Welcome to Chess Explorers, where young minds embark on an exciting journey into the fascinating world of chess! This 5-week asynchronous class is designed to introduce children to the fundamental concepts and strategies of chess while fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and sportsmanship. Whether your child is a complete beginner or has some prior chess experience, this class is the perfect opportunity for them to become confident chess players.

Course Overview:
Week 1: Laying the Foundation
•	Basic rules of the game and etiquette for starting: Learn the names of the pieces, the proper manners and behavior when starting a game of chess.
•	Introducing the chessboard: Learn how the chessboard is set up and understand its importance in the game.
•	Time and space in chess: Explore the concept of time management and spatial awareness on the chessboard.
•	The notation of the game: Acquire the ability to read and write chess notation, an essential tool for recording and analyzing games.


Week 2: Unveiling the Chess Pieces and Their Powers
•	Introducing each chess piece: Dive into the unique abilities and movements of each chess piece, from pawns to kings and queens.
•	The value system of each chess piece: Understand the relative importance of each piece and how to make strategic decisions based on their value.

Week 3: Mastering the Basics
•	Exceptions: Discover the special rules of chess, including castling and en passant. 
•	The goal of the game: checkmate! Learn the ultimate objective of chess and how to achieve victory.
•	What makes a draw? Explore different scenarios and conditions that can lead to a draw in chess.

Week 4: Understanding Offenses and Defences
•	What is an attack? Important things to consider when capturing and trading pieces 
•	Protection: The King and the Rest 
•	Basic checkmate patterns and common defences options 

Week 5: Avoiding Common Opening Straps 
•	The structure of the game: Understand the three stages of a chess game—the opening, mid-game, and endgame—and their respective strategies.
•	Visualization and calculation in chess: Develop visualization and calculation skills to plan moves ahead and analyze different positions.
•	Beginner positions to avoid: Identify common pitfalls and positions to avoid falling into as a beginner.


While this is a FLEX class, I will be available on Outschool to help students set up their game online. I encourage everyone to practice, experiment and have fun outside of the puzzle practice contained within this course. In addition to puzzle practice and other activities, I will be even able to schedule live games or live session on Zoom for analysis of the games. 

Please don't hesitate to send any questions. 

Warmly, 
Louisa