By Pat A. Schneider

Every parent knows that children differ in the way they learn, even within the same family. And, if the parent’s learning style differs from that of the child, adjustments have to be made.  Different learning styles can be challenging work.

Do any of the children described below remind you of one of yours?

• Jay is a quick learner. It’s a constant challenge to find appropriate curriculum to keep him motivated and excited about learning new things.
• When she focuses her attention, Kim’s work is exemplary. However, more often than not, she can be distracted by other nearby activities.
• Luis’s reading skills are considerably more advanced than most children his age. But, he struggles with math.

Teach them to play chess!

Chess is a family-oriented game and non-chess players can facilitate their children learning chess as they learn and play together. Because it’s a game, the whole family can get in on the fun; and, since playing chess can be learned or improved at many different levels, it’s perfect for siblings of all ages.

When taught systematically, chess is a powerful learning tool. Learning to play chess would give our three children in the above scenarios the practice they would need to enhance learning.

Playing chess,

• Jay is immediately challenged to stop, think and problem-solve when playing chess. Chess is a constant motivation to learn, whether competing or preparing to play. Chess teaches a bright child how to study and will develop patience and thoughtfulness in academics.
• Kim will have to observe and concentrate. If she doesn’t watch what is happening in a game, her opponent could use her inattentiveness against her. She will need to exercise this attention to detail and carefulness in all aspects of academic pursuits, particularly science.
• Luis will learn to determine the patterns of chess moves that lead to success in the game. Recognizing patterns will allow him to follow the sequence of steps that leads to the desired outcome, essential not only in math but in science, too.

Chess is a game, tantalizing for children, and may seem just the perfect match for kids with high Logical/Mathematical Intelligence. But, chess is more than a game. Chess reaches across multiple learning styles.  Its flexibility allows you and your children to build skills in breadth and depth at different levels and still enjoy playing together.

WHY CHESS?

A systematic study of chess accelerates learning, improves problem solving and enhances cognitive outcomes — visualization, thinking ahead, thinking concretely and abstractly, weighing options, focusing and planning. Studies show:

• Chess is fun and motivational, developing self-esteem, confidence and concentration.
• Chess improves test scores in math and reading.
• Chess is a thinking game, encouraging students to use patterns and logical deductive reasoning to solve problems.
• Chess levels the playing field. Age, gender, ethnic background, socioeconomic status and spoken language are all irrelevant factors.

ACROSS THE CURRICULUM

The motivational aspects of chess help parent-educators meet state standards in curriculum needs. Learning, studying and playing chess reaches:

• Mathematics Standards: problem solving, communication, reasoning, connections, estimation, spatial sense, and patterns and relations.
• English Language Standards: pursuing personal interests, communicating effectively, and building a foundation for literacy and learning.
• Higher Level Thinking Skills: focusing, visualizing, thinking ahead, weighing options, analyzing concretely, thinking abstractly, planning ahead, and juggling multiple considerations.
• Dimensions of Critical Thought: affective and cognitive strategies.

Chess has been made part of the curriculum in almost 30 countries. Within the last 35 years, several studies conducted worldwide indicate, overwhelmingly, the benefit that children gain from systematically learning to play chess.

Pat A. Schneider, educator and curriculum developer, and Stephen A. Schneider are the authors of the Scholastic Chess Series, a complete chess curriculum that ties into core state standards in math at all grade levels and language arts for K-5. Championship Chess, Atlanta, Georgia, (www.championshipchess.net), actively promotes the incorporation of chess in homeschools, classrooms and after school programs.