This course is designed to help families connect through learning and practicing chess.   Almost every chess class I've taught has had a sibling group in it, and seeing this has inspired me to create a flexible class, friendly to all age groups, that can be enjoyed by the whole family together.  Only children can benefit as well, learning and playing the game with friends, neighbors, or adults in the household. 

Let's face it, chess on the computer just isn't the same, and the last thing anyone needs right now is more screen time.  So for this course, you'll need a real chess board to play on that you can touch and feel.  Learn here on Outschool, play with each other at home!

Each week, there will be 2 posts.

Post 1:  Watch the pre-recorded lesson.  It's usually about 10-20 minutes.  Every week we'll be learning a new piece and some skills to go with it. (More details on the schedule below).  During this lesson, I'll teach you how to play a game using ONLY the pieces you've learned about.  You will be playing starting day 1.  

You can start playing (and keep playing) on a real chess board whenever you have the time!

Post 2: After you've had a chance to play, I'll post an optional wizer.me interactive challenge to get everyone thinking.  For example, I might ask you about strategy techniques you've learned, or give you a scenario or puzzle to solve.  MINIMAL READING OR WRITING REQUIRED.  All directions will be able to be listened to, and answers will be able to be  voice recorded, or dragging and dropping.  These are designed to be fun, not work!  

**Challenges will only be graded for students that are enrolled.  Siblings can be enrolled at 50% off the original price in the form of a refund after enrollment.  Please message me if this applies to you. **

Feedback:  Once you've completed your interactive worksheet, post a comment to let me know and you'll receive personalized feedback based on your answers. 

If your family likes to be competitive, add up your points for an ultimate winner at the end of the course!  If that's not your thing, that's okay too.  This course is flexible to fit your needs.

Here are the topics we'll cover each week: 

Week 1: Pawns, en passant, and the board
Week 2: Bishops and Rooks
Week 3: Knights
Week 4: The Queen (& more knight practice is usually needed)
Week 5: The King movement, castling, check, swapping pawns
Week 6: CheckMATE and applying everything to real chess with all the pieces, beginning strategy

At any point during the course, I'm here to answer questions.  Don't hesitate to reach out!