Helpful Hints

During the school-based chess club meetings you may want to keep track of attendance and offer a little something for those who come regularly.
Have a designated area for forms to be picked up and dropped off.
Have a “quick contact” list of numbers to call if there is a problem. This way you won’t have to thumb through forms to find the numbers you need.
Allow about 5 min. for students to come in and get ready them about 25 min. to go over some pointers and forms and other instructions then 25 min. to play each other and 5 min. to clean up.
Have the students set up their boards at the end of each meet. This re-enforces where the pieces go and assures you all the pieces are accounted for.
Have students grouped together according to ability.
Set clear rules for your club. Make sure they reflect the rules for tournament play if anyone is going to the tournaments. Touch move is the main rule. Click on the players’ manual for a list of other rules.
While at the tournaments keep a record of how well your players did. This will show you who needs a little extra help during the next club meet.
Always build self-esteem.
Some coaches tell their students, “There are no losers only learners, every lost game is a chance to learn something.” You may want to incorporate this into your club as well.
Teach your students how to take simple algebraic notation. This will help in Middle school where they are required to take notation. This also re enforces grids. The manual has an example of this.
Some coaches take the scores and teach averages, and graphs with them.
During the tournaments you may want to bring some extra helpers.
Click here for some sample forms that may help.
Most of all have fun!