The Magic of Chess in the Classroom
Victoria Winifred introduced chess into her elementary school classroom in 2007, and life has never been the same since. Inspired by an ancient poem about the chess goddess, Caïssa, she wrote her first middle grade fantasy, “The Princess, the Knight, and the Lost God: A Chess Story” to fill the gap in chess fiction for kids. The story is about Caïssa’s 12-year-old daughter, Kassie, and her unexpected visit to Earth and the adventures that follow.Officially released on October 8, 2022 on National Chess Day, the book has already received critical acclaim by top professionals in the chess world. It can be purchased here. Enjoy reading this guest post by Victoria on the benefits of using chess in the classroom!
Victoria Winifred, author of “The Princess, the Knight, and the Lost God: A Chess Story”.
"What is learned in fun, is never forgotten."
This favorite adage of mine explains exactly why having chess as an activity and reference point in a classroom lifts students' academic scores, accelerates social-emotional growth, and stimulates critical thinking. Sounds easy, doesn’t it?
So, I just plant a chess set in a center, and student scores will go up?
Well, that might have some positive effect — students would surely explore it on their own, and their imaginations would be set ablaze! But if you want the full return on your investment, you’ll have to go a bit further. Children are naturally drawn to chess; adults, too. Who wouldn’t be, with its carved images of “horses” (knights) and “castles” (rooks), and so much more? Instant student engagement.
“How do you play this game, anyway? It looks complicated!”
Adults more than children are intimidated at the idea of learning chess — but please don’t be! Over the years, I’ve shared my passion for chess with my colleagues, and it spread to their classrooms as well. How I’ve enjoyed seeing other educators becoming chess fans and teaching it to their students after I convinced them to just dip a toe in the proverbial chess waters!
If you have the freedom to take time for chess with your students, you can start with the incredible free curriculum accessible right from the home page of ChessKid.com. Click on “Classroom Planner” on the home page, and voila! All your lesson plans and materials are waiting for you. Now that’s some chess magic right there.
Teachers and families, don’t be afraid to learn WITH the kids… a shared learning experience empowers student-directed learning (which is all the rage these days!), and your own pupils will help you understand the rules as well! What fun, and what a boost to the child’s self-esteem. “Chess fever” is contagious, and you’ll start to see chess everywhere and in everything!
But how does chess relate to academics?
The answer to this question can lead to long and happy conversations. Let me share with you just a few examples of how making connections with chess led to success for students. Let's start with a video overview:
Take Raya:
The subject was social studies, and the topic was latitude and longitude. She had been struggling during our lesson, and could not use the coordinates to identify a location on a map. She brought her practice page up to my desk for help.
Inspired, I gestured toward the chess demonstration board (which is always hanging nearby). Clearing my throat, ready to patiently share a comparison in vivid detail, I began, “Let’s think about how we identify a square by looking at where a rank [row] and a file [column] meet. First, we…”“OH! I get it now!” Boom.
She then correctly filled in the blanks on her worksheet while smiling from ear to ear.
Then there was Clark.
He could not add two numbers together without starting from “one”.
“Clark, what is five plus three?”
“One, two, three, four, five…” and then he would count up an additional three. It is a common challenge for young students to struggle to “count on” from a higher starting point than one.
This time, with chess being second nature in our room, I held up a rook.
“Clark, how many points?”
“Five.”
“What if you captured a bishop, too?”
Clark’s eyes were fixed on the chess pieces.
“Six, seven, eight.” And then his eyes lit up.
Time for writing!
“I don’t have anything to write about,” wailed Keyshawn.“What about that chess game you played with Lila?”
“Oh, yeah! That was cool.” And his pencil met paper.
I could go on and on with examples in every discipline from art to physical fitness. The results of permeating my classroom with chess for sixteen years have been overwhelmingly positive. My personal examples are true.
Chess is a teacher’s dream answer when it comes to the dreaded question, “I’m done, what can I do now?” And don’t forget the “it’s FUN” part! That’s the secret to its success.
I dare say that as an educator, you, too, may find yourself revitalized by adding this element to your classroom identity.
Chess magic is real!
ChessKid offers grants for clubs and schools internationally, so perhaps you need look no further for support. Check here for details for US grants and here for international grants.
The Princess, the Knight, and the Lost God: A Chess Story is available now on Amazon!
"Princess Kassie, daughter of chess goddess Caïssa and the god of war, Mars, awaits a day-long celebration on Chess Mountain in honor of her twelfth birthday. But the celebration is not to be, because the previous night, her friend and fellow god, Dimitri, did not return home after visiting her. Dimitri’s parents blame his disappearance on Caïssa and Mars, and declare war upon their kingdom.
Kassie is whisked away to dreaded Earth, and hides out as a mortal in a NYC outpost. She enrolls in school and takes comfort in a chess-loving classroom. Humans surprise her, but she must beware of possible kingdom enemies. While caught up in her classmates’ conflicts with a chess bully, Kassie struggles to help them while masking her identity for the safety of Chess Mountain."