During the 2019-2020 School year I was teaching 4th grade in a public school.  I started a chess club there and we had such a blast together.  Half of my fourth grade class ended up being in the chess club, and by the time I had to part with them in the spring, my whole class were chess players.  My students would beg me to play DURING CLASS, lol, so I got to use it as a reward for jobs well-done.  There is so much to love about this game, but what struck me the most was watching how it brought students together that normally you might not think would have much in common.  Kids you'd never see interact with each other on the playground could connect through chess.  My loudest, wildest children (who I loved very much), became peaceful and pensive.  Students with insecurities gained confidence and pride in what they could do.  As I've transitioned to becoming an online teacher, I am excited to still be spreading the joy of chess and everything that comes with it.  It's a skill students never lose and always be proud to have.