Stress-Free Chess Camp: Learn to Play Chess Fast for Complete Beginners (9-12)

This class is for players wanting a firm foundational understanding of chess with integrated tactics and strategy from day one. In this class, we'll learn about the board, pieces, and basic rules with a focus on having fun! At the end of this class, learners will be able to identify pieces, their value, and their movement patterns. They will be able to describe the chessboard and the starting position. They will understand captures, checks, and checkmates. They will be able to play a game of chess from start to finish. Chess is a research supported strategy to improve math and executive functioning for all learners including those with ADHD and autistic students. Additionally, the group atmosphere allows students to practice social skills like turn-taking and collaboration and life skills like conflict mediation and handling disagreements. 
During class, we will listen to stories, solve puzzles, complete quizzes, play matching games, and do chess drills to increase our familiarity with the boards and pieces. 
Day 1: Welcome to Chess! We will learn about the chessboard, the pieces, and how they move. We will solve simple chess puzzles together to practice. 
Day 2: We will learn about check, checkmate, and how to win chess. We will solve simple checkmate puzzles together to practice. 
Day 3:  We will learn the basics of the opening including castling We will begin playing chess together. 
Day 4:. We will work on learning about captures and basic strategy as we continue playing chess together.