FIRST TWO WEEKS - 2

Here is the newsletter from last week.

Jan. 31, 2008

Marshall Academy Chess Weekly Update

Thank you for your student’s participation in Marshall Academy Chess! The benefits of regular chess playing & participation include:

Math Skill Development Pattern Recognition
Science Achievement Sportsmanship
English Skills Dealing With Undesirable Situations
Communication Abilities Learning From Mistakes
Creativity Responsibility for Actions
Concentration Discipline
Logical Reasoning Measurable Individual Accomplishments
Critical Thinking Team Spirit
Memory Commitment
Problem Solving Academic Competition for All
Intellectual Maturity Associating in a Good Crowd
Self Esteem Social Enrichment
Analyzing Actions & Consequences Social Skills
Planning Ahead Improved Attendance
Complex Decision Making

Last week was great! We went over the value of each chess piece and the proper way to orient the board to start a game. The documents I’m sending home with each student today cover that info and much of what we’ll cover here in the near future. Please keep them for reference.

Today is dividing the class into three competitive sections, a quick review of last week’s instruction, and introducing a few new things that are essential in winning chess:

The four main elements of chess are: 1. Material 2. Development (bishops, knights out quickly). 3. Control of the center of the board 4. Pawn Structure (why doubled pawns are bad).

Also today is a discussion on thinking “defense first” before every move, a couple of basic checkmates (King & Queen vs. King), sportsmanship, some tactics, and the benefits of losing a game of chess.

If you have time, I encourage you to play chess with your student at a level just slightly beyond his or her skill, reinforcing some of the elements we discuss in class & the material sent home. Remember to keep it fun and you’re welcome to drop an email or call me anytime if you have any questions.