{"id":16023,"date":"2025-07-24T09:00:58","date_gmt":"2025-07-24T13:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/?p=16023"},"modified":"2025-07-22T03:20:51","modified_gmt":"2025-07-22T07:20:51","slug":"neither-math-nor-coding-the-classroom-skill-that-boosts-kids-iq-and-is-missing-in-most-us-schools","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/psychology\/relationships-and-society\/neither-math-nor-coding-the-classroom-skill-that-boosts-kids-iq-and-is-missing-in-most-us-schools-16023\/","title":{"rendered":"Neither math nor coding: the classroom skill that boosts kids’ IQ and is missing in most US schools"},"content":{"rendered":"

Parents often focus on math, reading, and now coding<\/strong><\/a> as the areas that reflect academic success. However, there’s another skill that research shows can give kids cognitive advantages, and most US schools still don’t teach it.<\/p>\n

It’s chess<\/strong>. Despite being one of the oldest strategy games in the world, it’s rarely part of the curriculum, which is a missed opportunity. Studies show it can improve memory, focus, and, for some, even IQ<\/strong>. One study<\/strong><\/a> found that kids who played chess regularly showed significant gains in reasoning, problem-solving, and standardized test scores.<\/p>\n

How chess boosts kids’ thinking skills<\/h2>\n

Chess strengthens core mental functions that kids use across different subjects. It requires focus, planning, pattern recognition, and logic. When they play it consistently, they learn to think ahead, weigh options, and deal with outcomes<\/strong>, skills that translate directly into better performance in math and reading.<\/p>\n

In the classroom, chess helps build concentration and patience. Unlike many other games, it doesn’t rely on luck, speed, or strength. Instead, it rewards planning and strategy, which makes it especially effective for developing executive function\u2014the ability to manage time, regulate behavior, and make decisions<\/strong>. These are the same skills kids need to stay organized, focus on tasks, and succeed in school.<\/p>\n

Despite the evidence, chess is still absent from most US schools<\/strong>. In countries like Armenia, it’s mandatory, while in others, it’s widely offered as an enrichment activity. In the US, access often depends on whether a school or community has a volunteer or budget to run a program. That leaves a lot of kids without exposure to a proven brain-boosting tool.<\/p>\n

How parents can help kids get started with chess<\/h2>\n

If your child’s school doesn’t offer chess, there are still plenty of ways to bring it into their life. Getting started doesn’t take much, and it doesn’t require any prior experience.<\/p>\n