Playing chess brings academic success
By: AMANDA CARTER, Post Intern
Posted: Sunday, September 21, 2008 7:38 am
Parents can spend a vast amount of money trying to help their children perform better in school, but may want to check into an ancient, time-honored game as a strategy to increase academic performance while learning life lessons for success.
Chess teaches children and adults how to think critically, logically and efficiently, as well as helps develop character and sportsmanship, said an area chess instructor. Players have to deal with time pressure, decision making and problem solving, which instill lifelong lessons.
“Think of any area of education, and I can show you how chess can help with that,” challenged Igor Zhislin, a chess professional, instructor and coach. “Chess improves test scores, there’s no question about it.”
Zhislin started local programs and chess clubs to benefit children. Two years ago, he began an after-school program at Providence Christian Academy, and has since expanded to Lancaster Christian Academy, Middle Tennessee Christian School and Webb School.
The after-school special program is one lesson a week for 1-1.5 hours. Each lesson includes a lecture and practice with supervision from Zhislin. His lessons teach sportsmanship, chess morals and strategies, and as the children learn, the benefits come.
“I’ve seen a big difference in academics,” said Suzanne Myhre, a mother of three chess players.
The family gained interest in chess from the eldest son, who soon got his younger siblings involved.
“At first they thought it was a fun activity where you got free cookies, but they soon started learning and interacting with the other kids,” Myhre said.
Charlotte Myhre, 10, admits chess isn’t her favorite thing to do, but she still “thinks it’s fun.”
“I mostly play with my sister because I’m not on brother’s level yet, but he teaches us,” the young chess player said.
This summer, at Middle Tennessee Christian School, Zhislin held his first chess camp. The camp cost $130, lasted five days and had 14 kids participate, which allowed for much individual attention.
“I know next year’s camp will be bigger and even better,” the determined Zhislin said.
An opportunity for any age to learn or practice the game of chess is offered every Friday evening at the chess club. The 16-year-old club meets at 6 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church on East Clark Blvd., and has had interests from ages as young as 4.
“I encourage everyone who is interested in chess to come,” Zhislin said. “It’s very laid back, and informal, and a great opportunity to play more.”
Along with benefits, chess also offers several opportunities for children to succeed, as well as make an impact on the community.
There are regional, state and national championships held every year, and next year the nationals will be held in Nashville, and the state in Cookeville.
“If that opportunity (the tournaments) is there, in your own backyard, you should take advantage of it,” Zhislin said.
Zhislin also notes that tournaments are beneficial for communities. The bigger the championship, the more kids participate, and the more families come, which bring money to the area.
Tournaments also help players overcome their fears and give a sense of comradery to a team.
There are success stories of children placing in tournaments, and there may be more to come.
“I know students who have a good chance of winning the state championship,” Zhislin said.
The Myhre family had all three chess players qualify for the state tournament last year, Nick, 16, Jacob, 12, and Charlotte, 10.
“I didn’t think they would win tournaments, I was more interested in the solid skills that will help them in life,” Myhre said.
The various tournaments run from late January to late March.
Zhislin holds high hopes for the future of the Murfreesboro chess community. He plans to have more children participate and benefit, more programs and lessons in the public school system and more renowned players to help teach at his camp.
“I want everyone who wants to learn it, learn it, but you have to be committed,” Zhislin said.
The passionate coach would also like to see more chess interaction at MTSU, where students would be recruited to the university to play, as well as for schools to adopt chess as part of their curriculum.
Source: http://www.murfreesboropost.com/
It’s so nice to see schools teaching chess.