Got Chess? HES Students Learn Game's Nuances

Students hunched over chess boards in the Hillsborough Elementary School multi-purpose room, contemplating how to crush their opponents.

The student-versus-student matches are an extension of an activity started last year, that is expected to continue into the coming school year.

“It’s an initiative that I really want to bring into the school this year, so this is a great way to kick off this,” Hillsborough Elementary School Principal Mike Volpe said.

The gaming skills go beyond simply knowing how to move the chess pieces, however. The strategy aspect of the game allows the kids to use critical thinking that the can also apply to the classroom.

“There’s a lot of research out there that says chess helps kids think critically and creatively,” Volpe said. “That’s what we want them to do in school.”

The matches broke students into 10 groups of four students each, with each of the children playing each other once. Parents served as judges during the night, and Volpe assigned a thirty-minute time limit on each match, to prevent overly long bouts.

Students received points based on the outcome of their games and those with the most points in their group of four received trophies at the end of the night. Each student who attended received a chess-themed goodie bag as well.

In addition to learning the game, the match provides an ice breaker for kids. Students were grouped by ability level during each match, so those who just learned the game were not taking on more advanced players.

“It’s a great way for kids to socialize with kids they don’t normally socialize with too,” Volpe said.

The 40 kids attending the match ran the gamut of kindergarteners through fourth graders—and some students who will begin fifth grade at Auten Road Intermediate School next year.

In addition, the games show that the school does take a break for the summer, Volpe added.

“It’s good community outreach during the summer,” Volpe said. “It lets them know we are not taking the summer off. I want to show that we are a living, breathing organization.”

For several parents, the surprise came when they saw how quickly their children learned the game.

“The school talked about it and they were excited,” Michael Guarnieri, one of the parents, said. “It’s a very nice thing that Mr. Volpe is doing.

“I was surprised that they caught on so fast and that they are enjoying it,” he added.

For other parents, the club capitalizes on something they know about from working in other school districts, or indulges the interest their children already have in the game.

“My son has actually been playing for a few years now,” Kathleen Boylan said. “My dad taught him. He was really excited when Mr. Volpe sent out the email.”

“It’s very popular in my school district, so I was really happy when it started here,” Kate Becza said.