Let's Learn to Play Chess

Computational Thinker and Empowered Learner

Overview

ChessKids is a website that teaches children how to play the game of Chess. It walks them through the game, has tutorials, puzzles and involves the child. It helps to keep them motivated as they are learning the game and improving their skills. It also helps with critical thinking skills.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

Be able to learn about the game of chess.
Understand the game.
Be able to improve.

Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words:

Pawn: A pawn is the smallest game piece.
Knight: A knight is a game piece that resembles a horse.
Check: Check is when the King is being attacked directly by an opponent's piece.
Checkmate: Checkmate is if the King is in check and cannot get out of check. We say the King is checkmated and the game is lost.
Rook: A rook is a game piece that resembles the castle.

Pre-planning

To prepare for this lesson:

Log onto ChessKids and create an account.
Click the learn tab to begin the lesson and begin learning the game.
Take the test from the lesson.
Continue to the next lesson.
Here are resources that may be helpful for the teacher and students:

Note:

There is an option to pay for an upgraded version.
The website is very user-friendly.
It is a safe website.

Accommodations

See Accommodations Page and Charts on the 21things4students.net site in the Teacher Resources.

Steps

Directions for this activity:

Log onto ChessKid and create an account.
Click the learn tab to begin the lesson and begin learning the game.
Take the test from the lesson.
Continue to the next lesson.
Explore puzzles.
Achievements are awarded under the user name.
Use any of the videos with the students or other resources from Pre-Planning to help hone their skills.

Assessment Options

Different options for assessing the students:

Observations of students playing chess.
Check for understanding
Assessments are available in ChessKid.
Have a chess tournament with class.
Class discussion on how to play.

MITECS Competencies & ISTE STANDARDS

MITECS: Michigan adopted the "ISTE Standards for Students" called MITECS (Michigan Integrated Technology Competencies for Students) in 2018.

Computational Thinker
5a. Students formulate problem definitions suited for technology-assisted methods such as data analysis, abstract models and algorithmic thinking in exploring and finding solutions.

Empowered Learner
1a. Students articulate and set personal learning goals, develop strategies leveraging technology to achieve them and reflect on the learning process itself to improve learning outcomes.
1b. Students build networks and customize their learning environments in ways that support the learning process.
1c. Students use technology to seek feedback that informs and improves their practice and to demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways.
1d. Students understand the fundamental concepts of technology operations, demonstrate the ability to choose, use and troubleshoot current technologies and are able to transfer their knowledge to explore emerging technologies.