Jon Sieber, co-founder, Story Time Chess
Chess is one of the oldest and most popular games in
history, with early forms of the game dating back to the 6th century
CE. The game has certainly seen a revival since the pandemic began, as people
around the globe have dusted off their chess boards and even binged one of the
most-watched series ever inspired by the masterful game for much-needed
entertainment.
Chess is also one of the most beneficial games you can teach
a child, fostering critical developmental skills and instilling important
life-long lessons. If you’ve been thinking about getting in on the craze and
introducing chess to your child (or even learning how to play together) here
are five reasons why you should totally do it:
Chess exercises both sides of the brain. In a game of
chess, the left analytical side of the brain looks for the next logical move,
while the right creative side seeks out patterns and new possibilities. The
game boosts both intelligence and creativity.
Chess gives kids an edge in the classroom. Playing
chess is known to increase IQ, promote critical thinking, and teach core math
and verbal skills. It also helps kids retain information, improve test scores,
solve problems, remain calm under pressure, and perform well in school.
READ MORE: Buy a new game for family fun
Chess helps kids speak the same language. The chess
board is 64 squares of safe space that brings together kids of all backgrounds,
interests, and languages. It’s a common ground and even playing field. Through
chess, kids also learn to explore the thoughts of the person sitting across
from them, which helps develop important social skills and emotional
intelligence.
Chess teaches sportsmanship. Win or lose, kids will
learn it’s fun to play the game of chess with a friend. In the game, they’ll
grow to understand the consequences of a bad move and how to embrace failure.
But, at the end of every game, they always give a “good game” handshake. This
teaches kids how to lose with dignity and win with humility.
Chess is the ultimate executive coach. Grit is a
powerful driving force and predictor of success in the business world, and an
important trait kids can learn by playing chess. The game teaches kids patience
as they work through different scenarios, learn to plan, course correct and
wait to see how things play out, instead of being tempted by easy, more
immediately gratifying moves.
Plus, learning chess is more accessible and approachable than
ever before. There are after school programs, private tutors, online classes
and now an innovative board game that uses proven silly, story-based curriculum
to introduce chess to kids as young as three years old. Story Time Chess: The Game is available
at storytimechess.com and on Amazon for $39.99.
Jon Sieber is co-founder of Story Time Chess, which has successfully taught kids as young as three years old how to play chess all around the world through its innovative teaching method and silly story-based curriculum. The company offers private tutoring, virtual lessons, and its multi-award-winning board game Story Time Chess: The Game is a cult classic among parents.