“I like that we get to come here and play, just for the fun of it!”
That’s what these students say even though it means arriving at school by 6:55 am. Despite the early start, Fir Grove has an active and engaged chess club of 38 members, who are at their chess boards by 7:00 am.
Teacher Jada Pearson shares that not only do students learn the game, but they also learn so much more. Most importantly, students are developing a “growth mindset” that gives them the confidence to learn new things through effort and practice.
When BEF visited in November, students were preparing for their first practice tournament and working hard to earn one of the coveted slots on the school’s ten-member team to compete regionally. “Last year’s team — our school’s first — did really well and we were all so proud,” shared Pearson. “But the best part is seeing students having so much fun playing chess.”
