How to become a K-5 STATE CHAMPION in Chess: by a 2-time Connecticut State Champion
#1 of 1 in Become a K-5 State Champion in Chess Volume I Series
What’s inside...
This book, written by sixth grader and K-5 Connecticut State Champion Chehan Sethi, is designed to introduce chess to children who are either new to the game or who have recently started playing. It offers a detailed guide on chess strategies, board setup, pieces, and rules in a way that is engaging for young readers. The book also includes 200 Checkmate-in-1 puzzles to provide an additional challenge. Beyond chess skills, Chehan shares his personal journey from Delhi, India to Fairfield, Connecticut, and his interests in soccer and Taekwondo, emphasizing the importance of resilience and enjoying the game beyond just winning.
Discussion points
What do you think makes a great chess player, and how can you apply these traits in your daily life?
Which strategies from the book do you find most intriguing or useful?
Can you describe a moment in the book where you felt inspired or motivated?
How do you think practicing chess can help you in other areas of your schoolwork or other activities?
What would you ask the author about becoming a better chess player?
Tip: Role play these questions
Let your child lead the conversation based on their favorite chapters or parts of the book that excited them the most.
Relate the perseverance and strategic thinking in chess to challenges in the child’s own life, asking them how they can use similar strategies to overcome their obstacles.
Encourage your child to think critically by asking them to explain the reasoning behind their favorite strategies discussed in the book.
Share your own experiences or stories related to chess or overcoming challenges through strategy and ask them to draw parallels.
Discuss the importance of practice and patience, and set up a regular chess-playing schedule to enjoy together.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Strategic Thinking
Explanation: The book guides young readers through the complexities of chess strategies, illustrating how decisions on the chessboard can affect the outcome of the game.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this skill to solve problems effectively in academic settings or in daily decisions, learning to anticipate consequences and plan accordingly.
Example Lesson: Persistence and Resilience
Explanation: Through the journey of becoming a state champion, the author emphasizes the importance of persisting through challenges and setbacks.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to embrace challenges in their learning processes and personal pursuits, understanding that resilience can lead to achieving their goals.
Example Lesson: Attention to Detail
Explanation: Chess requires paying close attention to the positions of various pieces and potential threats. The book teaches how mastering this skill can turn the game in one's favor.
Real-World Application: This can help children in their studies and other activities that require meticulous attention and precision, enhancing their overall performance and mindfulness.
Example Lesson: Sportsmanship
Explanation: The author discusses the importance of respecting opponents and handling both victories and defeats with grace.
Real-World Application: Children learn to apply good sportsmanship in all competitive and cooperative aspects of life, promoting respectful interactions and integrity.
Example Lesson: Analytical Thinking
Explanation: The book engages readers with puzzles and scenarios that require analyzing multiple factors and outcomes before making a move.
Real-World Application: This enhances a child’s ability to assess various situations in life, think critically, and make informed decisions.