Image by cambodia4kidsorg via Flickr

Dan and I started a chess club at one of the schools where we teach.  We volunteer our time to come in and set up boards and pieces and just let children play (without instruction). 

We set up a chess ladder, where the children a ranked by victories.  If they win a game they swap places with the person they beat (if that child is higher on the ladder).

This is a time honored chess club tradition, one that is proving to be popular with our students.  We started this to encourage students to play more.  It is important that they practice during the week, trying out what we teach them about the game.

We update the ladder weekly and post it up in their lunchroom for all to see.  They love to see where they stand and enjoy playing with each other to move up to a higher position.  I hope to find a way to get them to play more, at home and during free time at school.  One of the best ways to improve at chess is simply to play. 

At the end of the school year we will offer the winner a trophy and prize.  Hopefully it will carry over to the next year and many students will try to be number 1 on the ladder!