$5

for all content

Chess: Beginner Crash Course

Completed by 42 learners

Ages 5-12

Self-Paced Class

Short and sweet intro to chess, preparing students to start playing and practicing on their own as quickly as possible. All 12 videos are paired with interactive lessons for a real hands-on experience.

CarreiraChess

Average rating:

5.0

Number of reviews:

(2,931 reviews)

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12 pre-recorded lessons

1 week of teacher support

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1 year of access to the content

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Go at your own pace

Your learner can start learning when they want and progress at the speed that works best for them.

Enroll Now, Start Anytime

Start when you want.

Learn at your own pace

Access course material for a full year.

Get hands-on support from teacher.

About Learning Overview Schedule Teacher Reviews

What's included

12 pre-recorded lessons

1 week

of teacher support

1 year access

to the content

Homework

1-2 hours per week. Each video lesson is paired with interactive activities where students can actually move the chess pieces for hands-on practice.

Grading

included

Class Experience

Over the past three years, I've taught nearly 2,000 students the basics through my live class called "Chess for Sparrows." This self-paced class provides an alternative to and/or reinforcement of the live class.

I believe in getting students started fast so they can practice and play right away. With that in mind, I've streamlined the material to use minimal explicit instruction, emphasizing interactive lessons where students can actually move the pieces and learn from doing.

This course consists of 12 very short (1-3 minute) videos paired with interactive lessons for real hands-on practice. We will introduce and review only five essential ideas:
1. The names of the pieces and how they move and capture
2. Check and escaping check
3. The simplest checkmates
4. The first strategic plan in the opening 
5. The names of the squares

I am always available to respond to questions or comments. 

Please note that this class does not cover the history of chess, its purpose, or its cultural significance. My goal is to get students practicing and playing on their own as efficiently as possible.

Learning Goals

Students will absorb just enough chess to start playing and prating on their own.

Syllabus

12 Lessons

over 1 Week

Lesson 1:

Rook

Lesson 2:

Bishop

Lesson 3:

Queen

Lesson 4:

Knight

Other Details

Parental Guidance

The interactive lessons use lichess.org. You don’t need an account but if you do sign up for one it is important that you turn on Kid Mode: https://lichess.org/account/kid

Pre-Requisites

The ability to use a touch screen or mouse will allow your student to complete the interactive lessons.

External Resources

In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:

lichess.org

Meet the teacher

CarreiraChess

Joined July, 2021

5.0

2931reviews

Star Educator

Popular

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

Bachelor's Degree in Music or Theatre or Arts from Boston University

When school went remote in March of 2020 my chess club (where I taught full time) thrived. This led to curriculum development, program development, and coaching work at the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, SciGenius, BudBe, Zinkers, and the Chicago Chess Foundation. Before that I taught for three years at the Berkeley Chess School.

Chess is on the cutting edge of a shift toward globally connected, self directed, and play oriented education. I am thrilled to be part of it. As a self taught player currently rated over 2000 I have become an expert in using the most advanced learning tools available to bring lessons to life. I love helping young people discover and excel at this beautiful game.

***Age range and level guide for all of my classes***
If you are not sure it is best start with an easier class so your student has a positive, confidence building first experience. 

Chess for Sparrows | Beginner Crash Course 
For absolute beginners and students needing a quick review of the basics. Ages 5-8

Chess for (Younger) Tigers 
For students who know the names of the pieces, how they move and capture. Ages 5-9

Chess for Tigers | Club 
For students who know all the rules, the names of the squares, and are comfortable playing chess online. Ages 7-12

Chess Club 1000 
For more advanced students who are rated at least 1000 on lichess.org or ChessKid. Ages 8-13 

Chess for Sharks | Private Lessons 
All levels. Ages 5-13

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