Boards, pieces, and the desire to play. That's all that is really required to play a game of chess. This is the first year at my school that we've ever had a chess club. At the beginning of the new school year, my colleagues and I began to discuss ways to help our students, 7th & 8th graders, strengthen their critical thinking and strategy skills. Chess became the answer!
Chess provides an exceptional opportunity for students to practice problem solving, strategizing, and improvisation skills.
I have found that some of the students who want to play chess and want to learn about the strategies involved in chess are also students who struggle with math and hate reading. Some of these students who are unable to visualize a problem are able to anticipate an opponents strategy and plan out their next four moves when looking at a chess board.
Statistics have proven that: the game of chess helps young people learn to concentrate, think logically, overcome obstacles, spot patterns and categorize information. It helps with the development of problem-solving skills, planning, patience, focus of thought and self-discipline. Chess is a competitive activity, but, good sportsmanship and fair play are taught as essential elements of the game. It is a one-against-one activity, however, teamwork is also an important element. This element comes into play when Club members must practice and work on problems together. Everyone has a chance to contribute to the team in tournament play as chess clubs may enter as many players as they wish and various skill-levels or age-based sections are generally available."
With these new chess boards, students will not only able to play, they will be excited and proud to make the first move!
About my class
Boards, pieces, and the desire to play. That's all that is really required to play a game of chess. This is the first year at my school that we've ever had a chess club. At the beginning of the new school year, my colleagues and I began to discuss ways to help our students, 7th & 8th graders, strengthen their critical thinking and strategy skills. Chess became the answer!
Chess provides an exceptional opportunity for students to practice problem solving, strategizing, and improvisation skills.
I have found that some of the students who want to play chess and want to learn about the strategies involved in chess are also students who struggle with math and hate reading. Some of these students who are unable to visualize a problem are able to anticipate an opponents strategy and plan out their next four moves when looking at a chess board.
Statistics have proven that: the game of chess helps young people learn to concentrate, think logically, overcome obstacles, spot patterns and categorize information. It helps with the development of problem-solving skills, planning, patience, focus of thought and self-discipline. Chess is a competitive activity, but, good sportsmanship and fair play are taught as essential elements of the game. It is a one-against-one activity, however, teamwork is also an important element. This element comes into play when Club members must practice and work on problems together. Everyone has a chance to contribute to the team in tournament play as chess clubs may enter as many players as they wish and various skill-levels or age-based sections are generally available."
With these new chess boards, students will not only able to play, they will be excited and proud to make the first move!
Read more