Pike County Primary School has one of the few chess clubs for second graders in the nation. Amy Jones’ second grade gifted class has been learning to play chess and decided on a logo for and the name of their club – The King’s Army Chess Club. The students even have a special chess tutor, Diane Kandler.
“I feel very blessed to have this opportunity to enhance my gifted class’s instruction. As a school system, we have a vision to provide an educational experience that values the talents of all students. Chess is a game that does that and involves critical thinking and problem solving,” said Amy Jones. “We have learned each piece up to the queen and what strengths and weaknesses that piece brings to the game. They have learned to not discount a pawn though!”
For many of the students, chess is a new game but second grader Samuel ‘Beau’ Adams has been playing the strategic game since he was 4-years-old. He plays chess frequently and played in his first chess tournament for middle schoolers in the spring. He also competes in Atlanta-area chess tournaments, plays chess online and is looking forward to taking part in a National Chess Tournaments in a few months.
“Beau learned to play pretty quickly and was really interested in the game so he continued with lessons,” said his mother Laura Tinsley. “His second grade class helped decide on the logo and the name for their club so we had shirts made so they can all wear them when the club meets.”
The King’s Army is still learning the basics of the game and they do a lesson on Fridays and then practice playing each other.
“All the kids seem to be enjoying it and it’s good for their minds too,” said Laura.