"Chess is life." Bobby Fischer. The game of chess is a fabulous learning tool that students can benefit from. I recently switched schools and I no longer have access to classroom chess sets. Who knows, maybe the next Bobby Fischer lives at my new school in Oregon!
I teach Social Studies to grades 9 - 12 at a rural public school in Oregon.
The students are part of a tight-knit agricultural community located in between Portland and Salem. This unique location offers students access to urban resources, while maintaining a rural lifestyle. Most students in the school are involved in athletics. Non-athletic clubs compete with sports and sometimes only survive by incorporating them into classroom curriculum. My new students have not been exposed to chess in the classroom prior to my arrival. It is my hope that students will beg for chess time, like my previous students, and soon annual chess tournaments will be underway and popular.
My Project
As a major influence on all students that step into my classroom, it is my goal to expose students to resources that have a positive impact on their lives. Chess in the classroom does just that. By incorporating chess into my curriculum, I have witnessed student relationship building, increased logical thinking skills and peer-to-peer teaching/learning. I have seen shy students step out of their shell while interacting with the chess board. I have also observed students excelling in regular class curriculum upon learning that they can be successful with the game of chess. The game of chess is well-suited for every type of student in the classroom, and has been a positive element in my classroom in the past.
This project is important because my students will no doubt benefit from class chess sets.
I am unable to personally purchase this resource and there is not room in the Social Studies budget for this purchase. From having class chess sets at my former school, I know my students will gain wonderful thinking and social skills and the game will make for a more positive learning environment in my classroom.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Meehan and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.