Turning chess into game of learning

Elgin teacher turns chess into game of learning
7:00 AM, Nov. 13, 2011

GREEN CAMP – An Elgin Junior High School teacher is using the game of chess to encourage learning.

Kim Cornelius, who now teaches eighth grade, started incorporating chess into her lessons 14 years ago while teaching sixth-graders at Elgin West Elementary about the novel “The Westing Game.” The mystery, written by Ellen Raskin, makes references to the game.

She is now including a chess unit in her nine-week language arts wheel class, part of a series of electives meant to help junior high teachers expand on topics beyond the time available while teaching the core topics.

“Teaching chess connects to all content areas, history, math, language arts and science,” Cornelius said. “We study the history of chess, the fact that the chessboard was created from an algebraic equation, the science of learning and playing the game.”

She also wanted to teach students about competition in a way that doesn’t involve playing a physical sport.

In the class it goes beyond playing the game. Students watch the movie “Knights of the South Bronx,” which stars Ted Danson and Keke Palmer, and use a story map graphic organizer to track the story elements. They are required to create a three-paragraph story summary and research the game, including its history, its rules and the benefits of learning the game.

Several students said they enjoy the lessons, though some were faring better than others at mastering the game.

“I think it’s really cool,” said Audrey Watkins. “With all the stuff we’ve been doing, it’s supposed to help your brain focus and think more clearly.”

She said the game was simple to learn but added she had won only one game so far.

As far as how it felt to lose, she said, “You know you played a good game. That way you can get better.”

Corey Collins said he enjoys how the game gets his brain working. His brother had taught him how to play.

Taylor Jones and Sierra Collins, after competing against each other on Wednesday, said they enjoy getting the chance to play with friends. Taylor said the difficult part of the game is figuring out which way to move while Sierra agreed, talking about trying to figure out what she is trying to do as she makes each move.

“It’s a mind game,” Sierra said.

Cornelius, whose father was a barber in Waldo, said she learned how to play in his barbershop. She said, though, that she really didn’t have the interest and patience at that time and really didn’t build up an interest in the game until she taught about the novel “The Westing Game.”

“Chess is a game with a rich history and is known around the world,” she said. “I love chess because I can connect it to about any aspect of learning.”

While teaching about the history and the game’s rules, Cornelius also tries to get a few life lessons in as well.

Source: http://www.marionstar.com