You can't learn chess if you don't play. I have some experience in training beginners (which never moved a chess piece before). First, I start with pawn chess (only pawns, goal is to go down on 8. rank). Since pawns are very complicated, I split it up. First time, they move 1 square, and capture normally. Second time, I add the rule that they can move 2 squares in first move. And the rooks. They are quite easy to learn, so 1 game with rooks, and 1 game with 2 rooks. I only continiue when they have ¨mastered¨ the piece, not if they still make non-legal moves.
Let then play as much as possible, and it motivates them if they can beat the coach. I think I have a 50% score against my young students.
As the title says, as my third work experience placement I'm going to try to teach chess to some severely disadvantaged kids in a couple weeks. By disadvantaged, I mean socially; in Ireland we have a community called "travellers", whom live in caravans and are consistently discriminated against and looked down upon. They're like gypsies.
I'm really excited about this and the possibility to (hopefully) make a difference in somebody's life. One thing I need some advice on, though, is how to go about it. I figured I'd start by teaching them how the pieces move, and tell them some stories (Bobby Fischer, Alekhine, Tal - there's no end to the interesting anecdotes in and around chess) to get them interested.
I am gonna be there for a full week, though, so I was just wondering if it would be a good idea to just have them play against each other once they learn how the pieces move, or to actually 'teach' them about chess: the endgame, maybe some opening principles? Also, does anybody else have similar experiences they might like to share?Just curious about the community's opinion(s). Any input is greatly appreciated.