Summer is finally here.

For children, that means no homework, no tests, and no early morning alarms. For parents, however, summer often brings a different question:

How do I keep my child learning, growing, and engaged during the summer months?

After teaching children chess for more than 40 years, I've discovered something surprising:

Summer is often the best time for a child to begin learning chess.

Without the pressure of school, children are more relaxed, more creative, and often more willing to tackle new challenges. Summer gives children the freedom to develop skills that can benefit them for years to come.

At Chess for Children, I've taught everyone from complete beginners to national champions. Along the way, I've watched chess help children develop confidence, concentration, patience, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Here are seven reasons why summer may be the perfect time for your child to start their chess journey.

1. Summer Helps Prevent Learning Loss

Many educators refer to the summer break as the "summer slide."

During the school year, children spend months developing reading, math, and thinking skills. Without regular mental stimulation, some of those gains can fade during the summer.

Chess provides an enjoyable way to keep the brain active.

Every chess game requires children to:

• Analyze situations

• Compare alternatives

• Solve problems

• Plan ahead

• Learn from mistakes

Unlike worksheets, children usually don't realize they're exercising their minds while playing chess.

They're having fun.

And that's exactly what makes learning stick.

2. Chess Builds Concentration and Focus

One of the most common things parents tell me is:

"My child has trouble focusing."

In today's world, children are constantly bombarded by distractions. Phones, tablets, videos, games, and social media compete for their attention every minute of the day.

Chess teaches children something different.

It teaches them to slow down.

To observe.

To think.

To concentrate.

One move can change an entire game. Children quickly learn that paying attention matters.

Over time, many parents notice that the focus developed at the chessboard begins showing up in other areas of life as well.

3. Summer Is the Perfect Time to Learn at Your Child's Pace

During the school year, children are often rushed from activity to activity.

School.

Homework.

Sports.

Music lessons.

Family obligations.

Summer allows children to learn without pressure.

One of the things I love most about private chess lessons is that every child learns differently.

Some children learn visually.

Some learn through repetition.

Some learn by asking endless questions.

And that's okay.

One of my favorite students asked so many questions that teachers warned me about him before he even arrived.

His name was Joseph.

For several days before our program began, teachers kept telling me how difficult he was.

"He can't sit still."

"He talks constantly."

"He's always asking questions."

When Joseph finally arrived, everything the teachers said seemed true.

He was restless.

Fidgety.

Full of energy.

And he had a million questions.

Eventually, I told Joseph:

"Right now, I need to teach the whole class. But later, when everyone is working independently, I'm going to sit down with you and answer every question you have."

Something remarkable happened.

Joseph relaxed.

He sat quietly.

He became one of the most attentive students in the room.

Why?

Because someone took the time to let him know that his questions mattered.

Sometimes children don't need less curiosity.

They need someone willing to guide it.

4. Chess Builds Confidence

One of the greatest gifts chess can give a child is confidence.

Not confidence based on empty praise.

Real confidence.

The confidence that comes from solving a problem.

Learning a new skill.

Overcoming a challenge.

Making good decisions.

I have seen shy children become leaders.

I have seen struggling students discover talents they didn't know they had.

I have seen children walk into a chess tournament terrified and walk out believing in themselves.

One parent once told me:

"Chess changed the way my child sees himself."

That is far more important than winning a trophy.

5. Chess Teaches Critical Thinking

At Chess for Children, we have a saying:

"Thinking beats everything."

Many people believe chess is about memorization.

It isn't.

In fact, I often tell students:

"Memory is like a bad friend. It helps until it doesn't."

Strong chess players learn how to think.

They learn how to ask questions such as:

• What is my opponent trying to do?

• What are my choices?

• What could go wrong?

• What happens next?

These are life skills.

The ability to think clearly, evaluate options, and make decisions benefits children both inside and outside the classroom.

6. Chess Creates Healthy Screen-Free Time

Parents today face a challenge that previous generations never experienced.

Screens are everywhere.

While technology certainly has benefits, many parents are searching for activities that encourage children to engage with the real world.

Chess offers exactly that.

Children interact with:

• Other children

• Coaches

• Parents

• Friends

• Real challenges

They learn sportsmanship.

Patience.

Communication.

And perhaps most importantly, they learn how to enjoy themselves without staring at a screen.

7. Summer Gives Children Time to Discover Their Potential

One of my favorite stories happened during an adult chess tournament.

A young boy entered the event.

He was so small that he needed telephone books stacked on his chair so he could see over the board.

His opponent was a grown adult.

Many people assumed the child would be intimidated.

Instead, he played confidently.

Move after move.

Eventually, the adult looked across the board and offered a draw.

The boy simply shook his head.

No.

He wanted to keep playing.

He believed in himself.

That confidence didn't come from luck.

It came from experience.

It came from learning.

It came from being given opportunities to grow.

Children are capable of far more than most adults realize.

Sometimes all they need is a chance.

Why Parents Choose Chess for Children

For more than four decades, I've dedicated my life to helping children learn through chess.

Over the years I've:

• Taught thousands of children

• Worked in schools throughout New York

• Coached more than 30 national champions

• Developed the Colding Method

• Written books about teaching children chess

• Helped children of every age and ability discover their potential

What matters most, however, isn't the trophies.

It's the children.

Every lesson begins with a simple belief:

Every child can learn.

And every child deserves a teacher who believes in them.

Summer Chess Adventure

This summer I'm opening a limited number of spots for my Summer Chess Adventure Program.

Includes:

☀️ Weekly Chess Lessons

♟️ Personalized Instruction

🧩 Puzzles and Homework

📈 Progress Tracking

🏆 Certificate of Completion

🎯 Individual Learning Goals

Whether your child is a complete beginner or already has tournament experience, lessons are tailored to meet them where they are and help them grow.

Final Thoughts

Summer only lasts a few short months.

The memories children make during this time often stay with them forever.

Chess can provide more than entertainment.

It can build confidence.

It can develop focus.

It can strengthen critical thinking.

And most importantly, it can help children discover what they are capable of becoming.

If you're looking for a meaningful summer activity that combines fun with learning, chess may be exactly what you're looking for.

I hope to see your child across the chessboard this summer.

Ernest Colding ("Mr. C.")

Founder, Chess for Children

"We Make Children Smarter!"