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CHESS AND LIFESKILLS
Many times, parents try to find something that will help develop their child's life skills, teaching them to increase these skills for use in later life. Chess is a great game parents can use today to teach their children life skills and help with their interaction and interpersonal skills.
Chess is ideal for teaching that although we may come from various backgrounds, socio-economic statuses and even languages, our minds can work in similar ways when trying to reach a goal.
Kids playing tug of war
Students are not necessarily always ready to talk about their difficulties, and share feelings. But, when they are playing chess, rapport is established in a non-threatening way.
Social Skills
Daniel Goleman, in his book Emotional Intelligence (1995) noted that it is not only our pure intelligence that helps us to succeed in today’s society, it is also our social emotional competence.
Managing skills
You need to manage feelings in every position of the game.
Controlling impulses
If you do not control your impulses you might move too fast and may be not see that your chess position is in danger
Delaying gratification
Sometimes in a chess position, it is better not to capture a piece and wait for a better opportunity.
Identifying & expressing feelings
Playing chess offers an opportunity to discuss feelings that arise in different situations. For example: “I made a mistake…”
Reducing Stress
To control and reduce stress when you play is very important in chess and in life.
Behavioural Skills
Non verbal communication
In chess, you learn to see non-verbal clues from your opponents
Verbal communication
They are many way Chess improves verbal communication too. Some examples are making requests, responding effectively to criticism, resisting negative influences, listening to others, helping others, participating in positive peer groups. When we are conducting a chess class, coaches point out mistakes players make and help them understand how to ensure the mistake doesn't occur next time, but also how to deal with mistakes once they occur.