Dad: Chess is more than just a game
Published 05:35 p.m., Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Greenwich resident Tom Ewald played chess when he was younger — at the tournament level, even. But he’s still not as good as his boys, who recently were named state champions.
Chess, says Ewald, has been a fantastic activity for his sons, William, 7, and Thomas, 6. “The reason you want children to play chess is because it makes them better at other skills,” he says. “They’re learning to concentrate, to be still. This abstract spatial reasoning, this abstract thinking improves reading and writing and mathematical abilities. It’s a fantastic way to supplement what they’re learning in school.”
Ewald, a money manager in Manhattan, compares learning chess to learning musical skills. Both his sons play the violin. “It benefits other aspects of the intellect, it’s a great intellectual brain builder,” he says.
It also complements more physical activities.
“Our boys love playing chess and playing in a chess tournament. And they love hockey and skiing. There’s tremendous emphasis on sports for young children. What I like about chess is it’s a non-athletic activity. Not every child is going to make a super star athlete. It’s another way for them to join a team and have a sense of accomplishment. They can do both.”
Source: http://www.greenwichcitizen.com
Chess should be for every child.