Care to Connect?

As school librarians, we seek to connect kids with the resources they need for school, entertainment, or personal knowledge. But during this time of pandemic, students need personal connection as never before and those who really care are looking for ways to connect with them, and to connect them with the school and with each other. So this is the first blog of many where I hope to share my attempts, failures, and successes in reaching out to students.

Chess Club was/is one of my attempts. I hadn't planned on starting a chess club this year, since I knew only the most basic rules of Chess. But as I searched for a game that would engage students with each other virtually, and one for which the district would be willing to pay, I came across ChessKid.com. It provided the necessary privacy features as well as the tools needed for kids to play each other, individually or in tournament style. The lessons are funny and informative and I have become a much better player as I have participated along with the students. Students can learn the game at their own pace, and play once a week in tournament against students at their own level (I hold online tournaments through zoom on Tuesdays (for beginners) and Thursdays (for intermediate players.) I've had students create blookets that allows students to compete using their knowledge of the game (have the host use "Gold Quest"--kids love it!

Let me know how I can help you get started with your own school Chess Club, or if you have ideas for other online games that really engage students with each other. I'd love to connect with you!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qe7bvnuE7WM