Chess Resources
READY TO DISCOVER WHAT CHESS CAN DO FOR EARLY LEARNERS AND KIDS OF ALL AGES?
William Morkill is dedicated to introducing families to the joys and benefits of chess through resources that not only celebrate the game, but also inspire positive habits, healthy development, and fun! And like the many experts and researchers who have studied the impact of chess in early childhood education, he believes the game can play a vital role in fostering critical thinking, social skills, and resilience. Explore information and recommendations from the author below to learn more.
How does learning chess benefit children and families?
WM / No one learns to play chess without losing—and losing often. Learning to lose graciously is key and should be foundational in any player’s education and any school chess club's culture. In addition to fostering good sportsmanship, chess is touted for developing critical thinking skills, and because the game requires two to four people (bug house chess) to play, it can be a highly social activity. Plus, the game also provides an important alternative to screens, though there are myriad chess resources available online as well. Like any pursuit you hope a child might adopt as a lifelong passion, the ultimate goal of educating kids about chess is to make learning the game enjoyable and simply to have fun!
How can I start a chess club at my child’s school?
WM / Many school districts have school chess clubs, leagues, and conduct tournaments for kids from kindergarten on up. If your school doesn't have a chess club, you can start one! Starting an elementary school chess club does not require chess expertise. It only requires appropriate chess equipment (plastic pieces, vinyl roll up boards, etc.), and someone in your community is bound to know exactly what scholastic chess sets are, where to get them, and how to use them to teach the basics piece movements, checkmates, etc. Simply learn as you go, and consult a few internet or other resources to help you along the way.
What resources do you recommend for beginners?
WM / The Chess For Kids Series from Murray Chandler is a great starting point for young players, especially Chess for Children, How to Beat Your Dad at Chess, Chess Tactics for Kids, and the various activity/puzzle books. Among the seemingly infinite online resources devoted to chess, my favorites are Chess.com, Internet Chess Club, ChessKid, and Chess24. And of course, there are some excellent and youth-appropriate movies about the game, including Searching for Bobby Fischer and The Queen of Katwe.