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Discovery Chess: Intro to Pieces / Beginner

In this non-consecutive, beginner-blended class, players will learn a new chess piece each week, how they move, capture and can put the King in danger. This class is exploratory, not strategy driven.
Coach Rhonda - Discovery Chess
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(217)
Class

What's included

1 live meeting
25 mins in-class hours per week
Mastery Evaluation
Skills Practice During Session

Class Experience

US Grade Pre-Kindergarten - Kindergarten
Beginner Level
This beginner blended class for kids ages 4 - 6 allows students to learn about all the chess pieces and how they move, with an introduction to check. 

We will not introduce checkmate, but only check by learning what pieces can put the King in danger. This class is more about exploring the game--not how to immediately win or get better at strategy. We will use a blend of chess resources and our own chess boards. Having a chess board is best, but not required if students use the weekly printouts. Using the online resource is required if the student does not have a physical board or the printouts. 

We take time to discover the value and abilities of each chess piece, and how they present a danger to the King in a real game of chess. 

This class does not build upon strategic knowledge, but it does begin with a chess piece each week, and it allows students to gain confidence with piece identification and movement, and understanding how the game of chess is won by threatening the King. 

Players will be brand new to chess, and not have prior knowledge of the piece names or how to set up the board correctly. Or they have only recently been introduced to chess and possess an excitement and curiosity about the game. 

Each week involves a new chess piece and interactive practice with friends. Subject to change based upon class dynamics. 


Tentative Schedule:
Week 1: Learning and Capturing with the Rooks and Lesson on the King
Week 2: Checking the King with Rooks
Week 3: Learning and Capturing with the Bishops
Week 4: Checking the King with the Bishops
Week 5: Learning and Capturing with the Queen
Week 6: Checking the King with the Queen
Week 7: Learning and Capturing with Pawns
Week 8: Checking the King with Pawns
Week 9: Learning and Capturing with the Knight
Week 10: Checking the King with the Knight
Week 11: Capturing Party
Learning Goals
Students will gain confidence with piece identification and movement, and understand how the game of chess is won by threatening the King by Check.
learning goal

Other Details

Parental Guidance
This is an interactive class that uses an online chess resource, so it is optimal for students to have familiarity with their device (or family support) in order to use the class resource, or they may just have their own chess board and a camera that can be angled so the teacher is able to see progress.
Supply List
A chess board is strongly suggested, but not required. Printing the weekly handouts has proven helpful. 3 year olds may want to purchase the Storytime Chess Set on Amazon
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
  • Lichess
Joined April, 2020
4.9
217reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
At Discovery Chess, led by Coach Rhonda, we are passionate about teaching chess in a way that inspires curiosity, strategy, and a love for the game! Our chess programs are designed to engage learners of all ages and skill levels, whether they’re just starting out or looking to sharpen their competitive edge.

Why Choose Us:
Expert Instruction: Our instructors are seasoned chess players and educators who bring years of experience to the table. We emphasize both foundational knowledge and advanced strategies, giving students a well-rounded understanding of the game.

Interactive Lessons: We believe learning chess should be fun and engaging! Our classes focus on active problem-solving, critical thinking, and friendly competition, helping students grow their skills while enjoying the process.

Tailored for All Levels: From beginners who want to learn the basics to more experienced players looking to refine their strategies, we offer classes suited to every stage of a student’s chess journey.
Our goal is not only to teach the rules of chess but to nurture creativity, patience, and resilience—skills that benefit students both on and off the board. Join us at [Your Program Name] and let’s explore the exciting world of chess together. 

From Coach Rhonda: 

So glad you've stopped by our profile. Chess is my favorite class to teach! I teach kids who love to play all kinds of games. Because chess is synonymous with Ivy League Intelligence, people often forget that chess is still a game, it doesn't have to be so serious, and anyone can learn how to play. Kids have a natural aptitude for chess; the challenge and complexity of it awakens the same cognitive merits as learning to play music, but kids don’t ever think of that because they get lost in the excitement of capturing those pieces and winning the game. It’s really a perfect fit.

That is the work I do -- I break down those mental barriers that chess is too hard, and I help kids discover how fun and invigorating it really is, and that they can be great at it. I opt not to lecture my students or go about teaching chess in a traditional manner. Creatively, I turn things upside down and inside out so the learning experience will be dynamic! Because of this, I may not be the best fit for all families, but I promise high engagement.

I like to incorporate unique learning tools into teaching, including technology, Legos, online games, brain teasers, stuffed animals, toy soldiers, and even food utensils: the Fork! 

Mannerly pets and stuffed animal spectators are welcome for younger learners! We use tech and online resources a lot in class, but at the same time, I welcome and work without it for those students not yet ready for it (mainly for classes with learners under 6). My classroom is a place for kids, so we have a good time playing other games within this game.

I offer a portfolio of chess classes for students ages 3 - 15, and have dedicated my curriculum to ensure that each learning style can be nurtured. 

You can follow me as Discovery Chess on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 
Discovery Chess is located in Richmond, VA. and offers in-person over the board play. 

As an experienced classroom teacher, and enrichment program director, I have worked with students of all ages, from PreK - 12th grade, developing local, state, national, and international programming. My specialties include Chess, Language Arts, and Special Subject areas that involve reading, writing, critical thinking, as well as the humanities. 

I hold a MeD in Instructional Design and Technology and a BA in English and Creative Writing, and have credentialed experience teaching grammar and editing to students in grades 6th -12th in a classroom and tutoring setting. I have worked in the book and magazine publishing industry as well, helping authors through the many stages of publishing, and have written and published a novel while children's' books are in progress. 

My philosophy is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to learning. So my lessons engage kinesthetic, auditory, and visual learners. I also adhere to Dr. Howard Gardner's theory of Multiple Intelligences. 

I believe that learning should be fun, interactive, full of color, and we should laugh at least once together. My favorite things to do are to play chess, stay up all night reading, and also write. I'm a huge Marvel fan, and I love the beach!

Reviews

Live Group Class
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$16

weekly
1x per week
25 min

Completed by 26 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 4-5
3-4 learners per class

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