Training Methods: Efficient improvement in chess involves lessons, exercises, play, and game analysis. I believe a gradual release of responsibility model is necessary to monitor students' understanding and mastery of the concepts presented in each class. My method for gradual release instruction is "I Do, We Do, You Do."

 

Through out the semester, I demonstrate essential tactics, openings, middlegames, and endgames. I review chess games to show students how these distinct phases of chess work together. In "We Do," I invite students to answer from their seat or come up to my demo board to give them a chance to use their new knowledge in a given position. Lastly, for "You Do," I allow students to play out the position together over the board. Often, I assign assign one or two challenge puzzles related to the concept covered to individually assess students and encourage their deeper understanding.   

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I show my serious students how to create a collaborative study folder on www.lichess.org. Here, students add their own online games or games from their tournaments. I will analyze these games and provide valuable feedback. I promptly let parents know when I am done providing this service. 

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Curriculum: Over the years, I have explored and implemented a broad array of teaching methods and materials. Created and incorporated in school programs all over Europe, the Steps Method, by Rob Brunia and Cor van Wijgerden, is the most advantageous curriculum for teaching chess to children. Although not mandatory, students who complete the exercises in these workbooks tend to improve at a faster pace 

than their peers. I am able to offer discounts when you purchase these workbooks from me. Please visit www.chess-steps.com for more information.

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