I just created a brand new site: http://chessbenefits.blogspot.com. I need your help to compile as much information as possible related to Chess in Education, Chess in the Schools, the countless Benefits of Chess for people of all ages, etc.
It is very difficult and cumbersome for many people to get all the facts about this topic. Let’s work together to help our sport and especially the future generations.
Thank you!
Susan
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
I think we should be clear on what the objective of chess in schools is. Is it to develop more chess masters? Or simply to make kids benefit from the attributes the game instills – focus, concentration, discipline, and honesty – which they can apply to other challenges in life?
I think the first objective should be out, as it is generally counter-productive. Mastering chess requires much time, research, and dedication, in the process displacing other academic endevors and sacrificing greater social development. Schools should teach kids to be good at chess up to a certain competitive level, but those who wish to pursue a higher objective of becoming chess masters should do it beyond school. Schools should develop well-rounded students and should not be the training ground to produce GMs and Super GMs.
That said, I commend all your efforts in promoting the game we all love.
My idea is not to build the next Bobby Fischer. It is purely about using chess as a tool to help kids do better in school and in life.
We have separate programs for the ones who are serious about chess later on but they are independent from one another.
Best wishes,
Susan
Susan, You probably know even more than I do on the topic. Chess in Schools is a pretty common thing up here….I’m probably missing something..What exactly might you need help with?
If I can help…I’m at your service…as you very well know.
Mike Magnan
Thanks, Mike! I know I can always count on you. Basically what I need is articles, website links, information, and whatever else related to the area of chess benefits (chess in the schools, chess in education, chess and psychology, chess and medicine, etc.). This way anyone who needs ammunition to present chess to their schools or try to find sponsors can have all the information in one place. Right now it is nearly impossible to find things because it is all over the place.
Best wishes,
Susan
Hi Susan,
Currently I am working with the Autism Spectrum Resource Center in Connecticut (www.ct-asrc.org) to start a chess club as a resource for kids on the autism spectrm. Having Asperger’s Syndrome myself, I’ve been using chess as a tool to mentor these kids.
I have a website with some material which may be of use to you regarding this. I wrote an essay about the benefits of chess I have personally experienced as an “Aspie”, which is on the website.
Feel free to leave me any feedback under the “Contact” page if you wish. Good luck and God bless.
Al Pinto
Seymour, CT
Hey Susan ~
If you are looking for instructional sites that can be used to teach kids and get them engaged I recommend http://www.thechesswebsite.com It has tons of great information and is very well designed.
Kevin Butler
hi GM Sysy, first of all happy birthday, played chess? jje
i have an article (newspaper) that talks a little about chess, basically it says that chess is good to prevent or retard the Azheimar, that with dancing are the best tools for that…
will that do? it even has the photo of an old man playing sort of the looks bobby had when he was busted at japan,
the only problem is that is in spanish.1, well if u want it just let me know how and sure, ive always supported your idea even thou i have not the tools to carry it out,
byeeee..jb.
Thank you! I posted it and the link to your site.
Best wishes,
Susan
Hello Susan,
probably you know this:
http://www.chess.ca/misc2008/benefitsofchess.pdf
Best wishes,
King’s Bishop
Dear Susan, there are a work in this site http://www.clubedexadrez.com.br/artigo.asp?doc=4469&procura=monografia
But it is in portuguese.
Math and chess
Best regard
I made a comparation in my academic study of Math and chess http://www.clubedexadrez.com.br/download/monografia_andrevicente09.doc
Hi Susan Polgar,
Good thought – Fine,my small note on the subject.
Well,To involve Chess in life rather than life in Chess game alone.[ Chess game professionalism ]is really a good concept but it should not turn as double edge sword,I mean it shouldn’t harbor the thought of violence in society.
So,Initiating chess in life,should be handled with at most care that it should yield,every individual,only with perseverance and tactfulness in understanding and solving the problem or issues in a amicable way [That is succeed in life but turn not merciless or ruthless ].
Having said all these doesn’t mean that chess should not be trained to practise as part of life – In fact chess should be practised in life but without compromising on humane.
Okay – now the ways to achieve chess in life.
Let me give in the generalized views to promote,practising chess in life to succeed.
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Every human being is born with an urge to achieve or succeed in everything.[ Degree of urge, subsides or varies due to circumstance or environment but it still lays down in dormant. ]
So to promote chess in life – Wake up the dormant sense of urge.
Conceptualize the chess game as conquering the kingdom, automatically that will wake up the inner urge to achieve/succeed that in turn will bring in involvement to chess game by many and thereafter implying the chess skills in life will increase.
Lets now see How life and chess goes in tandem.
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Identifying the Goal -> Finding available means/ways [Foreseeing the eventualities ]-> Evaluating the available resources -> Structuring the resources to needs to possible limits -> Executing by involving the restructured resources to attain the goal.
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So to be better at the above said hierarchy,we got to practice on chess board,the game of chess,then imply those learned skills to life wherever applicable,make it as a life’s practise to achieve.
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Well,Susan the above said words may stand as a basement to device a creative formula to encourage chess in life.
I am always there to contribute for betterment of society and humane by possible means.
By
Venky [ India – Chennai ]