Chess, Children and Summer? Yes!

Original posted on 18 September, 2018
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"Summer slide" is the tendency for students especially those from low-income families, to lose some of their achievement gains they made during the previous school year (Summer Slide and the Importance of Reading over the Summer [Online]. Available at: https://www.cde.state.co.us/cdelib/summerslide [Accessed at: 19 August, 2018]. Simply put it means that students tend to lose skills e.g. reading and math, over the summer if they are not involved in activities that uses them. This is one of the reasons that we at Nimble Minds started offering chess instruction and play over the summer months.
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We offered chess classes for children new to chess and ongoing classes for a group we have been working with since July, 2018. Our focus was to teach chess in a fun filled environment that allowed the children to socialise and problem solve. This approach was seasoned with a steady introduction to the rules of chess which helped players to be more thoughtful. For example, I had two very energetic 8 year old boys who loved playing with the pieces and pawns on the chessboard while their game was in progress. So at the appropriate time I informed the class of the "touch play" rule and how it works during a game. Players quickly understood the rule and was willing to enforce it against offending players. Simply put the rule is that if you touch one of your picees or pawns then you are obligated to play it. Furthermore, if you touch one of your opponents pieces or pawns then you are obligated to capture it if possible. Needless to say that the two energetic 8 year olds has since stopped playing with the pieces on the board and further developed a greater appreciation for the consequences of their actions.
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​Chess is a very flexible game and has many parallels to school. For example, during school hours students with well developed learning skills are more likely to excel. These learning skills can be developed during structured chess classes. Some learning skills are concentration, mental calculation, analysis, critical thinking and problem solving. Furthermore, because of the nature of the game of chess students develop patience and how to be objective. Additionally, like most exams in school, chess requires students to sit and concentrate for extended periods. While this can be challenging for some children, chess helps them to develop their capacity to do so.