Chess champions in the making!
Year 3 are thoroughly enjoying their chess lessons. So far, they have learnt how to give coordinates for the squares on the chessboard and the value of certain pieces such as pawns, bishops, rooks, and queens. Recently, their mini tournaments have become closely contested with many of the class already able to identify not only possible moves, but the best possible moves in different scenarios. As you can see from the photos this requires great concentration.
The children have also been keen to point out how closely chess is linked to our Preston Curriculum values. After a quick discussion with their table partners here are some of their observations:
It encourages resilience, as you have to learn to cope with the disappointment of a sudden defeat when you thought you were winning. As a class, we are learning to never give up as each game improves our awareness of the consequences of different moves.
Our teamwork skills are tested when we are watching a match, as we have to respect the two players and keep quiet even though we might feel they are making an unwise move.
We also need to be a responsible team to make sure that we pack away carefully so that the chess pieces are ready to be used by another class.
We use our critical thinking skills to question our planned moves rather than assuming that capturing a piece is the best move. We need to consider whether it is better to sacrifice a lower value piece in order to capture a higher value piece from our opponent. The class are learning, ‘When you see a good move, look for a better one.’ – Dominic Lawson
It is great to see the class understand that chess encourages them to be independent thinkers when they play as only they can decide their next move and plan their strategy.
