I’m not sure if this is the best forum for this.

I’d like to do what I can to get BP kids excited about chess. Ann Arbor has an abundance of opportunities and resources to help kids discover this rewarding pastime.

I’m not sure how many parents are aware that Ben Finegold, who comes to BP every Tuesday, is Michigan’s strongest ever chess player, and is #19 in the country. He also happens to be a great kids’ chess teacher.

There are also a couple statewide scholastic chess events including a team tournament in early spring. Many Ann Arbor elementary schools, including King, Wines, Logan and Thurston are well represented, but BP has for the most part been absent.

There have also been plenty of ideas floated about options for math, science and ecology enrichment. Let’s discuss them here.

Some parents have proposed programs for kids that will encourage reading and literacy. These could be either after-school or during school as something like “Lunchtime Choices.” Ideas floated include: team competitions based on close reading of books, organized discussions of books, a kid-style book group, etc. What should the role of competition be? How much should it focus on just reading or reading for deeper understanding? Should it be topical, or organized by age? How can we complement what is being done in the classroom?