ROTARY INTERNATIONAL & FIRST MOVE CHESS

WHAT’S ROTARY? Founded by Paul Harris in 1905 Rotary is the world’s premier global service organization on the forefront of tackling major humanitarian challenges facing the world today including maternal and child health, clean water, education and sanitation, and disease prevention and treatment.

WHAT’S ROTARY? Rotary offers a grassroots approach to problem solving. Rotary club members understand the needs of their communities and have boots on the ground to develop and implement effective, sustainable projects.

WHAT’S ROTARY? There are 3 Rotary Clubs in Saint Lucia 2 Rotaract Clubs for young professionals 4 Interact Clubs in Secondary schools

WHAT’S ROTARY? Rotary has 1, members worldwide in over 160 countries made up of business people and civic leaders

WHAT’S ROTARY? Current projects of the Rotary Club of Saint Lucia - Provision of a Mobile Youth Counseling Clinic this August to be operated by the Planned Parenthood Organization, NSDC, RISE Saint Lucia Ltd., Belfund and the Ministry of Health - Tree planting in cooperation with ARC in Dennery - Worldwide environmental projects in cooperation with World ARC in South Africa, Bali, Australia, Brazil etc. - Joint EC$ 500, Water Project in Babonneau - Joint Annual Rotary Camp d-life for diabetic youth - Fruit tree planting in schools and health centres island wide scheduled for June Operation of Rotary food bank for app. 40 households - Annual feeding of homeless persons - Christmas hamper distribution to app households - Rotary Calabashers charity concerts and donations - Rotary International Group Study Exchange - Sponsorship of Rotaract and Interact youth organizations - Annual “Easter Anti Drug Camp” for youth at risk - SALCC Technical and Vocational Awards of Excellence - Community vocational Award to 1-3 Saint Lucians - Contributions to “End Polio Now” through the Rotary Foundation - Maintenance of Four way Test Signs in schools island wide - Vocational talks in Secondary Schools - Doctors in Action - School feeding at La Croix Maingot Primary School - Annual visit and lunch with the 100 students at Dunnottar school - First Move Chess in Primary Schools starting in September 2012

Using First Move to Teach Critical Thinking

…uses chess as a learning tool to develop critical thinking skills, improve social skills, and increase overall academic achievement for second and third graders. First Move…

First Move is a Proven Program Independent research states: All studies on chess as a learning tool have shown an increase in academic achievement. “First Move’s research and standards based curriculum increases math and reading aptitude.” (Woo, 2009)

Why Chess? Chess is one of the oldest skill games in the world, it’s not a fad Chess is used in many countries to enhance curriculum Chess creates a level playing field Chess offers smart “brand association” Chess is a fun way to teach and learn!

Intellectual Benefits of Chess Abstract thinking Memory and pattern recognition Calculation Logical reasoning Visual imagery Creativity Problem solving and decision-making

Social and Behavioral Benefits of Chess Builds self-esteem Increases ability to focus Develops good sportsmanship Helps with impulse control Encourages courtesy

Testing Benefits Although chess will never be on a standardized test, the skills chess teaches are essential in helping students perform better on tests –Working through multi-step problems –Analyzing information and planning –Concentrating for lengthy periods –Seeing connections and patterns

Next Steps: Share First Move with your teachers Commit to improving critical thinking skills in your 2 nd and 3 rd grade classrooms Enroll your school for the year Get ready to engage your students! To enroll your school please contact Konrad Wagner President Rotary Club of Saint Lucia or

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL & FIRST MOVER CHESS Thank you