School Programs

Browns School

The infinite chess project is aimed at teaching chess to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to improve their social interaction, communication and cognitive skills. Chess has been integrated as a tool in the curriculum and is helping improve the lives of the students. 

The project sees a partnership between KwaZulu-Natal Chess Academy, Browns’ School and FIDE Social Commission.

There are 34 children between the ages of 8 to 13 who meet for chess lessons twice a week.

The lessons are led by Mrs. Kanthi Sarjoo, a Speech and Audio therapist at the school and a dedicated chess coach.

Strategies and techniques:

  • Multimodal system is implemented to improve social interaction

  • Demonstration/ Practise and Revision are of utmost importance (Test, Teach, Test)

  • Role Play encourages creativity and imagination

  • Use of social stories is used to highlight good sportsmanship

  • Use of visual schedules, visual cues facilitated understanding of the game rules

Benefits of the program for the children:

  • Children are more attentive

  • Children are retaining more information

  • Enhanced social interaction

  • Improved motivation

  • Decreased levels of anxiety

“This project will provide valuable feedback on how to make the programme available and appropriate for children with ASD worldwide.”
— Kanthi Sarjoo