Benefits of Chess Lessons for Kids and Teens by Expert Chess Coach

Posted by IchessU on March 5th, 2015

Finding a good chess program for your child can be very beneficial to his or her development, especially when the kid truly loves the game. Traditional chess classes are open for children of all ages. Many experts believe that there is no age requirement to learning how to play good chess. In fact, there are many children who learn the game at a very early age—as young as three years old. There are many benefits to taking chess lessons, especially during early stages of a child's development.

Not only does the game itself helps improve player's spatial awareness, promote critical thinking, and advance problem solving skills—it also helps kids learn logic and strategy. Making children take chess lessons at an early age is also ideal as children can absorb information more rapidly than grownups. Teaching chess to toddlers often has lasting effect. Chess lessons have also been found to improve children's academic performance, especially when they have been taking lessons ever since they can understand the concept and the principles of the game.

Chess has many other great benefits to players of all ages. Essential developmental skills as well as tactical and critical thinking skills are heightened during game play. Chess also improves creativity, memory, focus, and concentration. Some studies also prove that chess can also improve reading skills. Children that play chess also experience advanced development of their high order thinking skills, planning skills and independent decision making. In terms of academic performance, chess helps improve child's mathematical abilities.

Enrolling your child in weekly or in any regular educational chess program can truly help in his or her mental development. Joining chess clubs even helps children enhance their social skills, allowing them to spend extended time with friends and club-mates, outside of their ordinary school environment. This helps them develop people skills and a heightened sense of community, while spending time with like-minded individuals who share the same passion and interest.

Find a chess school or club that will help your child find develop skills that he or she can use not only in the game but also in real life. Look for groups that are lead by expert chess coaches who have years of experience in playing and teaching the game so you can make sure that your child gets all the benefits that the game has to offer.

About the author:

Albert Fishman has been involved in teaching chess since 1996 and is part of the IchessU coaching staff.