by Michael David Wojcio

Since 1978 Michael has been teaching chess to slow learners, average, and above-average (gifted) students. in about 20 schools. Presently. he is teaching the Royal Game to sow learners at the Daron School in Livingston. N.J. and in four elementary schools, in Short Hills and Summit, in after-school programs.

In 1982, I started a summer school chess program at the Glenwood Elementary School in Short Hills. There are about 50 children who attend the chess classes every year. For the last seven years, I have directed an annual children’s chess tournament in Short Hills. This year we had 54 participants in four sections.

It is important that teachers realize:

1) That chess is not difficult to learn, and

2) That there are so many advantages for the students.

The fact that chess is easy to learn is shown by the USCF publications Pawn & Queen and in Between and School Mates, many videos, pamphlets, and good books of instruction. A few good instructional books are listed at the end of this article.

International Master Jeremy Silman is right on target when he states that chess improves concentration, visualization, and memory. There is also a plethora of valuable ramifications enhanced by learning chess, and, in point of fact — it’s fun!

In special education, the game for the slow learner means:

1) Remembering the light square is on the right setting up the board, the names of the pieces, and becoming familiar with piece movement, the rules, and the concept of checkmate.

2) Sequencing — putting the pieces on the correct squares at the beginning of the game.

3) fine motor skills — moving the pieces in a straight line — vertical, horizontal, diagonal, and

L-shaped moves to the other color.

4) “Basic” strategy, controlling the center, moving one’s army out in the opening, so that no knights or bishops remain “sleeping” on the back rank, and.

5) Thinking first, then moving.

Later, simple tactics and the en passant rule can be taught to some special education students.Tactics are short term plans, and strategy is the overall plan. Even if a slow learner does not grasp all of this, he she can still benefit by learning language, concepts, and fine motor movement.

Teaching the game to the average, above average, and gifted student, means all of this at a faster pace, plus more involved strategy and tactics.

Chess is an art, a science, and a sport. Chess has this and even more value for students.

Chess is more than a game, since the teacher can transfer many aspects of this motivational

tool to other important subjects.

The above is just a part of article. Read the rest of it from http://www.njoychess.com/Education/wojcio.pdf

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