Beginner Chess for Girls - STEM the Gap Academy
This 6-week chess program teaches girls the fundamentals of chess while developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and STEM skills. Girls build confidence, creativity, and resilience in a supportive and empowering learning environment.
What's included
6 live meetings
6 in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. Chess Girls have optional homework assignments in the provided digital workbook that they may work on each week if they would like extra practice outside of the classroom!Certificate of Completion
1 after class completionClass Experience
Beginner Level
This Beginner course at STEM the Gap Academy is an exciting six-week session in which girls will learn the basics of chess, understand board navigation, develop critical thinking skills, and discuss important concepts surrounding competition and taking risks. Through interactive presentations, puzzles, and games, this engaging program will help girls to develop not only their chess skills but also enhance their confidence and problem-solving abilities for life.
Learning Goals
Students will develop a basic understanding of the game of chess by learning how the pieces move, navigating the board, and be introduced to the concepts of check and checkmate.Students will improve their ability to read and record chess moves using standard chess notation while practicing piece movement and positioning.
Syllabus
4 Units
6 Lessons
over 6 WeeksUnit 1: History of Chess and Navigating the Chessboard
Lesson 1:
History of Chess/Navigating the Chessboard/Rook
In this lesson, Chess Girls will explore the history of chess, discovering its origins and cultural significance. They will learn how to navigate the chessboard by reading addresses of squares, and then begin learning about their first piece: the Rook. 60 mins online live lesson
Unit 2: Piece Movement
Lesson 2:
Bishop/King
In this session, Chess Girls will continue exploring piece movement by learning about the Bishop. They will also explore the role of the King, including how to keep the King safe, and its movement limitations. 60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Queen/8 Queens of STEM
This lesson is a Queen Party, as Chess Girls learn about the powerful Queen. Chess Girls will discuss the importance of strong female figures in STEM and learn about the "8 Queens of STEM," drawing inspiration from these role models as they build their confidence. 60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Pawn/Knight
In this lesson, Chess Girls will learn about the Pawn. They will also explore the Knight. 60 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Educators and students will use the website Lichess. Lichess is a free and open-source internet chess server where students and educators can play together. On Lichess there is a Kid Mode tool that disables all site communications. Enable this for your children and school students, to protect them from other internet users.
Pre-Requisites
This class is for absolute beginners who do not know how the pieces move.
Supply List
Each student will receive a digital copy of Chess Girl's beginner workbook. Note that this workbook is supplemental and not required to be printed or completed each week.
Joined August, 2024
Teacher expertise and credentials
Our Chess Girl Collective of educators are more than chess professionals. They are engineers, architects, psychologists, artists and mathematicians who, between them, teach in six languages and counting. They are Grandmasters, Women FIDE Masters, and Women International Masters.
Before they had any of those incredible titles and careers, however, they were first girls who absolutely fell in love with the game of chess! Our collective is comprised of some of the top female chess talent from around the world. They are all Chess Girls, who are passionate about being positive role-models for their students and who inspire every girl to tap into their inner Chess Girl.
Our Chess Girl Educators foster individual connections with students and use a variety of creative teaching techniques and styles, so that no girl feels left behind. This allows every Chess Girl that comes our way to go from beginner to game-ready, in both chess and in life!Reviews
Live Group Course
$150
for 6 classes1x per week, 6 weeks
60 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 6-8
6-9 learners per class
