Chess Pedagogue

I taught my first chess class to 6-10 year-olds today. Twas really rather cool. I started by letting them play each other, then had an idea to promote thought before moves (which I could benefit from too 😞). I took all eight of them, and lined them up in front of the side of one board with the white pieces, and situated myself with black. Then I told them that they were going to play me, but they all had to agree what move they'd make. Thus they were forced to argue with each other about it, which led naturally to reasons being developed for their moves. The end result was that they made carefully considered moves and hopefully learned a few things. I think I'll do it again.

Anyone have any suggestions for this class?

The funny thing is, the head of this after-school activity program for children hired me thinking I was some kind of Little Lasker or Small Steinitz or maybe even a Mini Morphy, but really she hired a run-of-the-mill woddpusher to preside over the chessification of wee 'uns.

I did this last year, Mark and trust me, they don't care how bad (or in your case) how good you are. They want to have fun and feel supported. But that was a good idea you had. Wish I had thought of it. I think the only thing I really "taught" them was that it is hard to go wrong for the first move by going e4. Have fun. Kirk

Originally posted by royalchicken
I took all eight of them, and lined them up in front of the side of one board with the white pieces

I hadn't thought of that 😀. Maybe I'll make them some dorky spherical hats or summat and they can be pawns...they're about the right size.

Originally posted by kirksey957
I did this last year, Mark and trust me, they don't care how bad (or in your case) how good you are. They want to have fun and feel supported. But that was a good idea you had. Wish I had thought of it. I think the only thing I real ...[text shortened]... s hard to go wrong for the first move by going e4. Have fun. Kirk