Stress-Free Chess and Executive Function Club: Forced Checkmates and Strategy

Class Experience

Chess naturally encourages the development of the three main executive functioning skills: planning ahead, impulse inhibition, and flexible thinking. Students practice these skills as they develop a plan, consider their options, and adapt to their opponent's plans. This class focuses on the propagation of those skills through a natural learning environment while having fun playing games. 
In this learner-driven class for chess players of all experience levels who can independently play a chess game using the Jamboard technology. We will meet each week to casually play chess and develop our skills. Each class will begin with a lesson introducing a basic end-game checkmate. Then, students will practice in pairs to develop their own execution and defense.  
Chess is a research supported way to increase math skills, executive functioning, working memory, focus, and impulse control which  benefits students with ADHD and Autistic students.  Practicing these skills in a natural setting allows all students to gain additional support while having fun and engaging with peers. 
Week of 1/2 : King and Queen Mate
Week of 1/9 :  Rook Roller Mate
Week of 1/16: King and Rook Mate
Week of 1/23: Bishops Mate
Week of 1/30: Bishops Mate
Week of 2/6: Queen's Mate
Week of 2/13 Rook Roller Mate
Week of 2/19 Single Rook Make
Week of 2/26 Bishops Mate