Some Amazing Facts About Chess To Share With Your Child
- Chess was developed in India in the 500s A.D. making it one of the oldest games still played today.
- A chessboard has 64 squares, eight on each side.
- Each player starts with 16 pieces; a combination of pawns, knights, bishops, rooks, and a king and queen.
- Chess has been used as a form of strategic military training since its earliest days in Ancient India through to today.
- The second book ever to be printed in the English language was about chess.
- In a single game, there are 400 different possible next moves after every single move.
- In 1970, a chess game was played between people on earth and a space crew.
- Approximately six hundred million people around the world know how to play chess.
What Your Child Will Learn From Playing Chess
How to use logic and strategy: Chess requires each player to observe the game carefully, be aware of many possible outcomes, understand the possible moves, decipher their opponent’s process, and think several steps ahead as they plan a winning strategy.
To think critically and creatively: Chess gives your child the opportunity to visualize the present situation and all of the possible outcomes of a move. Your child will leverage the skills of object and pattern recognition to calculate their next move.
The value of competition and cooperation: A game of chess requires the two players to work together, follow the rules, and wait their turn. Your child can benefit by striving to win while also cooperating with their opponent to ensure the game is fun and constructive.
The joy of winning and the lessons of losing: When a child is paired with an opponent of similar skill and ability, a true competition can emerge. But chess is a game of winning and losing (unless it is a draw). There is value in both conquering a challenge and in conceding defeat. This gives your child the opportunity to practice good-sport habits like winning graciously and congratulating an opponent who has worked hard to triumph when they lose.
Chess Camp The Montessori Way
Studies have shown that playing chess can help your child improve their visual memory, attention span, and spatial awareness. It also increases concentration, develops problems solving skills, and encourages both critical and creative thinking. But one of the greatest benefits of playing chess is that it can also be very challenging and fun.
If you are interested in Grey Matter Montessori Summer Camps for the 2022 season, you can learn more here. Just as during our school year, we are committed to fostering an environment of growth and development where every camper feels engaged, valued, and excited to learn. To enroll your child in a Grey Matter Calgary summer camp at our NW Calgary location, register now or call us for more info at 1-587-707-4739. We are accessible just off of Symons Valley Parkway in the NW community of Evanston.
FAQ
Q: Does Grey Matter offer any summer programming for preschoolers?
A: For the summer of 2022 Grey Matter Montessori is focussing on Brain Building and enjoying the outdoors. We are offering two camps for students aged 3-6.
Explorar Mexico!
This summer camp is full Spanish immersion and will give students the opportunity to paint, cook, and explore the outdoors while learning the culture, language, and history of Spanish-speaking countries.
Math And Chess Camp
This summer camp encourages your child to learn to love math and to explore the magic of the game of chess. With hands-on opportunities to learn and a giant-size chessboard, this camp is challenging and fun. Learn more about Grey Matter Montessori summer camps here.
Q: What are the benefits of Montessori summer day camps for preschoolers?
A: Fun, friendship, and freedom are just some of the benefits of Grey Matter Montessori summer day camps for preschool-aged children. Learn more about the benefits of summer day camp at Grey Matter Montessori here.
Q: What ages do you accept for your summer programs?
A: Our Spanish Summer Camp accepts children 3-6 years old. To participate in our Math and Chess Summer Camp children must be at least 4 years of age or complete an assessment at Grey Matter Montessori in Calgary.