Second- through fifth-grade students at Polk Central Elementary School spent their fall and winter learning the ancient game of kings, developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills through weekly chess club sessions.
From October through February, students participated in chess club under the expert guidance of Polk Central physical education teacher Kenny Hall. The program was made possible through a generous donation from a chess lover and longtime friend of Polk Central, with support managed through the Polk County Community Foundation’s Advanced Learning Fund.
Chess teaches diverse skills including critical thinking, problem-solving, creative thinking, sportsmanship, empathy and patience. The afterschool club provides advanced and gifted learners with opportunities to challenge themselves beyond regular classroom instruction.
The Advanced Learning program at Polk County Schools strives to offer all students with potential the opportunity to engage in enriching experiences. Afterschool clubs represent one aspect of services for these learners, who sometimes face under-challenge or isolation in traditional classroom settings.
Students expressed enthusiasm about their chess club experience. One student said they learned good sportsmanship and how to focus while playing. Another noted learning specific strategies like en passant, castling and fool’s mate. Students also valued the social aspects, with one saying their favorite part was making new friends.
“I thought chess club was a lot of fun,” one student said.
The Polk County Community Foundation manages the Advanced Learning Fund, where donors can support similar initiatives that provide enrichment opportunities for students with potential for extraordinary academic achievement.
