Chess
Chess is a strategic game that sharpens our scholars’ analytical, problem-solving and competitive instincts. It offers scholars the opportunity to be creative and the chance to think critically while having fun at the same time. Scholars learn and progress at chess the way we all get better at anything, with quality instruction and lots of practice over an extended period of time. Our chess teachers first teach our scholars the basic moves and rules of the game. After learning the mechanics of chess, scholars quickly develop the strategies needed to checkmate their opponent.
At some of our schools, our scholars can choose to come to the chess room for “Breakfast Chess.” They join our chess instructor during breakfast to warm up their brains with a game or two of chess. And for those scholars who have a true passion for chess and the desire to continue to progress at the game, we have a Chess Team. The team meets for an hour and a half after school on Wednesdays and is generally open to scholars in the 3rd grade or higher. There is an advanced lesson, tournament-style play and worksheets and activities for the students to finish.
Our scholars even get an opportunity to show off their skills to their families every year. During our family chess night they show their families what they have learned over the course of the year.
This past year we added a cross-school chess tournament because our scholars had progressed so far. Scholars got together and played against one another for bragging rights and Harlem 2 took home the trophy. We are excited to watch our scholars give their best again this year!
