Chess for Rookies: Introduction to Chess Part III (Notation & Strategy)

Completed by 144 learners

Ages 7-11

Live One-Time Class

In this second introduction class, students will learn the proper notation, etiquette of the game, strategies for the openings and the mid-game.

Louisa Hou

Average rating:

5.0

Number of reviews:

(216 reviews)

Star Educator

Live video meetings

Meets once

2-5 learners per class

50 min

About Learning Overview Teacher Reviews

What's included

1 live meeting

50 mins in-class hours

Class Experience

Dear Parents and Learners! 

Thank you for your interest in my chess class. 

This introduction class is welcome to all learners who wish to learn about chess. 
This class is a continuation from the class Chess for Rookies: Introduction Part II. Participants are expected to have basic knowledge on :

-The chessboard and the basic rules of the game 
-The value system of the pieces
-The way pieces move
-How to checkmate and how to draw

I believe that chess is an interactive game and can only be learned through active games. The only prerequisite to an interactive game is to understand the basic rules of the game. For this reason, my lessons will be focused on learning the rules first, then I will incorporate puzzles to practice throughout the lesson. In the end, we will review all the concepts and we will play a short game. This will also ensure everyone can have a chance to participate and to apply the knowledge in the class. Questions are welcome at all time. 

I do not believe in simple content learning. I believe that learning is about introducing the right tools so that the students can create their own game. In this sense, after understanding the basic rules, the principles of the game are more crucial than the memorization of classic variations. 

This class will cover: 
- A review of the basic rules and principles of the game 
- The notation of the game  
- Basic etiquette for starting 
- The structure of the game: the focus of an opening, mid-game and endgame 

And finally if there is enough time, we will play a short game. Depending on the game, the class might go slightly overtime. Students are not obligated to stay. 

I recommend having a chessboard and chess pieces. For the class, I will be using an online platform as well to make sure that everyone can follow and have the same starting point. In addition, I recommend everyone to have a chessboard for general practice and play because in the case of tournaments, students will have to use real chessboards. To play with real chessboard will habituate students to not only play online. 

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to communicate with me! 

Looking forward to meeting you!

Louisa

Learning Goals

The students will understand the chess notation, chess etiquette and introduction to the major structures of the game (opening, middle and final). We will also make sure to review the basic rules and principles of the game. By the end of the class, the students should be able to play with a clear understanding of the structure. If the student is interested, he or she should be able to move on to the next lesson where we will learn a classic opening and strategies to prepare for the mid-game.

Other Details

Supply List

Optional: a set of chessboard and chess pieces

We might play a game in the end using the platform Chessonlinefree. This website should not track your data. Depending on your browser, I would recommend to have an add blocker to avoid distraction.

External Resources

Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Meet the teacher

Louisa Hou

Joined July, 2020

5.0

216reviews

Star Educator

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

To try out chess club or classes, please reach out for a new student coupon.

Dear parents and learners, 

Welcome to my profile! Thank you for your interest in my classes. 

I have a degree in psychology from McGill University with a strong interest in child development. Previously, I worked on multiple projects on the development of e-health tools for breast cancer prevention at the Loiselle Lab and education-related studies at the Pragmatic Lab at McGill where we experimented to better understand young participants’ learning process on screens. To further my insight on the delivery of information online and e-learning, I am currently conducting research on the effects of Zoom fatigue as a graduate student at Laval University.  

I have more than 6 years of teaching experience working with children from the age of 6 to 14, from the McGill joint program like the Taylor Adolescent program at the Montreal Fluency Center to the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry program at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute. I also taught ESL online to children from China and Japan. In addition to working with children, I worked as a teaching assistant for the sleep mechanism course at McGill. (Highly recommend it!)

These experiences equipped me with scientific knowledge, strong observational skills and flexibility to adapt my teaching style to work with students from different cultural backgrounds or with different needs. I believe that learning is supported through intrinsic motivation and a growth mindset. In addition to the content learning, It is important for all learners to understand the learning process and psychology. For this reason, I put a great emphasizes on breaking down each step and representing all ideas as concretely as possible through imagery. Lastly, the best way for knowledge to stick is through fun discussions and real-life applications. My vision is for my students to become independent learners and be able to improve their own study plan according to their strength and weaknesses. 

Lastly, and most importantly, I played chess throughout my childhood and I wish to introduce my passion to young learners. I played competitively in Canada for many years, notably at the Canadian Youth Chess Championship and had the chance to represent my country in international competitions such as the World Youth Chess Championship. I think this game is a fun way to develop strategies, analysis, planning, empathy and most importantly, make friends with others and the self. 

I look forward to seeing you in the classroom!

Warm regards, 

Louisa