We had our first chess class of the year today.  First day back at school and the kids were eager to play.

One of our students invited a new student to join the class.  I asked him to teach his friend, since he was one of our advanced students.  I spent time with other students and watched him from time to time.  He did very well!

I was able to help teach him how to teach, while supervising his friend’s lessons.  There were a few times when I had to remind him not to teach complex concepts at this stage, but simply to go over how the pieces move and allow the new student to practice that.

It is a common error in teaching to race through the basics.  In chess a student will become disinterested quickly if you don’t give them the time to learn how the pieces move, give them time to really practice this.

In the end the student and his friend were both excited by the class.  They enjoyed learning together, each learning different lessons.

Dan and I ended off with our chess classes mid December with our five schools (over 50 students) with promises of starting anew in Jan.  You always know you’re on the right track when your students say, "Aw, you mean there’s no chess class next week?  When are you coming back??"

We will be starting up with some classes the first day back at school.  Others will wait a week.  We hope to offer free chess events, introducing new students to the wonders of chess.

Our pilot of the ecourse has been amazingly successful.  One student just turned three and loves our mini-games and has mastered the knight moves already.  She tells her father that she loves chess and enjoys playing with him.

Soon I will be ready to compile my notes into a book.  There is a real need for a book on teaching chess to young children, one that also makes sure to explain the game to the parent as well.  Chess really isn’t intimidating – it simply isn’t always explained in an easy (and fun) way to learn.  I am enjoying breaking down the basics into bite sized pieces for parents and children.