Rocket City Introduces Chess To Every Student During Hour of Chess Week

Huntsville City (also known as the Rocket City) is located in North Alabama with a population of over 200,000 residents, making it the fourth largest city in Alabama.

Home to the US Space and Rocket Center and numerous defense industries supporting Redstone Arsenal, parents value the many STEM-based curriculum offerings of the school system. Huntsville City Schools won a 2020 ChessKid grant which enabled every elementary student to have unlimited access to the ChessKid program and this aligned with the school system’s educational mission.

 

The diverse student population totals almost 24,000 of which 42% are on free or reduced lunch.

 

During the Fall 2020 Hour of Chess Week, Huntsville City Schools experienced widespread participation from its students. The introduction to chess was a great success.

Jones Valley Elementary (pictured below) had the added distinction of being one of three winners of the ChessKid Hour of Chess Photo contest! If you missed Fall Hour of Chess week, do not worry. ChessKid has another Hour of Chess week planned for February 1-5, 2021.

 

WHAT TEACHERS SAY:

The pandemic has presented numerous challenges for educators who are teaching virtual classes as well as face-to-face. One virtual classroom teacher at Hampton Cove Elementary, Brenda Berthelson (pictured below), shared:

“As for my class, they love Chess Kids!  Our hour of chess was very successful in my own virtual classroom.  It is a wonderful program to teach those who have never played chess as well as those who have played.  I love how my kids helped each other, even leaving their own games to coach other games that we screen shared.”

WHAT PARENTS SAY: 

Parents had rave reviews of the opportunity and access to ChessKid.com:

“We enjoy the ChessKid app at home. Tessa likes to use the learning features, demonstrating chess rules in a fun and engaging way. We also use the app to play chess online with other kids. As a parent, I appreciate strong controls around the application that makes me feel safe about my kids spending time on ChessKid.

Thank you for giving us this opportunity to learn chess in a fun and engaging way!”

Lena - GSES parent

 “Jack loves the ChessKid app! He is new to chess and I loved that it first explained the rules of the game then allowed him to advance as his skills improved. He loves the hints and being able to connect and play with other students in the class. Thanks for recommending ChessKid for your gifted students!”

Jennie GSES parent

WHAT STUDENTS SAY:

"I think it's awesome!"  Isaiah W. (3^rd grade)

“ChessKid is fun because I can play with other people and practice.” Natalie M. (3^rd grade)

“It’s fun to play online. I like the strategy and competition.” Asher W

 

Want to Learn More?

 

If your organization is interested in learning more about the benefits of chess or if you have a great story about how chess has had a positive impact on your kids, please contact Ranae Bartlett, ChessKid Education Director at [email protected]. If you want to set up a chess program with 100+ kids, we have tools and resources to help you!