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A typical child in today's
world participates in more than one after school sport. The kids really enjoy it, and the
exercise helps strengthen their bodies, and the sport builds character, social skills and
self esteem. The only difference between a game of tennis and a game of chess is that the
former relies on the agility and power of the body, and the latter on the agility and
power of the mind.
Childhood is a very formative period. Mental activity at that age results in a much higher
rate of cognitive development than would occur later in life. Chess has been shown to
improve logical-mathematical and visual-spacial intelligence, as well as self-control and
patience. This becomes apparent when you watch advanced chess players recall and elaborate
on numerous games from memory, or play a game of blind-folded chess effortlessly.
The implications for a child are staggering. In the past quarter-century numerous studies
were conducted, correlating chess instruction with subsequent increases in various
academic and intelligence tests. A 1982 federally conducted study produced a 17.3%
increase in Critical Thinking scores among students in program for gifted children, who
received an hour of chess instruction per week. A similar study in New Brunswick showed an
increase of 19.2% in math scores. Inner-city students in New York demonstrated increases
of up to 27%, and in Michigan, school officials reported increases of 15% in after only
three months of instruction.
I've worked with children of all ages in various settings such as schools,
extra-curricular programs, summer camps, small groups and individual lessons. I try to mix
up activities, alternating strategy, tactics, problem-solving, and practical play. The
most important thing is for children to have fun; that's when they learn best anyway.





© 2000-2008
Igor Foygel
Boston MA
Call (617) 734-9158 for chess lessons.
igor@igorfoygel.com |