If we only spend some time researching chess, we would be amazed at all the benefits it provides. It’s been long known that chess provides many cognitive benefits ranging from improved focus/concentration, improved memory, and improved logical/critical and creative thinking. It’s been also shown that chess improves academic performance. Moreover, chess has been shown to have benefits in the socio-emotional domain ranging from improved self-confidence, improved social skills, accepting defeat graciously and using our losses as an opportunity for growth and development. In short, chess has been shown to make students of the game smarter and allows them to feel better about themselves while doing it. Although these are all reasons enough to start playing chess there is, perhaps, one added benefit that I’ve found to be invaluable for students of the game: planning and problem solving.

I’ve been a high school teacher for most of my career, and I can not tell you how many times I’ve seen good kids make bad decisions. Some of the consequences of their poor choices were mild in their outcomes, while others were tragic. It was for this reason that I developed the chess program at Terry Fox Secondary School, where kids could take Chess 10/11/12 as a part of their scholastic education. The courses are board approved and count for course credit towards their graduation.

I can’t tell you how many times parents have thanked me telling me how it has helped “Johnny” or “Jane” make better decisions in their lives. Moreover, it has helped students better plan for their future and helped them make better decisions in their daily lives. In short, I strongly believe that chess gives my students life skills to help them better navigate through life’s many challenges. Through chess, students learn to plan better, problem solve better, and learn to make better decisions in their daily lives. As I constantly preach to my students, Chess IS Life! Let’s learn to play it better!

I hope to meet you and your child, and work together to support them in becoming the best players they can be in the game of life! 

Sincerely,

Dejan Radic

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