From helping our learners develop valuable cognitive skills to improving focus and behaviour, the benefits of playing chess are well documented. Regular chess playing helps to promote:
- Problem solving skills
- Strategic planning
- Consequence of actions
- Improved memory
- Improved focus
- Enhanced maths skills
- Better attention span
- Heightened concentration
- Better self esteem
- Boredom relief
- Stress relief
- Better pattern recognition
All of which is why we were delighted when one of our students recently planned and orchestrated a chess tournament amongst students and staff at Cannamore. Organising events such as these involves a wide range of independent living and socialising skills which are valuable in themselves. The student involved planned the timetable of matches, organised all the prizes by conducting a survey of favourite chocolates amongst students and staff, and coordinated the scoring. He also helped arrange the prize giving ceremony at the end of the day.
It was wonderful to see so many students engaged with each other and excited by the speed chess structure and competitive aspect. Well done everyone!
