I have been recently contemplating the creation of a chess club for youths in my area. Seeing as I am currently unemployed, and I spend the greater portion of my time studying the game, I figured I might try and better employ my time by teaching the game to youngsters.

My questions are many, but any insight into making this easier on myself or a better experience for the students would be greatly appreciated. I plan on teaching between the ages of 8-14, and if possible, twice a week. And if asked, I would do private lessons as well. I intend on teaching at the local recreation center as they already have the means to advertise for the program. This would also work well since the parents droping their children off might just stay there to work out, and as a result, more parents would find it convenient. I was also thinking of charging somewhere in the neighborhood of $10 an hour per student, and perhaps a bit more for private lessons.

As far as my ability to teach is concerned, I feel I know plenty of chess tactics and strategy, at least enough to teach children as i've been playing the game for many years. I've studied the game at various intervals very seroiously, and have been tutored at times as well. In 2006, I created the Fort Lewis College chess club, which were made up of both college students, and residents of the town. I also know my own limits, and if I fealt I could no longer improve a students game, I am at least able to admit that and could direct the student elsewhere.

In all, my concerns fall on how to teach chess to a group of students whos ability or skills do not align. I hope to have around 20 students per class.

Excersises, learning games, and the like are also unknown to me. Games that perhaps teach the games basics besides actually playing. One that I am familiar with is where each player only has their pawns and kings, and you play to see who can queen first. Excersises such as these help the children to learn piece movement and basic strategy without burdening them with all the peice movements at once.

Really, anything and everything that anyone has to offer regarding teaching chess, to groups, ages 8-14, would be greatly appreciated.

Hi DevilD,

I formed a chess club for a school here in Oregon with the same age group.  I can only tell you what I have done. I hope it help's you a little.  I first Made a large display chess board out of metal and made chess peices put of wood with magnets on the back of them.  This way everyone could see it and not crowd around a little board and try to see.  It helps a lot for discussions and training.

I also told my class the history of chess.  I thought it was imprtant for them to know a litte about the game other than just stratgies and tactics.  I also started as if none of them had heard of the game.  It was easier for me, knowing that I started them at the same place.

I also had a few inexpensive beginner books on the game that I sold them so we all started on the same page.  Then we started to go though each book and I used the display board all the time. 

After the basics were done, I started them on the boards with the easier openings.  I suggest starting them off with the evans gambit.  Easy to understand and keep track of why you are learning.

I found that keeping it as simple as possible was the best way for them to remember things.  Then I went for the next easiest openings after that.

So far I have 25 students and club members.  It's fun for them and me too.

I hope this helps a little.  If you have any concerns or questions, Please feel free to message me. I will help all I can.  I do lessons as well for $10.00 an hour.  I think the building of a chess club that you are going to do will work well also.

Some of my students will go on to better instructors than myself and thats how it should be.  I try to bring in players way better than myself as guest speakers from time to time.   Well I hope this helped some.

knightspawn5