user32078: Question to chess coaches: the common problem with beginning juniors (ages 5-8 years old) is very fast playing. What are your methods to convince/encourage your pupils to play slower chess?

user10019: Be careful what you wish for - right now they are playing & having fun. Slowing down, thinking, calculating, being precise - that may actually deter them from the game.
Later, once they're teenagers, they might come to you and ask how to slow down!
If you insist, though, then I recommend gradually introducing thinking patterns. i.e. Before making a move:

Check all checks.

Then once they've got used to that, introduce another pattern:

Does this move give my opponent any checks?

Gradual increments like that will likely be successful, without over-stressing a young and fun-centric mind.

32078: <p>Question to chess coaches: the common problem with beginning juniors (ages 5-8 years old) is very fast playing. What are your methods to convince/encourage your pupils to play slower chess?</p>
 10019: <p>Be careful what you wish for - <strong>right now they are playing &amp; having fun</strong>. Slowing down, thinking, calculating, being precise - that may actually deter them from the game.</p>
<p><strong>Later, once they're teenagers, they might come to you and ask how to slow down!</strong></p>
<p>If you insist, though, then I recommend gradually introducing thinking patterns. i.e. Before making a move:</p>
<ul>
<li>Check all checks.</li>
</ul>
<p>Then once they've got used to that, introduce another pattern:</p>
<ul>
<li>Does this move give my opponent any checks?</li>
</ul>
<p>Gradual increments like that will likely be successful, without over-stressing a young and fun-centric mind.</p>
