Minichess is an
Impactful Education-strategy
The age-old game of chess introduces a platform of unlimited options, creative ideas, purposeful design, and the opportunity to succeed. Inside this world of black-and-white squares, the playing field is level, and the challenge is real. Engagement, attack, and counterattack, defence and sacrifice are the tools where minds meet – moving over barriers of age, gender, language, culture, social standing and more.
Designed for primary learners, delivered through MiniChess programmes.
Every lesson uses seven learning styles to reach different learners effectively.
MiniChess has successfully supported over 250,000 learners since 2007.
Helping the next generation build future-thinking skills for over 19 years.
Neuro-based Training
And why it’s important
The MiniChess programme utilises neuro-based teaching methodologies to actively exercise the brain, treating it like a muscle that requires regular training to build capacity. By moving away from repetitive memorisation and towards active “clever brain-play”, we focus on building essential neural pathways for the children of the 21st Century.
Core Methodologies and Benefits
Whole-Brain Optimisation (Bilateral Integration)
Targeting Developmental Backlogs
A Proven Model for the 'Thinking Brain'
Structured Critical Thinking
Our 4 Well-Structured Programs
MiniChess consists of 4 programs, offered for both In-school curricula, extra-curricular in clubs or live online classes.
Start Smart
Start Smart corrects early developmental backlogs and strengths key inner senses. Parents are welcome to attend too, it builds bonding and helps them learn the games and activities so they can play and practise at home.
Minichess
Brain-training through play for 5 to 11 year old children, with 4 difficulty levels using neuro-based teaching methodologies.
Minichess and Coding
This is an introduction to coding. It is designed for the SA-context, to include pre-coding skills development, concrete activities with SmartBot as well as the Scratch graphic coding systems on the tablet (prescribed by the DBE in SA).
Minichess by Kasparov
Offers 81 mini-games inside a storyline experience for learners, using an offline pre-loaded tablet. Can be used in schools without electricity or internet.
Why Minichess Works
Foundational Skills
MiniChess uses chess as instruments to teach higher-order thinking, soft skills and foundational STEM-skills.
Award Winning
MiniChess is an award winning program that teaches young children 21st century skills through smart play-innovations, including mini-games.
7 Learning Styles
MiniChess actively implements all 7 learning styles in each lesson.
Competitiveness
MiniChess can be fun and games or competitive/sport, the choice is yours! Children will walk away after two years in the program with the ability to pursue chess as a sport.
Suitable for Children
MiniChess is suitable for children aged
4 to 12 years.
Spacial Learning Process
MiniChess focuses on including the spatial learning process. We start with 3D (concrete) with our bodies, then move to 2D (abstract) with the boards. Finally we apply our new knowledge (internalisation) with our workbooks and game play.
Upcoming Events
Get ready to sharpen those cognitive skills! The MiniChess team is busy planning a host of exciting, brain-boosting events designed to make learning fun for your little ones. Be sure to check this section regularly for new dates and registration details so you can secure a spot in MiniChess events.
Event Name
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Event Name
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Skills Development
S.T.E.M Skills
In the rapidly evolving landscape of education, the demand for S.T.E.M skill development has never been greater. While traditional curricula excel at imparting foundational knowledge, there exists valuable skills and abilities that remain untapped within our schools’ walls. MiniChess holds potential as a catalyst for nurturing:
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) skills
MiniChess is NOT a simple/ordinary chess-coaching program, but it does use many chess-based games as a platform for teaching important skills which are not addressed in the school-curriculum. It does teach learners how to play a good game of chess, as an added benefit.
Critical Future-Skills
We prepare learners for an unpredictable future by shifting the focus from what to think, to how to think. Our programme instils three core skill sets that serve as a foundation for lifelong success:
Critical Thinking Skills
MiniChess moves beyond rote learning to develop high-level cognitive abilities. Through the game, learners unconsciously master the five essential steps of critical thinking: Assessing the situation, Prioritising the most critical element, Designing a solution, Implementing the plan, and Re-evaluating the outcome. This fosters a “Thinking Brain” capable of complex problem-solving.
Socio-Economic Tools for Life
Success in the 21st century requires more than just IQ. We actively cultivate Socio-Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and an entrepreneurial mindset. By navigating wins, losses, and challenges on the board, children build resilience, “grit”, and accountability. These tools empower them to handle failure constructively, collaborate effectively, and approach real-world obstacles with confidence.
Concrete Maths and STEM Skills
We utilise “clever-play” to translate abstract concepts into tangible understanding. The chessboard serves as a practical grid for spatial development, logic, and pattern recognition, skills that directly correlate with improved performance in Mathematics and Science. This “learning-by-doing” approach lays the necessary neural groundwork for excellence in STEM disciplines.
Register your child to join the minichess club
Give your child the winning advantage with this modern 21st Century education program, using clever play-innovations to develop neuropathways for smart minds. The MiniChess StartSmart Entrepreneurs Club is presented online and/or live in weekly group sessions, focussing on 4-10-year-olds.
Recent Global Recognition and awards
Our innovative MiniChess programme has earned significant global recognition and numerous prestigious awards, cementing its position as a world-class educational tool. Endorsed by legendary Grandmaster Garry Kasparov, the learning system is successfully implemented in numerous countries across Africa, Asia, and internationally.
SACBW Award, 2018
Outstanding women in business in SA and Winner in the Community category.
Eduweek Award, 2018
Early Childhood Development Supplier of the Year
Eduweek Award, 2017
Business Woman of the Year, 2nd Runner up
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