Kenmont School

About the CHESS 4 autism project:

The Chess 4 Autism Project is designed to introduce chess to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to support their cognitive, social, and emotional development.

The project sees a partnership between KwaZulu-Natal Chess Academy, Kenmont School and Paul & Humile Mashatile Foundation.

About the kenmont school program:

There are 20 children between the ages of 11 to 17 who meet for chess lessons twice a week. The lessons are led by the KZN Chess Academy coaches with support from Ms. Jagaran, a speech therapist and audiologist at Kenmont school.

Strategies and Techniques:

The chess program uses structured teaching methods that support engagement, understanding, and positive behaviour among learners.

• Demonstration, Practice, and Revision – Concepts are first demonstrated by the instructor, followed by guided practice and regular revision to reinforce learning and improve retention.

• Role Play – Role play activities encourage creativity and imagination while allowing learners to simulate real chess situations such as tournament play, decision-making, and good sportsmanship.

• Social Stories – Social stories are used to highlight appropriate behaviour during games, including respect for opponents, patience, taking turns, and handling wins or loses positively.

• Visual Schedules and Visual Cues – Visual aids such as diagrams, schedules, and board demonstrations help learners clearly understand chess rules, piece movement, and game structure.

Benefits of the Program for Children:

Participation in the chess program provides several developmental benefits:

• Improved Attention and Focus– Learners become more attentive during activities and lessons.

• Better Information Retention – Children can remember chess rules, strategies, and problem-solving techniques more effectively.

• Enhanced Social Interaction – Chess encourages communication, teamwork, and respectful interaction with peers.

• Increased Motivation– The structured and rewarding nature of chess motivates learners to participate and improve their skills.

• Reduced Anxiety Levels – The calm and structured environment of chess helps children feel more relaxed and confident while learning.