"Although

the children do have a competitive spirit, we try to maintain a civil

atmosphere. If there is a disagreement among them about a move, then the

parent volunteer steps in to determine if the play can be validated,"

Simpson says.

According to

Simpson, the activity is helping her students learn to develop logical

and critical thinking skills as well as improving their organizational

skills. In chess, players have to stay at least two steps ahead of their

opponents at all times and this requires a great deal of concentration

and focused thought. However, the most interesting discovery for Simpson

is that she sees her students in a different light when they are playing

the game. One student, who struggles with homework, consistently wins

no matter the opponent.

"All of

this time I had thought she lacked problem-solving skills, but she has

shown me that she is more of a problem solver than what I had thought

she was," Simpson explains.

What the students

like best about the program is that they know more about chess than their

teacher does. During chess time, they find themselves reversing roles

with Simpson: they become the teacher and she the student.

"I am

a student here with them. They try to teach me how to play, but they always

end up beating me," laughs Simpson.

Simpson says

she would like to see all students at East Fayette involved in playing

chess. Students as young as first and second graders have asked to be

included in the program. The only problem is finding enough volunteers

for the number of students who are interested in playing.

Anyone who

is interested in volunteering time to help with the program can contact

Simpson at the school. In addition, extra chess sets are needed to accommodate

more players. People who would like to donate chess sets can also contact

Simpson.

"A lot

of what students learn from playing chess can be applied to their school

work. I feel that this program would benefit all students who want to

participate," Simpson says.