Chess for Beginners- Taught by 7-Time New Mexico Women's State Chess Champion
Welcome to "Chess for Beginners"- Discover the world of chess with our engaging "Chess for Beginners" class! Designed for young learners, this course focuses on fundamental strategies, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
What's included
30 pre-recorded lessons
8 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentHomework
1 hour per week. Type of Homework Students will be assigned a variety of chess-related homework to reinforce and extend their learning. Homework will include: Interactive Chess Puzzles: Weekly sets of tactical puzzles to solve, focusing on themes like forks, pins, and skewers. Practice Games: Playing online or with family members to practice concepts learned in class. Game Analysis: Reviewing and annotating their own games or provided sample games to identify strengths and areas for improvement. Frequency Homework will be assigned weekly, following each class session. Students are expected to spend about 30 minutes to an hour on their assignments each week. Checking for Correctness Homework assignments will be reviewed and discussed during the following class. Students will have opportunities to share their puzzle solutions and game annotations, receiving feedback and guidance. While not all assignments will be formally graded, active participation and effort in completing homework are highly encouraged to maximize learning. Requirements All assignments are recommended for all students to enhance their understanding and application of chess principles. However, flexibility will be provided to accommodate individual learning paces and schedules. Students are encouraged to complete as much of the homework as possible to gain the most benefit from the course.Assessment
Types of Assessments Formative Assessments: In-Class Quizzes: Short quizzes at the end of certain classes to gauge understanding of key concepts, such as piece movements, special moves, and opening principles. Frequency and Format In-Class Quizzes and Interactive Activities: These will occur periodically, typically at the end of each key topic or weekly session, to ensure ongoing understanding and engagement. Practice Games: Weekly practice games will be played either during class or as take-home assignments. Requirement for Students All assessments are designed to enhance learning and ensure students are grasping key concepts. Participation in formative assessments and practice games is highly encouraged for all students to track progress and identify areas needing improvement. By incorporating these assessments, students will receive continuous feedback, build confidence in their chess abilities, and have clear milestones to measure their progress.Grading
A certificate of completion will be given at the end of the course.Class Experience
Beginner Level
Welcome to "Chess for Beginners," an exciting and interactive 8-week course designed to introduce young learners to the world of chess. This class will provide students with a solid foundation in the basics of chess, focusing on essential strategies, opening principles, and fundamental tactics. Perfect for new and slightly experienced players, this course will build their confidence and ignite a passion for chess.
Class Structure
The class is structured to provide a balanced mix of instruction, interactive activities, and hands-on practice. Each week will consist of engaging lectures, interactive discussions, and practical exercises. Lessons will be presented using slides, video clips, live demonstrations, and interactive chess puzzles.
Teaching Style
My teaching style is interactive and student-centered. I create a supportive and positive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and exploring new concepts. Through engaging activities and games, students will be encouraged to think critically and creatively about their moves.
By the end of this 8-week course, students will have a strong understanding of chess basics, increased confidence in their playing abilities, and a newfound love for the game. Join us for "Chess for Beginners" and embark on an exciting journey to becoming a skilled chess player!
***Educator Engagement and Feedback
Engagement Level:
*Regular communication via the course platform's messaging system.
*Weekly check-ins to monitor progress and answer questions
Feedback Timeline:
*Assignments and quizzes will be reviewed and feedback provided within 48 hours.
*Responses to questions and messages will be provided within 24 hours on weekdays.
Estimated Completion Time:
* 8weeks (depending on student pace)Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this course, students will:
Understand the Chessboard and Pieces:
Identify and set up the chessboard correctly.
Understand the movements and capturing abilities of each piece: pawns, rooks, knights, bishops, queens, and kings.
Master Basic Chess Rules and Objectives:
Comprehend the primary objective of the game: checkmate.
Recognize key rules including check, checkmate, stalemate, and draws.
Execute special moves such as castling, en passant, and pawn promotion.
Apply Fundamental Opening Principles:
Control the center of the board with pawns and pieces.
Develop pieces quickly and efficiently.
Protect the king through effective castling.
Utilize Basic Tactics and Strategies:
Identify and execute common tactics such as forks, pins, and skewers.
Evaluate piece value and make strategic exchanges.
Recognize threats and develop defensive plans.
Implement Middle Game Strategies:
Enhance piece activity and coordination.
Plan and carry out basic attacks.
Identify and exploit weak points in the opponent’s position.
Understand Advanced Opening Principles:
Recognize popular opening moves and their purposes.
Comprehend the impact of pawn structure on the game.
Familiarize themselves with common openings such as the Italian Game and the Queen’s Gambit.
Improve Through Practice and Feedback:
Solve chess puzzles to reinforce learned tactics and strategies.
Analyze simple positions to determine the best moves.
Apply strategies in practice games and receive constructive feedback for improvement.
These learning goals will equip students with a comprehensive understanding of chess fundamentals, enabling them to play confidently and strategically.
Syllabus
30 Lessons
over 8 WeeksLesson 1:
Introduction to the Chessboard
Understanding the chessboard layout
Setting up the board correctly Lesson 2:
Introduction to the Chess Pieces
Learning the moves of each piece: pawns, rooks, knights, bishops, queens, and kings Lesson 3:
Meet Your Army!
The Rook Lesson 4:
Meet Your Army!
The Bishop Other Details
Supply List
Essential Materials Chess Set: A standard chess set with a board and pieces. (Approximately $10-$20 if not already owned). Notebook and Pen/Pencil: For taking notes during class and writing down strategies or move sequences. Optional Materials Chess Workbook: A beginner’s chess workbook for additional practice and puzzles (optional, approximately $10-$15). Provided Materials Digital Curriculum and Resources: I will provide digital copies of lesson slides, chess puzzles, and game analysis worksheets. Annotated Game Examples: Sample annotated games for study and analysis. These materials will help ensure that learners have everything they need to fully engage with the class and practice their chess skills both during and outside of class sessions.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
I will use material from chesskid.com
Joined May, 2024
Teacher expertise and credentials
7-Time New Mexico Female State Chess Champion, in the top 86% of tournament chess players in the United States, and I have my MA degree in Special EducationReviews
Self-Paced Course
$10
weekly or $80 for all content30 pre-recorded lessons
8 weeks of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
Choose your start date
Ages: 5-10
