5 Benefits of Playing Chess for Children
5 Benefits of Playing Chess for Children
As a sport, chess may not be widely appreciated by many people. Its existence is still less popular with other sports that involve children’s physical movements, such as football, tennis, swimming, etc. However, chess has tremendous benefits for children’s intelligence. Because, when a child plays chess, all the muscles in the brain region work. This is why chess is more commonly referred to as a brain sport.
Here are the benefits that children will get by playing chess.
1. Higher academic scores
Educational psychology specialist in New York, Stuart Marguiles, Ph.D. found that elementary school students in Los Angeles and New York who played chess scored 10 percent more in school than their peers who did not play chess. The United States Chess Federation (USCF) also mentions in its slogan “Chess Makes You Smart”. This statement is based on research which found that chess improves children’s thinking skills so that they are able to solve problems on math problems.
2. Think critically and creatively
In an American study, a number of high school students were asked to do activities they liked. Some of them choose to do work on computers, take creative writing training classes, play chess, and other activities. They are given 60 hours to complete the activity they choose. In fact, students who chose to play chess scored better on psychological tests. With a record of 13% more able to think critically and 35% higher in creativity.
3. Practice self-control
One part of the brain that develops in adolescence is the prefrontal cortex, the part responsible for self-control. The development of the prefrontal cortex is strongly influenced by strategic and critical thinking activities such as chess. Therefore, children who are used to playing chess, as adults, will have good self-control.
4. Learn to strategize
The game of chess has always been about techniques and strategies for defending, immobilizing opponents, and knowing when to attack. These techniques and strategies really help children to learn the importance of carefulness and formulate steps for the future.
5. Increase IQ
Scientific studies on 4000 students in Venezuela found a significant increase in IQ scores after they were instructed to play chess for four months.
