Phil teaches chess at a local elementary school as an after school extra curricular activity. He says learning chess teaches kids logical thinking, concentration, and patience. And I enjoy fixing up the kids little goody bags at different holidays. They have a tournament at the end of the year, too. As one of his students put it "With video games, there is not really a strategy except how fast you can move your thumb." Today Phil and his chess class were featured on the front page headlines of our local newspaper! They had come to his class last week to make videos, interview him, and take pictures. Now they want him to teach at two other schools. Here are some of the pictures from the paper today.
"Do you have any idea how powerful God is? Have you ever heard of a teacher like him? Has anyone ever had to tell him what to do, or correct him, saying, 'You did that all wrong!'? Remember, then, to praise his workmanship, which is so often celebrated in song. Everybody sees it; nobody is too far away to see it."
Job 36:22
“When Jesus concluded his address, the crowd burst into applause. They had never heard teaching like this. It was apparent that he was living everything he was saying—quite a contrast to their religion teachers! This was the best teaching they had ever heard.”
Matthew 7:28
35 comments:
That is exciting that the newspaper featured the chess class. What Phil is doing to teach these children is fantastic. I think it's great that other schools want him to expand the program. This is something the kids will remember forever.
Very good!
they need to exercise their minds.
And yes...I see your husband there...isn't he?
Kiss
How wonderful! I enjoyed the pictures very much. A great opportunity for the kids.
How exciting! I belonged to a chess club in middle school - it was fun :-)
That is great! I'm sure it must have been exciting! I enjoyed the pictures. :)
I love it. What a great idea for an activity. My dad taught me to play chess, I should teach my kiddos!
It must be great to learn that game. I've never had an inkling to do it but it's got to be a great brain worker.
Great move!!! ;) blessings ~ tanna
fantastic, we have a STAR in our family. woo hoo. so that is why i could not learn chess, i have not patience at all, can't concentrate and please tell me what logical thinking is. tell Phil, i can't even win a game of checkers, OR Chinese checkers. my brother use to whip the socks off me in both the checkers until i refused to play with him, he is 4 years younger and when i was 10 and he was 6 he could beat me. when he was 15 and i was 19 he tried to teach me chess and gave up. congrats to Phil for teaching our young people. they all look enthralled with the game.
Way to go Phil. Keep those little minds busy and out of trouble.
Jean from Memphis.
Fantastic, Ginny! I wish I had the "whatever it takes" to motivate others to learn and play the game. I tried to teach Frances about 50 years ago - but she lost interest very quickly. My brother-in-law (Curtis, who recently died) was the one person who was always ready to play chess. He was usually the winner - but I enjoyed the games we played. Great fun and a great stimulus for the brain.
What an excellent idea! I just know these kids will be forever grateful for the skills they've been taught by a caring, godly teacher! Wonderful!! Keep up the good work!
That is so COOL! Phil needs to come and teach Beth....that is a game she has always wanted to learn....
That's great! Those kids are lucky.
Good for Phil! That is a wonderful gift he has given those kids. Anything that teaches patience must be good.
Good for Phil and good for the paper. Will Phil have time to teach at two other schools? I was delighted to see so many girls in his class. Most of the time pictures of chess players show men and boys.
Wow--that is so neat.. I never learned to play chess.. Don't think I was smart enough... ha
I think that is great---teaching kids to play chess... I wish more school would offer it..
Does Phil get paid --or is he just a willing volunteer? This is SUPER...
God Bless PHIL.
Hugs,
Betsy
I taught my kids to play chess when they were little and now I REFUSE to ply with them, because even my youngest wipes me off the board in just a few minutes...yikes!
Chess is good, you really have to think ahead. I find it relaxing, not playing so much these days. Great post - Have a great day!
Eva
My dad taught me chess when I was young, but I never excelled at it. It's been years - no, decades! since I last played.
It's so great that Phil and his chesss students made the front page. And even greater that he's taking the time to teach these children. Phil is making such a positive impact on these children's lives. I never did play chess. My son, hubby and dad play. I may try to learn one day. :)
Wow...I love playing chess, but no one will play with me 'cause I always checkmate 'em all too soon. Ask Phil if he'd want to play a match with me sometime!?!! [kidding]
What a great story to read. I always feel this kinda news story is so worthy...especially if it involves kids doing the 'right thing'!!!
That is wonderful. I think it's great to have kids learning a game like that rather than vegetating in front of a video game. How did Phil get started doing that? Is he planning on teaching at the other schools also?
They are learning some important life skills. What a giving husband you have. And you, too!
I don't know how to play chess....how wonderful for Phil to teach the kids.
What a awesome thing for Phil to do! My Son loves to play chess and last year he joined the chess club. he loved it!
Blessings, Joanne
Yay for Phil - and your goodie bags! I think it's great that you give your time to such a worthy cause - children! I don't play chess, but my husband, sons, and grandchildren enjoy it. I'm glad kids still enjoy this kind of game in this technological age.
hey..not bad!! Phil is doing something very worthwhile, teaching the kids to exercise their minds as well as patience.. nowadays kids are always engrossed to the pc games and have no time for the real ones anymore..good move, Phil...
I learned to play chess when I was really young. I think it helped figure out strategies that really helped me in life. way to go Phil.....I think what he's doing is great.
Very cool pictures! Love this post -How exciting to have this featured in the paper - so great for the kids!
How wonderful for him to be recognized for his community spirit and love of children. It is terrific tha this is expanding his opportunities. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary
That is too funny - Andy takes that after school on Wednesdays - he loves it. That is a definite blessing. sandie
I remember you once mention that Phil taught Chess, when I mentioned my nephew was good at time. i played Chinese chess, but can't understand International chess.
I'm sorry I didn't make it to the celebration but I was working of course!
I'm sorry I didn't make it to the celebration but I was working of course!
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