Learning to play cheas / Activity Analysis

Math

• The Grade 2 student learned about the concept of coordinates by understanding the movement of different pieces on the chessboard.
• The student practiced counting and addition by keeping track of the number of pieces captured by each player.
• Through understanding the value of each chess piece, the student learned about the concept of relative value, a basic economic concept.
• The student gained exposure to the concept of probability and strategic thinking by considering potential moves and their outcomes.

For continued development, the student can engage in simple math exercises that involve counting and addition, such as counting the total points of the pieces a player captures during a game. Additionally, introducing the concept of algebra through understanding how chess pieces move relative to one another on the board can be a creative way to further develop math skills.

Book Recommendations

• Queen of Katwe by Tim Crothers: This book tells the inspiring true story of a young girl in Uganda who becomes a chess champion and how the game changes her life.
• The Kids' Book of Chess and Chess Set by Harvey Kidder: This book presents the game of chess in an engaging and accessible way for young readers, providing a solid foundation for learning how to play.
• Chess for Children by Murray Chandler: This book introduces the rules and tactics of chess in a simple and easy-to-understand manner, making it suitable for beginners.