Class Philosophy & Structure
Montessori style, with the chess board as mat.
The class is activity based without lectures, and self paced. Students can come a little late or miss a week or two and simply pick up where they left off.
To keep track of what students have completed, each student has a folder with a checklist for exercises, space to record their individual progress, notation forms for their games, and other completed activities.
Montessori classrooms provide a structured classroom with freedom of choice of available activities. For older students, elementary and above, students have individualized work plans with stipulated activities. The student chooses which order to complete the activities.
In our classroom, we offer activities, but don't require any. We do suggest pairings to students at loose ends, and make an effort to have the students play a variety of opponents and include everyone. Pairings may also be stipulated to determine playing strength for the tournament.
Please talk quietly to respect our library location and the students who need quiet for deep concentration.
Do not disrupt the chess games of other students by moving or knocking over their chess pieces, or by placing others on the board!
Seek out an adult volunteer to mediate issues or for help joining a new game or opponent.
Skill at chess depends on practice and experience, not age.
Each student has something to contribute and teach the others.
Players cement skills by teaching other players.
Reset your board when you finish a game, and return materials from where you got them.
Colored chips available to help in board analysis.
Whatever your level, you will improve!
The class is activity based without lectures, and self paced. Students can come a little late or miss a week or two and simply pick up where they left off.
To keep track of what students have completed, each student has a folder with a checklist for exercises, space to record their individual progress, notation forms for their games, and other completed activities.
Montessori classrooms provide a structured classroom with freedom of choice of available activities. For older students, elementary and above, students have individualized work plans with stipulated activities. The student chooses which order to complete the activities.
In our classroom, we offer activities, but don't require any. We do suggest pairings to students at loose ends, and make an effort to have the students play a variety of opponents and include everyone. Pairings may also be stipulated to determine playing strength for the tournament.
Please talk quietly to respect our library location and the students who need quiet for deep concentration.
Do not disrupt the chess games of other students by moving or knocking over their chess pieces, or by placing others on the board!
Seek out an adult volunteer to mediate issues or for help joining a new game or opponent.
Skill at chess depends on practice and experience, not age.
Each student has something to contribute and teach the others.
Players cement skills by teaching other players.
Reset your board when you finish a game, and return materials from where you got them.
Colored chips available to help in board analysis.
Whatever your level, you will improve!
On Winning and Losing
Did you win a game? Congratulations, you have demonstrated your skill!
Did you lose a game? Then you have found someone who can help you improve and make you a better player.
... and someone you'll be glad to have on your team! :)
Did you lose a game? Then you have found someone who can help you improve and make you a better player.
... and someone you'll be glad to have on your team! :)