WHY CHESS?

 Chess is the oldest and most challenging of games, and is showing remarkable results as a teaching tool for young students. Through the medium of chess, children learn the disciplined thinking skills which apply to all intellectual endeavors.

We believe strongly in ‘the necessary 4th "R" in education – reasoning!

Chess is an effective learning tool with young children. The reasons for this are because chess:

• involves various levels of critical thinking (knowledge, comprehension, analysis, and evaluation);
• requires forethought and cultivates visualization skills;
• encourages children to overcome the fear of risk-taking;
• teaches concentration and self-discipline;
• encourages children to assume responsibility for their decisions;
• rewards determination and perseverance;
• increases self-esteem and promotes good sportsmanship;
• encourages social skills that transcend cultures and generations ;
• Chess is fun!

Children from all backgrounds succeed at chess. Even children who do not perform well academically are often inspired by chess and show an improved attitude toward learning. Time and again exposure to chess has helped to transform young minds.

Staff Profile

Sal Catalfamo has been teaching chess to children at many schools, libraries, and day camps in the area for over ten years.  His resume includes:

• Austin Road Elementary School, Mahopac
• Fulmar Road Elementary School, Mahopac
• Frank G. Lindsey Elementary School, Montrose
• Mahopac Library, Mahopac
• Our Montessori School, Yorktown Heights
• Ossining Parks & Recreation
• St. John's Elementary School, Mahopac
• Yorktown Parks & Recreation
• Summer Trails Day Camp. Granite Springs

His enthusiasm and skill at getting kids to grasp the fundamentals of the game keeps him in great demand. Sal has taught hundreds of kids over the years. Some of his students are among the top players in the country in their age groups. Sal is currently President of the Northern Westchester Chess Club.

Joseph Guadagno has been teaching chess for the past six years, both privately, and under the auspices of Southern Westchester BOCES  at schools and libraries including:

• Anne B. Hutchinson Elementary School, Eastchester
• Mahopac Library, Mahopac
• Fox Meadow Elementary School, Scarsdale
• Greenvale Elementary School, Eastchester
• Washington Irving School, Tarrytown
• West Orchard Elementary School, Chappaqua
• Woodlands High School, Hartsdale
• and with a small number of private students  

He is an active tournament player, and is certified by the U.S. Chess Federation as a Senior Tournament Director.  Joe acts as Chief TD for the Northern Westchester Chess Club. In December of 2005 he qualified for the prestigious Marshall Chess Club Championship in New York City, and was the undefeated winner of the 2006 Northern Westchester Championship.

NWCA Chess Class     Our series of chess classes will resume soon at the Mahopac Public Library. Dates to be announced.. During the first half of the session the instructor will present material designed to improve the kids’ understanding of the game. We try to make this as interactive and hands on as possible. For example, the instructor will explain a concept, often on a demonstration board, as the kids follow along on chess sets we provide, usually in pairs. The second half of the session  consists of the kids playing casual games among themselves, as the instructors observe and reinforce the concepts they have just learned. To some degree each session will build on the skills and concepts introduced in the previous one, but attendance at each consecutive session is not required. Also, as a follow-up to each session, we will have links on our website guiding you to resources that will help keep the kids active and interested in chess during the time between sessions.
    The library is easy to get to and very convenient to the Jefferson Valley Mall as well as other shopping and a number of restaurants. So there's lots to do on a Saturday  while we have your kids. The registration fee for each class is $20 per child. We provide the chess sets and boards, the learning, and the fun. You provide the child. If you wish to pre-register for this session, please e-mail us the name(s) and age(s) of your child. You may pay the registration fee on site (Cash or check please; we're not set up for credit cards at this time) but we do need to know in advance if you're planning to attend. Email to: chess4kids@nwchess.org You may also email the instructors with any questions or comments. We will respond asap.We look forward to seeing you and your future Chess Champs on May 1st!
Instructor: Joseph Guadagno