Homeschool Chess Championships

May 25, 12:47 PMNorfolk Homeschooling ExaminerSherene Silverberg

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     The homeschooled chess kings.

In my, not so humble opinion, chess should be an integral part of every school curriculum, be it homechool, public school or private school.  My son has been learning chess from Coach Kala Dawson of Championship Chess of Norfolk since last September.  It's been so good watching how Ben has been learning to master his impulsiveness and has started looking at longer term strategies.

Yesterday Ben and a few homeschool buddies entered their first chess tournament.  Coach Kala organized Championship Chess of Norfolk's first chess tournament.  Children from the various chess clubs he runs and a host of homeschoolers took part.

It was so good to watch such a culturally diverse group of children play so earnestly.

These children were very serious about their games, so serious that you could almost smell the concentration.  I think this is the first time I have been surrounded by so many children and experienced complete silence.  Even Ben, my son, and his red headed friend, Benny, were quiet.  This is a first for these two.  I was stunned to see that Ben didn't jiggle, he didn't wiggle, he didn't click his tongue, tap his feet or fingers, he sat still and concentrated on this games.   He was a gracious winner and a gracious loser.  Those of you who have highly competitive, very active young boys, know what an achievement this is.   Chess and Coach Kala deserve a great big thank you for helping Ben realized that he can do all these things.

Chess has profound effects on young children's mental development that can be seen across the curriculum and in their daily lives.  You can read some of the studies here.

Our Norfolk homeschooled team will be entering the Homeschool Chess Championships at Heav's homeschool conference in Richmond on Friday, June 12 from 09:00-12:00.

Who can participate in the championships?

Any homeschooled student, regardless of age, can participate in the championships, provided he/she is also registered for the Virginia Homeschool Convention and knows how to complete a chess game. All skill levels are welcome!

Where are the championships being held?

The championships will be held at the 26th Annual HEAV Homeschool Convention in Richmond, Virginia. The championships will be in the main hall between the entrance to the Exhibit Hall and the entrance to the Used Curriculum Sale.

When are the championships?    

The championships will take place on Friday, June 12, 2009, from 9 a.m. to noon.

How do I participate?

If you would like to participate, you must register for the championships through Championship Chess. The deadlines and fees are listed below. The number of players will be limited, so register early! Note: You must also be registered for HEAV's Virginia Homeschool Convention to participate.

Pre-registration Cost: $5/by June 3; $10/by June 10.

Pre-register by e-mailing name and age as of June 12 to chess@championshipchess.net and sending a check for the total to Championship Chess, 3565 Evans Road, Atlanta, GA 30340.  Include your e-mail address with your check if you would like a confirmation e-mail. If space is still available, registration will continue at the convention. On-site Cost: $15/June 11 (at the Championship Chess booth); $15/June 12 (at the championships; player will have to forfeit first game).

For more info: Championship Chess
Homeschool Chess Championships in Richmond