When I show the Grade Ones the basic moves of chess I often see the world opening to them. They go home and want to play their parents (who come after school to learn what their children know). They take their boards out at lunch on dreary days and challenge anyone, even Grade Sevens. Here they learn that they can communicate with many and varied age groups and, as well as have fun, learn new skills and moves. Over 30 years of introducing children to chess has brought an enormous amount of fulfilment to me and has been a way of extending the confidence and self esteem of many children who proudly say "yes I play chess. Want a game?"
Maureen Ruzans, Marymount College
Testimonials from schools
As a secondary school chess coordinator for the last five years, I am aware of the considerable research into the educational benefits of chess in the areas of cognition, logical thinking, decision-making and concentration, but have also witnessed other benefits of introducing chess to the school community. Chess offers an excellent social and recreational contribution to the school environment. Students at my school have competed in interschool chess tournaments from local through to State and on to National levels – they have shown to be motivators to large and increasing numbers of those students who wish to mostly play socially, who appreciate chess for its ‘fun’ value, who meet many other students through this sport and who can develop and practise resilience through its friendly competition.
Monica Macrossan - School name withheld by request.
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TSS Secondary has been using Gardiner Chess coaches since 2003, when we first competed in the Queensland GPS Chess competition. The development of chess in the school since then has been an indication of the expert and enthusiastic coaching our students have received. Having chess at the school has given the opportunity for many more students to participate in a co-curricular activity that they enjoy and that can improve their memory, concentration and thinking skills. Mr Rob Clegg, Head of IT Department, The Southport School Gilston State School has been a participant in Gold Coast Chess competitions for over ten years. The efficiency with which Graeme Gardiner organised the Inter - School’s competition ensured its success and growth to embrace schools from throughout the region. The opening of the Gardiner Chess Centre has given our school the opportunity to offer students coaching by qualified and experienced players. Parents have recognised the benefits of the game and have supported the introduction of chess into the curriculum with many choosing to take advantage of the Centre’s after school facilities and holiday programs. The results of this have been reflected in both student’s individual progress and improved team results in Competitions. Ian Bolton (Chess Coordinator) Benefits for school students of playing chess Chess is a fun and motivating way to get children to think logically and solve problems. It is challenging entertainment that promotes mental alertness, memory and concentration. Because it is a game, it is not thought of as being a learning activity. Chess is a game that suits all ages and allows socialisation between the age groups. It is also a great way for students who lack social skills in the playground to practise their social skills. In this game, instant feedback is given for right and wrong decisions. Terry Breen, Sunnybank Hills
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TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
As a former school teacher for many years, I have been most impressed by the improvement I have noticed in the behaviour and general attitude to school life of the students that has ensued from their participation in SCHOOL chess programs. Of course, there is also the benefit to their thinking, reasoning and problem solving skills. With the supervision of a trained coach the chess students at my school have enjoyed the activity tremendously and feedback from their class teachers has reinforced the positive effect the Chess Coaching had had on their studies...
Mimi ALLEN, convinced of the benefits of Chess to all students.
The Chess Coaching Class had some of our more challenging students involved. These boys and girls however were soon into the routine of attending classes and eager to learn more from their coach. They were usually first to put up their hand to compete in competitions and were keen and enthusiastic on these days. They were soon 'old hands' on etiquette and manners during participation.
Frances Mutch, Grade Four Teacher, Gaven State School
I have watched scores of primary school children learn to play chess over the last three years. Chess is a very maturing experience for children.
They learn to win, and even more importantly, to lose graciously. There is no element of "chance" in chess, so it is a great forum for teaching that hard work and persistence pay off. It is also most useful in developing concentration skills and the demonstrating the benefit of "thinking through" strategies.
The social benefits are also very real. As a consequence of playing chess, there has been a real breakdown of age barriers at our school, and not just for the purpose of chess playing. For example, children in the more senior primary school grades have made real and lasting friendships with younger children (who in a lot of cases are the better chess players!).
Chess has also been a forum for children to shine unexpectedly. We have found that some children (particularly boys) who had never "stood out" at anything before have found a real niche for themselves playing and excelling at chess.
Gillian Bristow, Bardon State School
Chess is an especially effective teaching tool. It incorporates the importance of planning and the consequences of decisions. It can teach concentration, how to win and lose gracefully, how to think logically and efficiently, and how to make tough and abstract decisions. Chess can also build confidence and self-esteem. With millions of possibilities in every game, players must continually face new positions and new problems. They cannot solve these using a simple formula or relying on memorised answers. Instead, they must analyse and calculate, relying on general principles and patterns along with a dose of creativity and originality – a skill that increasingly mirrors what students must confront in their daily schoolwork.
Chess continues to be a favoured activity within the school. Students eagerly and competently are learning the moves and strategies, and are enjoying the challenge of the game.
Monica Lawrence, Trinity Lutheran College, Primary Campus