Chess For Kids: Can You Teach Your Kids to Play Chess?

Getting your kids started with chess might seem like a foreign concept. But when you think about it, children, during the early ages of their growth, are more likely to learn new concepts compared to later in life.

We all know that kids have a great learning capability. In fact, as soon as babies turn into toddlers, their learning journey begins. They are able to learn the concept of language along with various physical competencies like walking, climbing, jumping, and much more.

Not to mention, every child loves to play games. And why should chess, being one of the most famous board games, be an exception?

Children can learn chess as early as when they are two years old. The idea is to teach them in a baby way where they are not just learning something knowledgeable but fun too. Teaching them in the way of schools or how adults learned the game would never help them be interested in the process of learning.

You should not stay away from the idea of teaching chess to your little one. It could be a fun activity for you and your child that will help them develop not just academic but social skills as well.

The key is to teach your kids in the way they find interesting. Instead of seeing the idea of learning chess as something foreign, we should take on this opportunity to solidify the consistent growth of our kids.

How to Teach Your Kids to Play Chess?

The first and foremost thing to remember is to not rush it. Chess is a complicated game with infinite possibilities and a set of codes. So avoid unloading all of this onto your kids at once. Take it one step at a time.

The speed of learning chess can vary from child to child. As a teacher, you must be wary that not all kids have the same learning capability. Moreover, the way they learn certain concepts differs from kid to kid.

Find a suitable chess board for your kids. It does not make sense to bring a high-end chessboard only to get your kids started with chess. Get yourself a board that is easy to handle and preferably comes with graphics to teach kids which piece goes where.

Start by teaching the movement of one character and once your kids are well-versed with it, move on to the next character.

Start with a Rook

Most people, when teaching kids how to play chess, will use pawns first. However, the movements of pawns could be too complicated for kids.

The rook’s movements are much simpler and easier to grasp.

Start with the rook and then move on to other pieces. Make sure the kids have fully grasped the concept of one piece before introducing them to other pieces.

The benefits of learning chess for kids

If kids learn to play chess (chess training in Dubai) at an early age, they will be primed for school. Chess teaches a number of academic and social skills, including problem-solving, focus, patience, and follow-through.

Kids who are equipped with these skills as early as their kindergarten years are more likely to succeed in life.

According to studies, learning chess helps kids master various subjects, including maths, science, and reading.

Moreover, kids who learn chess have higher IQs and are more creative.

Chess not only enhances kids’ academic skills but also improves their social skills. Firstly, chess is played among two people, so kids will always have company if they grow up learning and playing chess.

Another great thing about chess is that it teaches kids the value of a loss, which is key to efficiently navigating through life.

Conclusion

Kids are naturally drawn to chess. If they are taught properly, they can not only master the game but also improve their social and academic skills.

The idea is to teach them in a simple and friendly manner and let them follow through with the concepts in their own time. Give your kids a chance to explore their interests and creativity by getting them to learn chess.

Introducing your kids to chess before they start school will infuse them with confidence and skills that can help them not only go through school but for life itself with ease.