Did you know that over thirty nations, including Brazil, China, Italy, Israel, Greece and Russia, incorporate chess into their scholastic curriculum? Just as athletics are woven into our schools in the United States, chess is an accepted part of the school program in many nations abroad. Wouldn’t it be great to “steal” this idea and include the best of both worlds (athletics and chess) here in America?
According to Susan Polgar, 4-time World Chess Champion, research indicates Test scores improved by 17.3% for students regularly engaged in chess classes, compared with only 4.6% for children participating in other forms of enrichment activities.
Chess is an intellectually stimulating and fun game to play! So what can kids learn from playing chess? What is the “magic” chess can bestow?
Here are just a few of the benefits chess can provide:
1. Chess makes kids feel smart.
2. Chess helps parents to understand that their children are capable learners.
3. Chess improves math and reading skills.
4. Chess teaches kids to look not only at the present but at the “end game.”
5. Chess can be a powerful motivator to develop good habits of discipline, respect, good manners and focus.
6. Chess develops problem-solving skills.
7. Chess builds self-esteem and confidence.
8. Chess teaches how to deal with stress.
9. Chess teaches not to give up.
10. Chess is accessible to students at every academic level.
11. Chess improves grades.
12. Chess is international - it is a universal language.
13. Chess brings people with dis-similar backgrounds together.
14. Chess is compatible with many other interests - from math & music to sports.
15. Chess is fun!
Conclusion
Countless research studies have demonstrated that over the years chess can foster mental clarity, fortitude and stability. Please see the studies listed below for more details on the extent to which this game encompasses such a wealth of applications and possibilities.
With the current budget cuts at hand, a few smart schools and school leaders are delighted to find chess an inexpensive yet phenomenal means of helping kids grow intellectually. If you have children in school, or just want to help a school out, why not suggest an after-school (or even during school) chess program? Wouldn’t that be grand!
“The chessboard is the world, the pieces are the phenomena of theUniverse, the rules of the game are what we call the laws of Nature and the player on the other side is hidden from us”(Thomas Huxley)
Countless research studies have demonstrated that over the years chess can foster mental clarity, fortitude and stability. Please see the studies listed below for more details on the extent to which this game encompasses such a wealth of applications and possibilities.
With the current budget cuts at hand, a few smart schools and school leaders are delighted to find chess an inexpensive yet phenomenal means of helping kids grow intellectually. If you have children in school, or just want to help a school out, why not suggest an after-school (or even during school) chess program? Wouldn’t that be grand!
“The chessboard is the world, the pieces are the phenomena of theUniverse, the rules of the game are what we call the laws of Nature and the player on the other side is hidden from us”(Thomas Huxley)
Here is a website with more information on engaging children in the wonderful world of chess:
http://www.chessopolis.com/tutorials.htm
Available Chess Information and Research
There is a wealth of research and information available on the game of Chess and its benefits. Listed below are examples of websites and research studies that provide information.Websites
http://www.chessopolis.com/tutorials.htm
Available Chess Information and Research
There is a wealth of research and information available on the game of Chess and its benefits. Listed below are examples of websites and research studies that provide information.Websites
Chess and Standardized Test Scores (1997) by James M. Liptrap
The Effect of Chess on Reading Scores (1991) by Stuart Margulies
Chess as a Way to Teach Thinking (1987) by Dianne Horgan
Developing Critical and Creative Thinking through Chess (1983) by Robert Ferguson
Chess and Cognitive Development (1976) by Johan Christiansen
It's been a long time since I played chess. My dad taught me growing up and I don't recall anyone being able to beat me other than my dad. Boasting aside, I love the idea of bringing chess into the American curriculum. I can easily believe that students will do better, even much better when they're actively involved with chess.
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