout the United States, for young people of all ages, especially girls. For more information on how to get involved, please visit the Susan Polgar Foundation.

Relevant Research

A youngster taking part in a chess program develops critical thinking; logic, reasoning and problem solving abilities; memory, concentration and visualization skills; confidence; patience; determination; poise; self‑expression; and good sportsmanship. And perhaps more importantly, children who participate in the program improve their self‑esteem.

Excerpt from “Chess is the Gymnasium of the Mind”

...the game is fairly democratic. You need a
certain build to try out for the football team or a certain amount of money to play golf, but
chess cuts across racial, economic and gender barriers. All you need, besides an opponent,
is a board and 32 pieces.

Excerpt from Evan Levy’s “Check Mates” Time Magazine article

Funding for chess activity is available under the "educate America Act" (Goals 2000), Public Law 103-227, Section 308.b.2.E.: "Supporting innovative and proven methods of enhancing a teacher's ability to identify student learning needs and motivating students to develop higher order thinking skills, discipline, and creative resolution methods."

In a Texas study, regular (non-honors) elementary students who participated in a school chess club showed twice the improvement of non-chessplayers in Reading and Mathematics between third and fifth grades on the Texas Assessment of Academic Skills.

The Venezuela "Learning to Think Project", which trained 100,000 teachers to teach thinking skills, and which involved a sample of 4,266 second grade students, reached a general conclusion that chess, methodologically taught, is an incentive system sufficient to accelerate the increase of IQ in elementary age children of both sexes at all socio-economic levels. (B)

Excerpted from "Why Chess" at http://www.chesshouse.com/

Similarly, a 5‑year study of 7th and 8th graders by Robert Ferguson of the Bradford, PA School District showed that test scores improved 17.3% for students regularly engaged in chess classes, compared with only 4.56% for children participating in other forms of "enrichment activities" including Future Problem Solving, Dungeons and Dragons, Problem Solving with Computers, independent study, and creative writing. A Watson‑Glaser Thinking Appraisal evaluation showed overwhelmingly that chess improved critical thinking skills more than the other methods of enrichment.

Jo Bruno, Principal, P.S. 189, ‑Brooklyn, NY:. "In‑chess tournaments the child gets the opportunity of seeing more variety and diversity. There are kids who have more money than they have, but chess is a common denominator. They are all equal on the chessboard. I believe it is connected academically and to the intellectual development of children. I see them able to attend to something for more than an hour and a half. I am stunned. Some of them could not attend to things for more than 20 minutes."

Excerpted from New York City Schools Chess Program by Christine Palm, 1990

Adrian de Groot, a psychologist in the 1960's became very interested in the use of chess as an educational tool. He began studying the thinking behavior of chess players in Russia. In particular he observed that there was a significant difference in approach between those who were highly skilled and experienced in chess to those who were new to the game. Initially de Groot assumed that the Grandmaster's superiority lay in their ability to organize well and to memorize concrete lines of play. What de Groot found was quite different: Grandmasters did not rely on superior memory skills. Grandmasters were not any better at recalling randomly placed pieces than novice chess players were. The Grandmaster however was able to take actual chess positions and in an astonishing 5 seconds recognize a complex chess configuration and decide on a successful move. How were the GM's able to give accurate, well thought out evaluations in so little time? It seemed that GM's (but not novices) were able to recognize familiar configurations, and associating them with appropriate moves and plans.

Excerpted from “Role of Chess in Modern Education” By Marcel Milat

"An act concerning instruction in chess and supplementing Chapter 35 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes. Be it enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

• 1) The Legislature finds and declares that:
  • a) chess increases strategic thinking skills, stimulates intellectual creativity, and improves problem-solving ability, while raising self-esteem;
  • b) when youngsters play chess they must call upon higher-order thinking skills, analyze actions and consequences, and visualize future possibilities;
  • c) in countries where chess is offered widely in schools, students exhibit excellence in the ability to recognize complex patterns and consequently excel in math and science; and
  • d) instruction in chess during the second grade will enable pupils to learn skills which will serve them throughout their lives.
• 2) Each board of education may offer instruction in chess during the second grade for pupils in gifted and talented and special education programs. The department of Education may establish guidelines to be used by boards of education which offer chess instruction in those programs.

Excerpt from Senate Bills #S452 and #A1122.

Original Article on Chess in Education available on Will's website