Special Education and Chess

This article is about a historic chess programme at The Bahamas Red Cross Centre for the Deaf. Chess instruction was substantially provided by Kean A. Smith of Nimble Minds Chess.
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Background
The Centre for the Deaf was established in 1964 and is a joint effort by The Bahamas Red Cross and The Bahamas' Ministry of of Education. Presently, the Centre is located on Gregory Street, Oakes Field, New Providence, The Bahamas.
The Centre for the Deaf provides instruction and training to the following:

• Infant/Parents - ages 18 months to 3 years;
• Pre-School;
• Elementary through High School (up to 19 years old); and
• Cosmetology, Wood Craft, Straw Craft, Computer, Sewing, Speech and Job Training.

The number of students and faculty are 35 and 24 respectively.

Chess Programme
About three years ago I approached Mrs. Sonja Rolle, Principal of The Bahamas Red Cross Centre for the Deaf ("Centre for the Deaf") about the possibility of offering chess classes at the Centre for the Deaf. From our initial meeting until today, Mrs. Rolle has supported the idea and implementation of the chess classes. Mrs. Rolle introduced me to her teaching staff and the chess journey began.
Ms. Antoinette Newry, a Mathematics Teacher at the Centre for the Deaf, recently completed a chess course organised jointly between The Bahamas Chess Federation and the World Chess Federation (FIDE). As a resuIt of her involvement in the chess programme at the Centre for the Deaf and completing the chess course, I asked her for an interview. Thankfully she agreed.

Smith: What is your role at The Bahamas Red Cross Centre for the Deaf?
Newry: Special Education Teacher
Smith: How many years have you been an educator and where did you complete your academic and professional training?
Newry: I volunteered about two years at the Centre for the Deaf before I was accepted into The College of the Bahamas where I received my Bachelor Degree in SPED.
Smith: How did you get involved in Special Education and why?
Newry: During the late 70's, I was fascinated with the deaf lady, Linda Bove, who played "Linda" in Sesame Street. I can still remember it as if it were yesterday. Alaina Reed Hall who played ‘Olivia’ sang as Linda signed the song "Sing ". It was remarkable and beautiful to see. From that moment I prayed and asked God to help me to become someone who helps the deaf.
Smith: Many of our readers may have no experience with sign language, is it difficult to learn? Do you have any tips on the best way to communicate with a deaf or hard of hearing person?
Newry: In my opinion it depends on the individual. For some it may be really difficult, yet for others it may be easy. When it comes to learning sign language, start with the basics. We as human being use a lot of nonverbal communication; for example, a wave of the hand signals “hi”, “hey”, “hello” or “good-bye.” A nod of the head says “yes”, “good” or “fine.” Even a pointed finger can refer to “you”, “they”, “them”, “there” or “here.” Knowing these simple nonverbal gestures as well as learning the alphabet is a small step in the right direction. But overall you just have to be determined.
Smith: I know that the Centre for the Deaf has been developing a chess programme. How many students are part of the programme? Which other activities do the school offer its students?
Newry: The Centre for the Deaf has been developing this program for the past two years under ... [your] direction ... and I assisted through interpreting [your] instruction. There are approximately five students in the program. This number will increase in the new academic school year.
Smith: I noted that you recently completed chess training which was organised by The Bahamas Chess Federation and instructors provided by the World Chess Federation. What is your earliest experience with chess? Do you know how to play chess? Who introduced you to the game?
Newry: My earliest memory of playing chess was in the early 90’s. A friend taught me the game.
Smith: When your students were introduced to chess, how did they respond?
Newry: The students were skeptical at first because they really didn’t want to play a regular board game. Eventually, after learning how the game was played, they realised that chess wasn’t just a regular board game. Their interest cascaded and they were excited to play.
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Smith What do you believe are the benefits to your students of playing chess?
Newry: For my students, social interaction, developing self-discipline, improving their reasoning skills, as well as memory and developing their problem solving skills are some of the benefits of them learning to play chess.
Smith: How would you describe the training you received on 29 July, 2019 during the World Chess Federation Trainers Seminar?
Newry: Since I wasn’t a master “per say”, I was excited, yet nervous. As the class progressed I became relaxed as methods, terms and strategies which I am familiar with, were being discussed.
Smith: How will the chess programme at the Centre of the Deaf benefit from the training you received?
Newry: I’m hoping to continue with the chess program at the school, because I feel the students can benefit socially and mentally while improving their logical and reasoning skills, problem solving situations and optimising memory. But overall I just want them to have FUN while playing.

Smith: Would you recommend the training for other teachers? If yes then please explain why?
Newry: Yes, I would encourage teachers to complete the training because chess is more than just a game. It stimulates both parts of the brain in which they have to use logic, math, language, reading, writing, analysis, creativity, intuition, music, art, memory and spatial abilities. By playing chess students will be using all of these skills without realising it. Also, by frequently stimulating his or her brain teachers will notice improvements in students’ language and math skills.
Smith: What chess plans do you have for the upcoming school year?
Newry: I am hoping to have chess club on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:00pm during the school day.
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