Futures Elementary
A "Chess-Timonial" by Futures 4th Grade Teacher Rebecca Jelen:
My class has thoroughly enjoyed and benefited from the Berkeley Chess School's program this school year. I have seen them grow in ways I knew were possible, but had not yet seen before the program. During chess they are extremely focused and attentive, and take the game and the lessons very seriously. I have seen students who normally choose to sit in the back during my lessons make sure they are smack dab in the center front when Mr. S. is here. They have learned to work together, partnering with anyone they are matched against, lose with grace, and win without boasting. They teach each other and allow their peers to teach them. They have even taught me a lot when I have been playing against them. My husband has been trying to teach me for years (his strategy- keep beating me and then I will learn) and by playing my students I have finally learned how all the pieces move and what some of the strategies are. Students are going home and teaching family members how to play, or playing relatives who already know how. They are asking for chess sets as birthday gifts and Christmas presents. They seem proud and excited about their knowledge and new ability at this challenging game.
I believe that chess has affected my students outside of chess class as well. Overall they are more focused, cooperative and are an amazing community compared to where we were when we began this year.
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