Chess Club Seeks to Explore New Opportunities
As our 7-week chess club for elementary, junior high, and high school students draws to a close, we’re reflecting on the opportunity for growth each participant has experienced. Here are some highlights that have defined this year’s 3 sessions of Chess Club at the Academy for GOD:
Guest Appearance by Chess Master Rory: One of the most exciting opportunities of our club was the visit of Chess Master Rory from Duke University. His expertise and insights enhanced the value of our sessions. During his two visits, he not only provided instructive lessons but also engaged in a Simultaneous Play event, challenging all 25 members of our club simultaneously. While our students gave it their best shot, Chess Master Rory's skill proved formidable. Yet, the experience of playing against a master was invaluable and will inspire our players for years to come.
The St. Louis Chess Club conducted its own research in 2019-20 and found that:
72% of students say that learning to play chess has made them more confident when learning difficult material.
75% of students say that playing chess encourages them to challenge themselves more in the future.
Tailored Instruction for Varied Levels: Recognizing the diverse levels of experience among our players, we divided them into three groups. This allowed us to tailor our instruction to address specific tactics and strategies beneficial to each group. The youngest and least experienced group focused on endgames, mastering crucial scenarios like ladder mate and King and Queen vs. King mate. Meanwhile, the older and more seasoned players delved into openings, efficient piece movement, and understanding the concept of weak squares. This approach ensured that every student received instruction suited to their needs, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for learning.
Observable Growth and Improvement: Throughout the duration of the club, both club sponsors testified significant improvement in our students. This progress was most evident in their tournament performances, where we saw different winners emerge in our end-of-session tournaments. It's immensely gratifying to observe the healthy competition and growth among our students. Their dedication and enthusiasm for the game have been truly inspiring!
Looking ahead, our aspirations extend beyond the confines of our club. We envision establishing an official Academy for GOD chess team, enabling us to compete with other schools in Nashville and beyond. With the sustained interest and enthusiasm from our students, coupled with our ongoing connections with the Nashville Chess Club and its affiliated schools, we are confident that we are well on our way to realizing this goal. The journey doesn't end here; it's just the beginning of a new chapter in our chess adventures.
In conclusion, the close of our 7-week chess club marks the end of a chapter filled with learning, growth, and unity. From the excitement of facing a Chess Master to the satisfaction of witnessing our students' progress, every moment has been memorable. We look forward to new opportunities for our students to develop in the wonderful game of chess!
