Chess
My name is Charlene Babb and I learned how to play chess when I was 10 years old. It was taught to me by my mother. She was a sweet and tough opponent that never let me win, but when I did, I held on to that great feeling for a very long time!
I have used chess in my classroom for the past 22 years and am always encouraged at the strategies that the students learn and the patience that they have for the game. Chess is so closely related to math and many lessons can be taught just by looking at a chessboard, knowing the moves of the pieces, and deciding on which path to choose for victory.
Chess Club at Sorensen is for all ages from kindergarten to fifth grade. Students are taught the moves of the game, chess etiquette, and strategies that have been used throughout the ages. Students learn the value of chess and how it relates to real life...waiting your turn, seeing different approaches, and making a plan.
Students are taught to shake hands before and after a game to greet their opponent or offer a congratulatory response at the close. We learn that when you lose, say little. When you win, say less.
We enjoy a healthy competition with each other! We also have a few chess tournaments that we will attend in our community throughout the year, host our own chess tournaments in the club, and have a Coffee and Chess Club night at one of our local bakeries.