Student work out strategic moves
March 4, 2009 – 6:46 PM
AMANDA HICKEY
Jacksonville Daily News – Jacksonville, NC, USA
Aubrey Caires, a fifth grade student at Sand Ridge Elementary School, wasn’t worried about whether or not her score counted, as long as she could play.
Aubrey, an alternate on the Sand Ridge chess team, was one of 108 elementary school students who gathered at Parkwood Elementary School Thursday to show their chess skills.
“I learned at school with my (Academically Gifted) teacher. I like that it teaches you a lot of different strategies and stuff,” Aubrey said, explaining that chess has taught her various problem solving and game strategies. “It’s made me happier in class.”
Chess began in Onslow County Schools about five years ago after AIG Coordinator Ann Spangler attended a workshop about using the game in schools.
Initially it began as part of the “nurturing program,” in kindergarten through second grade, where students are nurtured to being in the AIG program, Spangler said.
After the students were ready to move from second grade, third through fifth grades became involved, she said.
“It’s just amazing; all kinds of skills are incorporated into it,” Spangler said, explaining that students learn fair play, sportsmanship, student interaction and more from playing. “I love to see the kids quiet and know they’re concentrating.”
Here is the full article.
Go Aubrey! You go girl!