Secondary Schools Discover Talents and Promote Them.
The increase in IQ and advanced capabilities of children of this generation, especially in intellectually demanding activities such as chess, can be attributed to several combined factors such as the fact that technology has revolutionized access to knowledge. Children now have at their disposal tools such as online tutorials, learning applications and platforms such as YouTube, which offer chess lessons from basic to advanced level. This allows them to learn at a faster pace and with materials designed to maximize learning.
From an early age, children are exposed to environments rich in technological and educational stimuli, which stimulates their neuroplasticity, that is, the brain's ability to adapt and learn. Interactive games, educational applications and digital environments reinforce skills such as critical thinking, memory and problem solving. Many parents and educators now prioritize the early development of cognitive skills. In the case of chess, it is encouraged from an early age as a way to improve concentration, patience, planning ability and decision-making.
In the realm of chess and other mind sports, leading figures are more visible than ever. Thanks to online broadcasts and platforms such as Twitch or Chess.com, children can follow players such as Magnus Carlsen and Alireza Firouzja, motivating new generations to emulate them. The democratization of chess through online tournaments has made it easier for children to compete with opponents from around the world. This broadens their experience from an early age and exposes them to different styles of play, honing their strategic skills.
Teaching methodologies have evolved to be more dynamic and adapted to individual learning styles. In chess, for example, one is taught not only to memorize openings, but also to understand concepts such as pawn structures, tactics and calculation, improving overall intellectual performance.
In addition to chess, children are often immersed in complementary activities such as strategic video games, math puzzles, and robotics. These activities reinforce skills such as logic and the ability to anticipate multiple scenarios, which also contributes to their success in chess.
The Flynn effect suggests that the average IQ of populations increases with each generation due to improvements in nutrition, education, and the general environment. This partly explains why children today are quicker at processing information and adapting to complex tasks. Chess is no longer just a hobby, but an activity that combines entertainment, education, and competitiveness. Its increased acceptance as a tool for developing cognitive skills has led to increased investment in its promotion among young people.
Children are more exposed to a globalized world where collaboration and competition occur earlier. This not only allows them to gain confidence, but also normalizes participation in challenging activities such as chess at a professional level. The combination of technological, educational, cultural and biological factors has created an environment in which children not only develop a higher IQ, but also have the tools and motivation to apply that potential in demanding activities such as chess, achieving levels of success never seen before.
The case of César Preciado Granados, winner of the regional chess competitions at the Technical Secondary School #5 of Pacana, is an excellent example of how to identify, promote and channel talent in chess for personal, professional and vocational development.
How to identify chess skills in children?
● Early Observation: Detect whether children are interested in strategy games, problem solving or activities that require concentration. If they show curiosity about chess from a young age, it is an indication of affinity.
● Aptitude Test: Assess skills such as logic, critical thinking, memory and anticipation through simple chess games or similar exercises.
● Exposure to the Game: Introduce chess in a playful way, allowing them to explore without pressure. Those who show persistence and enjoy the challenge usually have greater potential.
● School Competitions: As in the case of César, school tournaments are an excellent platform to identify those who have a natural or developed talent for chess.
How to support a young person like César Preciado?
- Access to Coaches and Mentors:
○ Enroll him in a local chess club where he can receive formal training.
○ Find mentors who are experienced players, either from your community or through online platforms such as Chess.com or Lichess.
○ Manage access to specialized courses and seminars.
2.Tournament Participation:
○ Facilitate your registration in regional, state, and even national competitions so that you can develop competitive experience and grow your level.
○ Secure resources for transportation, registration, and necessary equipment (such as chess boards and clocks).
3. Scholarships and Sponsorships:
○ Contact organizations, educational institutions, or local companies that can offer scholarships for young chess talents.
○ Promote you in local media to attract attention and support from sponsors.
4. Use of Technology:
○ Provide access to digital tools such as chess apps, YouTube tutorials, and databases of historical games so that you can analyze and learn advanced strategies.
○ Teach him to use analysis engines like Stockfish to evaluate his performance and improve tactics.
5. Foster an Environment of Study and Discipline:
○ Help him structure a balanced schedule that combines chess training with his academic responsibilities.
○ Encourage habits such as reading books about chess and reviewing grandmaster games.
How does chess help in career development?
Chess develops transferable skills that are valuable in any profession:
● Decision Making: It teaches how to assess risks and consequences, a key skill for careers in business, law, and medicine.
● Problem Solving: The ability to analyze complex situations and find solutions can be useful in engineering, technology, and science.
● Concentration and Resilience: Chess trains patience and the ability to maintain focus under pressure, important qualities in any field.
● Teamwork and Leadership: Participating in team tournaments fosters cooperation and leadership, necessary for managerial roles.
Chess as a Direct Profession
For talented young people like César, chess can become a profession:
● Professional Player: Competing in national and international tournaments.
● Chess Coach: Sharing his knowledge with new generations.
● Content Creator: Producing tutorials, videos or blogs about chess strategies.
● Tournament Referee: Getting certified to lead official competitions.
By empowering the talent of young people like César, not only does it open a path to personal success for them, but it also fosters the development of a more cultured and competitive community, benefiting both the person and the region. He could be the next Mexican grandmaster!
Technical Secondary School #5 of Pacana, in the State of Jalisco, has proven to be a breeding ground for youth talent in various disciplines, and the case of César Preciado Granados is an inspiring example of this. This institution, known for its focus on the comprehensive development of students, encourages extracurricular activities such as chess, which not only stimulate the mind, but also strengthen values such as discipline, concentration and work under pressure.
César's success in local chess competitions reflects not only his talent, but also the support that the school provides its students by providing them with spaces to explore and excel in activities beyond the classroom. This initiative promotes an educational culture that values both academic performance and strategic and creative skills. With a focus on training future leaders, Technical Secondary School #5 is laying solid foundations for its students, like César, to develop successful careers in various fields.
If the school continues to support programs such as chess, promoting competitions and providing educational resources, it will not only raise the competitive level of its students, but will also consolidate itself as a key institution in the development of outstanding talents in the region. In addition, César's triumph can inspire other high school students to get involved in intellectual activities, opening paths to goals that previously may have seemed unattainable. A great merit for Technical Secondary School #5 and its educational community!