Chess for Preschoolers

Color My Chess World by Teachable Tech is an awesome resource for teaching your preschool child chess. The publisher, Championship Chess, is a pioneer in the hands on activity books geared for young chess players. This workbook has a variety of activities, sticker workbook pages and even a musical cd. Here is an overview of the benefits for using Color My Chess World:

1. In an easy to understand way, this book explains the rules and basics of chess, in simple and interesting terms. Preschool children revel in delight when learning how the ranks, files and squares on the board all play a part in this strategic game.

2. The illustrations in this book are animated and realistic at the same time. The friendly presentation of the chess "army" of pieces comes across quite well to the pre kindergarten crowd.

3. Activities in this book are Math based, incorporating counting, color classification and basic strategy ideas. Math and learning are made fun through activities like a "Dot to Dot Rook".

4. The cd offered with this workbook purchase is perhaps the highlight of the lessons. Songs like "Do the Rook", "The Knights Slide" and "At a Pawns Place" are catchy and educational. Children will love to sing along, while reinforcing the rules of chess as part of their festive tunes!

5. There are ideas for continued teaching, either at home or in the classroom, other than playing chess. One particular idea is a game suggestion similar to a "Where am I" question game. An example of this would be "When the game begins I stand on the corners. Where am I on the chess board?" The answer is the Rooks. There are also great ideas for crafts and people sized chess boards for additional play. Not to mention the amazing benefit of playing chess!

If you are concerned that your preschooler is not the right age to learn to play chess, don't be. Ages three through five is the perfect time to teach your child a new skill, especially one of strategy. While preschool children will not be ready to sit for hours learning to play chess each day, aim for five to ten minutes a day to start. Feel free to play the cd as requested, and you will find the entire family singing the rules of chess before you know it!