Checkmate
Project URL:
http://www.teachnet-lab.org/ps101/chornik/chess/chessindex.htm
How it works:
Checkmate is designed for students in grades five through
eight. Students develop critical thinking skills and cause-and-effect
relationships by planning strategic chess moves. Chess teaches
students to think logically and take responsibility for their actions
and consequences. As stated by the National Scholastic Chess
Foundation, "Chess involves critical thinking, cultivates
visualization skills, improves problem-solving skills, teaches
concentration and self-discipline, rewards determination and
perseverance, raises self-esteem, promotes good sportsmanship,
encourages socialization skills that extend across cultures and
generations, and chess is fun!" In this program, the
Internet is used as a resource in researching the history of chess and
the roles played by the people each
chess piece is named for. Creative writing, word processing, and
editing skills are incorporated as students write a play that is set
in medieval times. "The play's the thing" as the students
become actors, producers, and directors in order to present their
skit.
Standards addressed:
Students read and comprehend at least four books on the same
subject, or by the same author, or in the same genre. They
produce a response to literature and a
narrative account, participate in group meetings, prepare
and deliver a presentation, demonstrate a
basic understanding of the rules of the English language in written
and oral work, analyze and subsequently revise work to improve its
clarity and effectiveness, respond to drama using interpretive and
critical processes, produce work in a genre that follows the
conventions of the genre, and predict outcomes. They
understand cause-and-effect relationships, understand and apply basic
principals of logic and reasoning, understand basic problem-solving
techniques, apply decision-making techniques, and interpret and
synthesize information.
Materials
used:
Required materials include a computer with Internet capabilities,
along with a printer, scanner, digital camera, and digital video
camera.
The students:
Checkmate was created for fifth graders but is appropriate
for students in grades five through eight. The students attend P.S.
101 in Brooklyn, New York, and the classes are heterogeneously
grouped. Because of the cooperative learning activities, students of
varying abilities and skill levels work well together.
Overall value:
In this program, the Internet is used both as a research tool and
a means to "playing chess games," resulting in students
becoming motivated learners. Additionally, students gain confidence by
working in cooperative groups and develop pride while writing and
performing an original skit or play.
Tips:
Writing a folk tale or fable instead of a play or skit also works
well with this program, which can also be done in collaboration with
teachers and students from other schools. |
Carolyn Hornik has been a New York City public school teacher for twenty five years (12 years as a classroom teacher in third, fourth, and fifth grades and 13 years as a technology coordinator.)
She teaches in-service courses for the New York City Board of Education After School Professional Development Program and on-line courses for new teachers through
Teachers Network.
Chornik@aol.com
Estimated Class Periods To Complete: 10
or more
Subject: English, Social Studies
Beginning Grade Level: 4
Ending Grade Level: 8
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