Chess For Schools (from Simple Strategy Games To Clubs And Competitions)
By (author) Richard James
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By (author) Richard James; By (author) James, Richard
Short description/annotation
An approach to teaching chess in schools through a series of mini games which will enable all children to better understand and enjoy this magnificent game.
Review quote
When I began to read Chess for Schools, I was aware of two salient facts: that Richard James has tremendous experience teaching chess to children - in a classroom setting and as founder of the famously successful Richmond Junior Chess Club; and that he has been a consistent critic of much current chess teaching practice - particularly in primary schools, where he believes the teaching of chess is frequently pitched at an unrealistic level in relation to the cognitive development of the pupils. I was consequently well-prepared for a text that might ruffle some feathers.I was not disappointed. There are undeniably passages in the book which will make uncomfortable reading for some chess teachers and parents. Yet far from the feeling that Richard James is gratuitously courting controversy, I came to regard his unwillingness to pull punches with many in his target audience as a mark of the book''s uncommon integrity. His views are the product not only of great experience but also of a persistent quest to improve the outcomes for his pupils, both those with lofty chess ambitions and those who will enjoy a variety of relationships with the game. He has read widely and thought deeply, and the result is a coherent, very readable and well-structured argument which he makes with obvious passion. I didn''t agree with all his contentions, but I always found myself hungry to read on. The book will certainly prompt fresh thoughts and is also a treasure trove of practical advice and resources for chess instruction. I would strongly recommend Chess for Schools to any chess teachers, parents and others with an interest in chess pedagogy.Peter Wells
Review quote
This brilliant book is a three-layered cake. It is so well structured that you do not need to read it from end to end and you do not need ever to have touched a chess piece to find it worthwhile. The one key message for teachers is: if you can teach children, you can teach chess. That is, just as there comes a point when pupils will benefit from a specialist geographer, swimming instructor or mathematician, so it is with chess. The first layer sets the scene. It is easy to read, covers the history of chess and its place in education, what chess is - and, crucially, what it is not. The second layer is an impressively brief and comprehensive survey of the place of chess in the curriculum, and it''s not where you think it might be. This layer will make you think about curriculum development in broad terms as well as in relation to chess. It will make you think about the role of parents and parenting in children''s schooling. The book is properly, academically, referenced. The final layer is a manual of chess resources. The book stands alone as a good read without this section. My main revelation was just how many different games you can play with a chess set - it''s as if I had only ever learnt to play snap with a pack of cards.Tim Bartlett
Review quote
Richard James has created an essential tool for teaching chess in schools. Rooted in deep personal understanding and decades of experience, this approachable, practical guide breaks down the learning of chess and maps out an effective and robust teaching plan. Tackling both social and educational benefits, this book will help you establish a chess culture that seeps through your school.Ellie Dix
Review quote
Chess for Schools explains the limits and the benefits of chess. Chess may not improve standardised test scores. But it can enrich lives, if taught properly. Renowned chess teacher Richard James describes activities, such as minigames which use some of the chessmen, that develop skills useful both on and of
Short description/annotation
An approach to teaching chess in schools through a series of mini games which will enable all children to better understand and enjoy this magnificent game.
Review quote
When I began to read Chess for Schools, I was aware of two salient facts: that Richard James has tremendous experience teaching chess to children - in a classroom setting and as founder of the famously successful Richmond Junior Chess Club; and that he has been a consistent critic of much current chess teaching practice - particularly in primary schools, where he believes the teaching of chess is frequently pitched at an unrealistic level in relation to the cognitive development of the pupils. I was consequently well-prepared for a text that might ruffle some feathers.I was not disappointed. There are undeniably passages in the book which will make uncomfortable reading for some chess teachers and parents. Yet far from the feeling that Richard James is gratuitously courting controversy, I came to regard his unwillingness to pull punches with many in his target audience as a mark of the book''s uncommon integrity. His views are the product not only of great experience but also of a persistent quest to improve the outcomes for his pupils, both those with lofty chess ambitions and those who will enjoy a variety of relationships with the game. He has read widely and thought deeply, and the result is a coherent, very readable and well-structured argument which he makes with obvious passion. I didn''t agree with all his contentions, but I always found myself hungry to read on. The book will certainly prompt fresh thoughts and is also a treasure trove of practical advice and resources for chess instruction. I would strongly recommend Chess for Schools to any chess teachers, parents and others with an interest in chess pedagogy.Peter Wells
Review quote
This brilliant book is a three-layered cake. It is so well structured that you do not need to read it from end to end and you do not need ever to have touched a chess piece to find it worthwhile. The one key message for teachers is: if you can teach children, you can teach chess. That is, just as there comes a point when pupils will benefit from a specialist geographer, swimming instructor or mathematician, so it is with chess. The first layer sets the scene. It is easy to read, covers the history of chess and its place in education, what chess is - and, crucially, what it is not. The second layer is an impressively brief and comprehensive survey of the place of chess in the curriculum, and it''s not where you think it might be. This layer will make you think about curriculum development in broad terms as well as in relation to chess. It will make you think about the role of parents and parenting in children''s schooling. The book is properly, academically, referenced. The final layer is a manual of chess resources. The book stands alone as a good read without this section. My main revelation was just how many different games you can play with a chess set - it''s as if I had only ever learnt to play snap with a pack of cards.Tim Bartlett
Review quote
Richard James has created an essential tool for teaching chess in schools. Rooted in deep personal understanding and decades of experience, this approachable, practical guide breaks down the learning of chess and maps out an effective and robust teaching plan. Tackling both social and educational benefits, this book will help you establish a chess culture that seeps through your school.Ellie Dix
Review quote
Chess for Schools explains the limits and the benefits of chess. Chess may not improve standardised test scores. But it can enrich lives, if taught properly. Renowned chess teacher Richard James describes activities, such as minigames which use some of the chessmen, that develop skills useful both on and of
