Chess is a classic, but it merits mentioning. This game is full of great strategic thinking and has a rich history. There are even a couple of different options for you and your kids to learn how to play it together!
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History of Chess
Chess can be traced back to the 7th century in India, in the game of chaturanga. Modern chess didn’t emerge until the 1500s, and chess theory and strategy didn’t really come about until the middle of the 18th century. It’s hard to imagine the game without at least some people getting really into the strategy.
I feel that strategic thinking is one of the more important things I can teach my kids. I place strategy and logic games firmly into the category of math, but you could make an argument for philosophy.
Being able to think and make decisions is incredibly important as children grow up. Chess and other strategy games can help us teach our children!
How do you teach chess to a child?
I’ve been playing the game as long as I can remember; it’s just always been part of me. So when I wanted to introduce my children to it, it was no big deal for me. I simply sat down with my child, told them what the different pieces did, and away we went.
When I first start playing a game like this with one of my kids, I point out all the different moves they can do. In the beginning, I tell them about what the effects of each move will be. “You can move your knight here, but then my pawn will take him.” As I tell them about each possible move, I point to each piece. Eventually, they start to remember, and I start giving them less information.
Actually, I didn’t think my kids had really fully learned chess, but just the other day, I walked in on them playing the game together! I didn’t sit down and quiz them on it, but they must have at least some comfort with the game, to be playing with each other.
But what if you don’t know how to play?
There are two common products I’ve heard nothing but good things about: Storytime Chess and No Stress Chess. I’ve never used them, as like I said, I grew up playing chess. But everything I’ve heard is great.
There’s also Chesskid, chess.com, and Lichess. These are all free, and a great place to start.
No matter how you choose to teach your child to play the game, I highly recommend it!