Fun way to improve your brain skills

Chess win makes Fillmore student king of castle
By Linda Ebbing
Staff Writer
Thursday, November 29, 2007

A sixth-grader at Fillmore Elementary, he likes playing chess even though “it’s sort of hard.”

Runner up Alexander Sprague, a fifth-grader at Adams Elementary, said he was surprised he did so well.

As he was going into the final round, he said he thought to himself, “How in the world did I get here?”

“I just really enjoy chess,” Alexander said. “It’s a fun way to improve your brain skills and learn more, and I’m glad I got to be in the tournament.”

Gifted instructors Mary Ann Richter and Lindsay Boatright taught hundreds of students in grades four through six how to play chess over the past month.

A tournament was held at each elementary school and the top two winners moved on to the district-wide tournament held at the freshman school. Twenty-four students participated.

“Chess is a game that is both art and science,” said Kathy Wagonfield, elementary gifted coordinator and principal of Monroe Elementary.

“While learning to play most games and sports one builds self-esteem and confidence, yet chess also exercises our minds fully.

“While the gifted department is busy designing programs for our identified students, we are equally engaged in creating enrichment opportunities for all of our elementary population. The chess lessons and tournament is one example.”

Source: Journal News