 Chess has been proven to enhance creativity,
concentration, critical thinking skills, memory, academic
achievement, problem solving, cultural enrichment, intellectual
maturity, self-esteem, and a host of other qualities that every
parent and teacher desires.
School systems across the country are rapidly recognizing the
importance of chess and have added chess instruction to their
curriculum. State
Legislatures in New Your and New Jersey have each authorized their
respective Boards of Education to offer chess instruction as part of
their academic programs.
Even Florida is considering adding chess as part of the
second grade curriculum.
Scholastic Chess membership at the USCF has grown from
under 3,300 members in 1990 to over 50,000 in 2004. This surge in membership is
no accident. Parents
and teacher have recognized that chess can be an important part of a
well-rounded child’s learning experience. This year’s national
tournament set a record by attracting over 5,200 players from all
across the country.
We at Space Coast Scholastic Chess want to make sure
that our community makes every effort to take advantage of the
benefits of chess for our children. We have seen first hand the
benefits. Children that
have serious problems with concentration and focus in class have
been seen to sit for hours throughout a Saturday and solve
complicated chess positions.
By demonstrating that these children can sit and
focus, the same skill can then be adapted to school work and,
eventually, the work place.
The most important skill a student can learn is how to think
creatively and effectively, and the bottom line is: Chess makes you
smart.
The following are a sample of the many
studies done regarding the benefits of chess for children.
Click on any of the articles below to read more about the Benefits
of Chess.
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Chess: A Learning Tool.
Steve Sawyer, President Oklahoma Scholastic Chess
Organization
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Chess: The Best Thing This Side of
Heaven. Jerry Meyers,
Chessmaster
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Scholastics and the Soul of
Chess. Tom
Braunlich
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Check Mates. Evan Levy, Time Magazine
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Benefits of Chess for
Children. Dean J. Ippolito, International
Master
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Chess Essay. Benjamin Franklin, American
Patriot.
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