Chess and childhood education

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It has long been known that learning and playing chess can benefit children in more ways than one, especially when chess is compared with most other games. A recent post on the Child Care for Lakewood Blog goes into details:

In a study by the New York City Schools, it was found that “Chess dramatically improves a child’s ability to think rationally . . . increases cognitive skills . . . improves children’s communication skills and aptitude in recognizing patterns . . . results in higher grades, especially in English and Math studies.”

A new chess-education site promotes competency in chess skills, including end game technique. (That page relates to obtaining a draw in a position that appears possibly lost.)

Another aspect of chess competition relates to social development. When a reclusive child or teenager becomes interested in chess, the newly formed skills in tactics and strategy and be put to use by playing games with other people. This helps the shy child or teenager to become involved with those with similar interests, even if those interests are only related to chess, at least at first.