3 year old Abby Delf attended the Kids Only Beginner Chess Lessons on March 22, 2009.
In case you're wondering about the adorable pout on Abby's face, it has a lot to do with her losing all of her "people" during a pawn game with one of the class instructors.
Abby is the youngest granddaughter of CCSCSL board member Mike Lueken. I caught up with the proud grandpa to get his take on the whole ordeal.
ML: My youngest granddaughter Abby, age 3 1/2 ,was playing a pawn game with her Dad, under the watchful eye of one of the instructors, Her sister and two cousins were elsewhere in the club working at another level. After several moves, Ben took one of Abby's pawns and then another. There was a long pause and Ben said, "Abby it's your turn.", After another uncomfortable long pause, Abby replied, "I don't care, I just want my people back." As a tear began to develop on Abby's cheek, the instructor said, "I think we should give her back her people and start over."
NH: As the doting grandfather, what were your thought at that very moment?
ML: I certainly understand how Abby felt. I have felt the same way many times but have never looked quite that compelling. The really neat thing is that she felt some ownership of her team if you will.
NH: These kids lessons have been hugely successful month after month. What's your opinion on teaching kids chess at a very young age?
ML: I think it is a great exercise for the mind, develops concentration and increases a childs attention span in a sociable environment. All four of my granddaughters have enjoyed the lessons at the Chess club. We always have a board setup in our home so when the grandkids are over chess is another medium that brings us together to talk and to play.
NH: How would you rate the value factor of the kids only lessons as it relates to cognitive development?
ML: Kids learn best when they can interact with each other and learn at the same time. We as parents and grandparents are always hearing about attention deficit disorder, and learning disabilities and we all remember day dreaming in school. I think chess is a game that teaches us how to learn, to concentrate and perhaps most significant to look at many different alternatives when problem solving. Things like critical thinking and spacial awareness are building blocks to learning.
NH: I know that you are taking lessons as well, can you directly relate to Abby's frustration through any experience of your own while learning the game of chess?
ML: I have never been moved to tears but I have broken into a sweat while taking a lesson or for that matter when playing a game so I think I can feel Abby's pain. Concentration takes practice and it is hard work. Relief comes when you see a solution on the board and then it is so obvious you wonder how you ever overlooked it in the first place. It is real fun to see that light come on in the eyes of the children.
NH: What are your future predictions for Abby and chess?
ML:There is no doubt in my mind that Abby and I will play each other competitively one day. I know we will talk about our games and I know we will relate through our chess to whatever else is going on in our lives at the time. I am looking forward to the sharing and the touching of minds. Maybe we should warn WGM Jennifer Shahade! What do you think Nick?
NH: I think you may be on to something there, Mike. Jennifer, if you are reading this, look out for Abby!
