As the weather shifts we restrict outdoor activities during lunch, and our students need engaging and intellectually stimulating alternatives within the cafeteria. We propose a chess initiative that aims to provide students in grades 3-5 with an enriching experience, fostering brain development and strategic thinking during their lunch period.
With the acquisition of 10 chess sets, we envision hosting chess games facilitated by dedicated teachers who are willing to volunteer their lunch periods to teach and oversee the matches.
Chess, a game known for promoting brain development, is a powerful tool for addressing learning deficits at our school. Many students are currently two grade levels behind in reading and math, making it crucial for us to offer activities that actively engage and challenge their cognitive abilities.
Chess, with its ability to activate both sides of the brain, has been scientifically proven to promote dendritic growth – the branching structures within the brain responsible for conducting signals. Increased dendritic growth enhances a person's cognitive processing speed and ability to think critically. Moreover, chess has shown positive effects on the development of the prefrontal cortex, responsible for planning, judgment, and self-control – areas where our students could greatly benefit.
Your support in providing the necessary chess sets for this initiative will contribute significantly to our students' cognitive growth and academic progress. By making the move to empower our students during lunch, you will not only help them learn new moves on the chessboard but also support their broader development as scholars. We invite you to be a part of this transformative initiative that promises to maximize our students' potential during this crucial learning period.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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