President Obama Visits Wakefield, Fall 2009 |
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President Obama ask about what we are good at. Do we know what we are good at? What are we proud of at the end of the day? Does it take perseverance and a willingness to find opportunity to be good at something?
Many students are proud of their athletic accomplishments. Others may see time spent in academic study pays off in improved test scores. Playing chess can help your child feel success at both. Chess allows us the competition of athletics and the rewards of mental practice at the same time.
Because a player can come at the game from many different backgrounds, she can search for what part of the game is most appealing. Some students love to compete - in our free-play organization, these students will search each other out. Other students are searching for a place to socialize with friends over a game. Other students have developed their aptitude for teaching, and become excited about sharing the game with others.
Our students feel good about playing chess. They can see themselves get better with every game they play. They have found a place to learn and socialize in a collaborative environment. They can find a classmate who plays at their level, or reach out to a more experienced student to learn.
We provide the opportunity to find what you may be good at - your child provides the inspiration.
Our goals:
Be motivated learners
Be critical problem solvers
Think before they move
Take pride in their accomplishments
Be graceful winners AND losers
If you would like to learn more about the connection between chess and academic achievement, view the Educators page on this website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this a club? No, chess in the library is open before school, lunches and after school. We do not have memberships or tryouts. All Wakefield students are welcome. The goal of this group is to promote academic excellence and social skill building through the game of chess.
Do you have tournaments? Nothing formal so far. If the students want to organize a bracket within their own friend group, they are welcome to do so. At this point, I would like the program to have a club feel where all levels of play are encouraged.
Do I have to buy anything?
No. we supply boards, pieces and the Boosters has given us a grant for clocks.
If you would like a gift for your child, you may purchase boards and clocks for home use:
Wholesale chess archer set
https://www.amazon.com/Wholesale-Chess-Archer-Set-Combo/dp/B009RSFQD2/
Chess Clock
https://www.amazon.com/DGT-North-American-Chess-Clock/dp/B00312D2OU/
Can I play or volunteer?
Definitely. We would love to see parents in the library. Just sign in at the front office before coming down.
My child is very interested in further chess classes. Do you coach for tournament play?
Thanks for asking, but my skills are not at the level to advance your child beyond club play. If a group of students would like to attend a local tournament, I will be happy to help get them registered.
Is the school paying you to teach chess?
No. I simply love sharing the game with our students. This is a program within the Wakefield library that we have taken on as a function of the library. We entrust the students to keep it organized, and pass on the love of the game to others. Our amazing librarians, Donna Felsenheld and Gina Glassman make learning in a 21st century library possible.
