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February 6, 2000
GFW students get on 'board'Ancient game of chess hassomething to teach modern studentsBy GUY PRIEL Journal Staff Writer GIBBON -- In an age when computer games and games such as Pokemon are on the mind of every child over the age of six, students at GFW Elementary School have learned that problem solving and fun go hand-in-hand. For the past four weeks, students in first through fifth grade have gathered after school on Thursdays to learn the basics of chess during a unique program designed to get students to develop their thinking skills, Principal Thomas Magoris said. "We usually have between 30 to 35 students participating," he said. "They are usually very focused in. It's good for them to get involved in this." Magoris will spend a few minutes with individual students teaching them the names of the pieces and how they move and will teach a few strategy skills, so they understand the basic concept of the game. "It's usually a short process, because I will pair students who understand with those who don't, and they basically teach each other," he said. "It really gets them thinking." The program has been conducted after school every January, which tends to be a long month unbroken by holidays or any types of breaks, for the past three years. Magoris stated that he works through community education and there is no cost for participation. Prior to coming to Gibbon, Magoris worked with similar programs at other schools. "We lose our older students to the middle school, but some of them have the potential to be outstanding players," he said. "The third and fourth grade students teach the younger ones to play. It's a good mentoring approach." The students spend an hour playing chess and usually manage to complete at least two games in that period of time. Magoris developed a chart to determine progress in a sort of mini-tournament. "We tend to downplay the competition aspect of the game," Magoris said. "Which is good. Many of our students just like the challenge of developing their own strategy. But some of our boys are pretty aggressive and competitive." There are three levels, king, queen and rook. After two or three sessions, they gradually work into that aspect. Those losing at the king level move into the queen level and so on, Magoris said. "We didn't get too many girls this year, but we usually have a few that are interested," he said. "The goals are to develop strategy and learn problem-solving skills." Prior to beginning the session, Magoris sent a letter to parents announcing the intent and to determine the interest. This year he had two first graders, Lucas Seehafer and Jacob Sjostrom, who have really enjoyed being involved in the program. "We stress sportsmanship and emphasize shaking hands before and after a game," Magoris said. "We don't get too involved in strategy, castling or timing, because we really don't have the time in four weeks." Magoris would like to be able to develop a night where parents could come in and participate with their children, since many have learned at home. He is also looking into other options through community ed. "I would like to see us connect with other schools in the area who have similar programs to develop a regional tournament," he said. "At another school I took students to a tournament in St. Cloud. There were 500 kids there on a Saturday." Magoris has about four copies of a book by Bobby Fischer that gets into various strategies and offers tips. He has loaned the books to teachers, parents and students to help develop their skills. "The book helps tie in reading and math, since it provides moves and solutions," Magoris said. "Some students even have computer chess games they can use." Some of his third grade students are strong players and he would like to be able to have some competition for them. "The problem is that we don't provide transportation and that can create difficulty for parents," he said. "I would like to work with them in smaller groups, but need volunteers to help with that." Many of the students have chess boards available in their class rooms and many of the teachers are working with the students, which helps a lot, Magoris said. He has even checked with an organization in New York known as Chess International for tips on developing a school program and getting grants to extend the program. "I just don't have the time to do this every week all year long," he said. "That would be ideal, though."
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