I’m excited about improving chess for children in Greenwich, Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham areas of South East London. Chess is a great game that everyone, especially children, can become really good at. While the game is not new, it’s becoming quite popular again. Once considered a nerdy, geeky game, research shows that learning and playing chess certainly helps to increase confidence and self worth; both of which are a natural result of thinking in a different way and enjoying what you do.
Chess is increasingly being recognised as educationally beneficial to children and there are indications that more schools are treating the social and sporting benefits of chess more seriously. There is evidence to show how chess is being used as a valuable activity in some schools. However, little is known about how much Chess is actually played by children in schools. And there are many studies to show that children who play chess improve their problem solving skills and perform better in school. Although most children can benefit from playing chess, many schools may be reluctant to teach chess because it is after all, just a game. The reality is that chess helps to build self esteem, develop friendships and teaches children about learning to play together, coping with defeat, winning gracefully and good sportsmanship.
My vision is to improve the image of chess for children, and I will declare that I’m passionate about teaching children and young people how to play the game. Not only because there are so many educational and social benefits that can be taught and developed; but it’s the challenge that inspires and motivates me to communicate the benefits of learning chess to parents and teachers.
I believe that chess can make a real difference to a child’s educational and social abilities; and all that’s needed are some children, a few boards and chess sets, ample space and an adult or two that are passionate, enthusiastic and willing to teach them. When I run my chess classes and clubs, the children tell me how much fun they have as they like to learn and play chess together.
My chess clubs are a new approach to bringing chess to young people and giving them lots of opportunity to have a go at something they may not have tried before.