Time really moves in an amazing speed! And we are here towards the end of the year again!
Many parents of young children are eager to know the goodness of chess. Starting chess at a young age will not only inculcate thinking ability, it is also something to keep for the rest of their lives. Someone who plays chess at 6, which is a very healthy game, is likely to play even when they are 60.
The
following extract from “Why Offer Chess in Schools?” (by Jerry Meyers) is a
representative summary of typical findings on chess when offered as part of or
complementary to school curriculum:
“Chess
makes kids smarter. It does so by
teaching the following skills:-
FOCUSING – Children are taught the benefits of observing
carefully and concentrating. If they
don’t watch what is happening, they can’t respond to it no matter how smart
they are.
VISUALISING – Children are prompted to image a sequence of
actions before it happens. We actually
strengthen the ability to visualize by training them to shift the pieces in
their mind, first one, then several moves ahead.
THINKING AHEAD – Children are taught to think first, then act. We teach them to ask themselves “If I do
this, then what might happen next, and how can I respond?” Over time, chess develops patience and
thoughtfulness.
WEIGHING OPTIONS – Children are taught that they don’t have to do
the first thing that pops into their mind.
They learn to identify alternatives and consider the pros and cons of
various actions.
ANALYSING CONCRETELY – Children learn to evaluate the results
of specific actions and consequences.
Does this sequence help or hurt me?
Decisions are better when guided by logic, rather than impulse.
THINKING ABSTRACTLY – Children are taught to step back
periodically from details and consider the bigger picture. They also learn to take patterns used in one
context and apply them to different, but related situations.
PLANNING – Children are taught to develop longer range
goals and to take steps bringing them about.
They are also taught to re-evaluate their plans as new developments
change the situation.
JUGGLING MULTIPLE CONSIDERATIONS SIMULTANEOUSLY – Children are
taught not to become overly absorbed in any one consideration, but to try and
weigh various factors at once.
None
of the above skills are specific to chess, but are all part of the game. The beauty of chess as a teaching tool is
that it stimulates children’s minds and helps them to build these skills while
enjoying themselves. As a result
children become more critical thinkers, better problem solvers, and more
independent decision makers”.
Come, join others who have signed up for a hobby in chess....
HOLIDAY DAY CAMPS
STARTING TO PLAY CHESS!
(2-day intensive program, 6 years old and above)
Time: 10am-5pm
Day/Date:
21 – 22 Nov 2011 (Mon-Tues);
23 – 24 Nov 2011 (Wed-Thur);
28 – 29 Nov 2011 (Mon-Tues);
5 – 6 Dec 2011 (Mon-Tues);
7 – 8 Dec 2011 (Wed-Thur);
12 – 13 Dec 2011 (Mon-Tues) or
19 – 20 Dec 2011 (Mon – Tues)
CHECKMATE FUN!
Understanding Endgames (2-day program)
Time: 10am-5pm
Day/Date:
30 Nov – 1 Dec 2011 (Wed-Thurs)
14 – 15 Dec 2011 (Wed-Thurs)
21 -22 Dec 2011 (Wed-Thurs)
OPENINGS FOR BEGINNERS
Introduction to Opening Traps (2-day program)
Time: 10am-5pm
Day/Date:
27 – 28 Oct 2011 (Thur-Fri, Deepavali holiday)
21 – 22 Nov 2011 (Mon-Tues)
19 – 20 Dec 2011 (Mon-Tues)
INTENSIVE STUDY OF OPENING REPERTOIRE!
Openings on White & Black for competitive players (4-day program)
Time: 10am-5pm
Day/Date: 28 Nov – 1 Dec 2011 (Mon-Thurs)
BUILDING UP YOUNG TALENT
PREPARING FOR TOURNAMENT - PART I
(4-day intensive program)
Time: 10am-3pm
Day/Date: 5 – 8 Dec 2011 (Mon-Thurs) or
19-22 Dec 2011 (Mon-Thurs)
BUILDING UP YOUNG TALENT
PREPARING FOR TOURNAMENT - PART II
(4-day intensive program)
Time: 10am-3pm
Day/Date: 12-15 Dec 2011 (Mon-Thurs) or 19-22 Dec 2011 (Mon-Thurs)
Day/Date: 12 – 15 Dec 2011 (Mon-Thurs)