What's included
1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hours per weekAssignments
1 hour per week. After every class I send a detailed interactive lesson that reviews the work we do in class. For example: https://lichess.org/study/Wy2oO61sClass Experience
This class follows the exact same format as my popular Chess for Tigers class. The only difference is that you can enroll once and be signed up on an ongoing basis for the same time every week. First we warm up with puzzles exploring one tactical theme. I share my screen and we will solve puzzles together using a question and answer format, discussing pros and cons of various moves. Then we will explore a very short (4-15 moves) instructive game that focuses more on strategic ideas, again discussing pros and cons of every move. Finally we login to https://lichess.org where we will have plenty of time for live games with light coaching and lots of encouragement. You can continue to drop in to my Chess for Tigers class any time while signed up for this one. I track what students have learned so I can bring fresh material to every class and shape it around skill level as much as possible. **Prerequisites** Students must be able to find the Chat in the Zoom meeting and copy and paste a link from lichess.org. This is hard for me to explain during class because it looks different depending on the device they are using. Students should be very comfortable with how the pieces move, the names of the squares, and the use of lichess.org before taking this course. If they need a refresher or are starting from the beginning they should first take my class called Chess for Sparrows | Beginner Crash Course or my chess club designed for less experienced players called Chess for (Younger) Tigers. **Prep for First Class** Students will use https://lichess.org/ for live games during the second half of class. They will need to be able to navigate between Zoom and lichess.org and know how to copy & paste on their device to start live games. If that's too tricky please sign up Chess for (Younger) Tigers instead. It is not necessary to create an account but if you do please be sure to turn on Kid Mode: https://lichess.org/account/kid And please don't download the app. The website works much better.
Learning Goals
Good sportsmanship and fun combined with growing understanding of tactics and strategy.
Other Details
Pre-Requisites
Students should be very comfortable with how the pieces move and capture and the names of the squares. Younger students should take my other class called Chess for (Younger) Tigers at least once before joining this class.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
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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Reviews
Live Group Class
$20
weekly1x per week
55 min
Completed by 102 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 7-12
1-9 learners per class