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