We love including games in our learning. Usually this means the game is themed to what we are studying and reinforces what is learned. Chess is technically a game, but is so different from our typical games. Logic and critical thinking are learned and practiced. Chess is not something just for your older children though. Chess can be learned at a young age and perfected over a lifetime. The thinking skills gained will carry over into all areas.
Despite the gains I see to playing chess, I don’t know how to play (or rather, I have to re-learn the few times I do). How can I instruct our children on the very basics? That’s where this great set from Chess House comes in, the Starter Chess Learning Kit ($39.95). The set comes with what you see below, the DVD, the 32 piece (regulation-size) chess set, a very-cool roll-up chess board and a handy bag to keep and carry it all in.
The DVD is part of the Elliot’s Chess School series. It is the beginning level, Pawn Level (1) with an optional workbook ($7.95). There are 3 additional levels for the DVD series and three workbooks to go along with level 2. The Pawn Level DVD is short bits of information paced just right for the youngest learners (recommended for ages 6-12). We watched it straight through the first time (approx. 50 minutes) and then reviewed each section as needed (or desired). Our older girls (12, 10, and 9) have played just a little bit with Daddy in the past, learning as they went. It has never been often enough or consistent enough to be easily remembered. The video covers each piece and how it moves – perfect to refresh their memories. It has also worked great for the 7 & 5 year olds to learn the initial basics so that they too can join in the play. They have learned the proper way to set up the board. With the markings on the board, they are learning about coordinates, too. A sneaky way to work in this math topic.
We have another smaller chess set that could be used to have two games going simultaneously. We all much prefer to sit on the side and offer our thoughts and support — and wait our turn with the good set. The roll-up mat and sturdy pieces are huge favorites. Stow everything in the specialized pockets and loops of the bag and we can (and have) take this anywhere. There are a few choices for bag color, we are delighted with the camo. When our set arrived, our 7 year old son thought we should find something else for the chess set to live in as he wanted to use the bag for playing army or hunting or something else. Needless to say, the chess set does live in the bag, I think he warmed up to learning even more because it came in such a “manly” package. My favorite part? The bag is made in the US — there just isn’t enough of that. We frequently visit Grandpa at the Veteran’s Home. This comes with us and is spread out wherever there is space. Young and old gather around to enjoy the play.
When we are home and the younger ones dispute how their opponent has moved a piece, in goes the DVD. The children quickly navigate to the piece in question and review the appropriate moves. This has just gone further than playing and developing their thinking. Now, they are settling disputes without resorting to more physical means. I love this!!
To read about other Crew families’ Chess House experiences, be sure to read their reviews by following the linked graphic below.
