The P.S. 291 Chess Program

by Al Abrams

The chess program was built entirely around literacy. All new classes studied medieval history, learning about life in medieval times. We read basic books about knights and castles and the role of kings, queens, bishops, and knights and serfs or pawns. One art project consisted of making a replica of a shield, such as the kniights used in battle. Continuing into the program consisted of reading and writing about the history of chess, its origins, studying the famous grandmasters beginning with the 15th century. All the chess problems presented are written in increasing level of difficulty. We study chess openings, middle games, and end game strategies. We cover an extensive vocabulary. All of the student's work is kept in individual chess notebooks. Students were also required to write their own chess books.

Ms. Torres mapped out a conflict resolution program which would develop the following:

(1) Critical thinking skills.

(2) Working together across grades.

(3) Comradeship in a non-competitive environment.

(4) Self-control.

(5) Self-esteem.

The goals of the chess program would include

(1) Teaching literacy in a highly motvating environment.

(2) Learning how to focus and concentrate on work.

(3) Critical thinking - learning to plan ahead.

(4) To learn how to work cooperatively.

(5) To accept defeat in a learning situation.

(6) To develop a support system among the students.

The most important aspect of the program was to combine the conflict-resolution and chess program. The chess program now consists of students from every grade working together. The classes consist of students with emotional problems, learning disabilities, average students, high achievers all working together in a single program - the chess program.