Students teach staff the finer points of chess

Holley student Quenton Benoit matches wits with Teacher Karen Quaranto in a game of chess. Denise Johnstone's class held a Chess Challenge Day during which good sportsmanship, laughter, teaching and refreshments were enjoyed by all. Provided photo.

Students teach staff the finer points of chess

At Holley Elementary School, students in Denise Johnstone's class are learning the finer points of the game of chess. "By learning games of strategy, like chess, students strengthen their ability to use both sides of their brain as well as memory skills, social skills, expressive language and good sportsmanship," said Johnstone. After some practice, the students held a Chess Challenge Day so they could match their skills or have a tutoring session with staff and administrators. And it was the students who did the tutoring. "The kids really have to understand and use clear expressive language to teach this wonderful game," said Johnstone. The experience also gave her class the opportunity to learn a leisure activity that they can use the rest of their lives.