I was talking with a friend the other day about our the importance of teaching chess to children.  He told me how chess had helped him as a child and as an adult and then pointed out that chess really has a “rate of return” for children.

As a parent I know many of you work hard to put food on the plate.  Extra expenses, are well, expenses that are extra, right?  You would do anything for your children, but the money has to be justified. 

So is there a “rate of return” in investing in chess lesson for your children?

Most definitely!

When children learn how to play chess, they learn a lot more than just how to move pieces on a board.  Most games have some benefit, but chess has survived and flourished through the ages, because it brings more to the table.

If you google “chess and education” you will see numerous studies that have been performed all around the world, testing children before and after learning chess.  I think everyone would agree that children’s test scores will improve as a result of chess lessons.

But is there something more, something a bit more quantifiable?

Let’s fast forward to your child’s first job.  How will he or she tackle that experience?  Will they know how to solve problems on the fly or will they plague their new boss with silly questions?  Will they think outside-the-box and come up with new innovations for their position?  Will they understand the importance of teamwork and be an asset to the company?

Chess teaches children all of these skills and more.

You can either teach your child chess or hire someone to do so (or persuade your school to teach chess during school hours).  I promise you that your time or money will be well spent.  You will receive an excellent rate of return!

We’re starting up classes this week.  We have a few new schools on board and are very excited!  Plus we’re adding a few new classes with our existing schools, teaching Kindergarteners. 

As the new year starts I am preparing a series of articles for the parents of our students.  After speaking with many over the years I realize that there are some misconceptions about chess.

When I was a young girl, chess was considered “geeky” or un-cool.  It really isn’t that way anymore.  It may come as a shock, but with our students it is actually considered very cool to be a good chess player.

The problem is that if parents don’t realize this, they may inadvertently undo the “cool” vibe.  I think it is great that children love to play chess and are naturally drawn to it.  Let’s try to keep it that way!

What do you think?  What is your impression of chess?

(Very cool cartoon by Gert Jan Slotboom)