Hi ChessCoachFlyn here...
NOTE: I have added 2 client reviews below that could not be formally added to Thumbtack. They are two of my best recommendations.
My program is extensive and aimed at kids with a strong interest in chess, especially those who want to compete or become stronger players. My program is as strategic as the game itself. The description below is the standard. However the program is always tuned to the needs of the student.
THE PROGRAM (I do not teach remotely as it’s not nearly as effective)
--The lessons are 90 minutes as I have found this the most productive for producing results. (Don’t worry, your child will be fully engaged the whole time. The exception is very young kids who may not be able to go this long, in which case I stop at 60 minutes.)
--Every lesson includes homework (learning comes from doing, not telling).
--I use a “discovery learning method” (maximizes “understanding” by the student).
--I focus on the subjects that will have the most impact based on current skill levels.
(For kids this includes Board Vision, Tactics, Endgames, and Using Chess Principles to play)
--I monitor their homework efforts and what they are doing. I often send notes with suggestions of things they/you can do to help them with their efforts. I will even occasionally call and chat with them between lessons.)
--And I get results, or I’ll tell you to fire me!
Please read on, but I suggest you call me and set up a test lesson. This is the only way we will know if this is a fit. If this lesson fails, I will reduce the fee and we can part as friends.
I am happy to explain all the above on our call. My standard fee is $80/hour. If you want a live reference my star student’s parents would be willing to chat with you. I can arrange this if you wish.
I have been teaching K6 kids privately and in after-school programs since 2013. I bring 40 years of professional coaching in the high-tech sales arena to the table.
I have studied many key related subjects (study technology, communications, accelerated learning, courseware development, presentation methods). I have developed many creative ways to teach chess to kids that work wonders at transferring “understanding” to them.
As a parent, you can make a great deal of difference in your child's play, even without a coach! Please visit and register your child for my coaching website Then see “FREE CONTENT MENU.” There is a wealth of material you can use with your child to help them improve (even without a coach). There are also lots of valuable resources.
I live in San Jose near Westgate and prefer to travel less than 20 minutes to my clients. If you are farther away than that please don’t contact me unless you are willing to bring your child to me.
ADDITIONAL TESTIMONIALS
These are testimonials that could not be posted to Thumbtack.
FORM: SHANE FERNANDES, COO, KidzToPros
To whom it may concern: We hired Flyn as an after-school chess coach in 2018. At the end of the 2018/19 school year, due to his stellar performance and constant inquiries to do more for KidzToPros we engaged him to create and extensive formal program for the 2019 school year.
Flyn created a complete set of 30 lesson plans for the coaches to use in their sessions. He provided detail that allows nearly anyone who has a competent understanding of the game to provide a great lesson for the kids.
Additionally, he created a complete instructor training program to ensure all our instructors can teach at the highest level. This two-hour set of videos gives the coaches a variety of techniques and methods Flyn has developed for being successful with the kids. It covers every aspect of running the class, teaching chess and communicating with the kids. I can tell you from personal observation of his coaching of one of our employee’s kids, that he is simply phenomenal with kids. He’s engaging and teaches in a self-discovery mode, helping that allows his students to discover the right ideas and answers as they go. I would highly recommend him to any parent or school that desires chess instruction for their child or program.
Regards Shane….
KidzToPros: Is a US-based provider of after-school educational programs throughout the country
FROM PRITEE GUPTA
I met Flyn when he was hired to help Kids to Pros, develop our after-school-program. Flyn taught chess classes for us for about 2 years before he was hired by the COO on a contract basis to do some projects for our chess program.
He was soon brought on as the Director of the Chess Program, where he proceeded to develop a full year’s curriculum for the coaches to teach and a training program for the coaches to improve their effectiveness.
In the conversations that followed his employment, he discovered that my daughter, age 10, was interested in chess. He offered to give her a lesson as we could film it and use it for our program. I was not prepared for what happened.
He sat down with my daughter for about 90 minutes of chess instruction – she was totally engaged for the full 90 minutes – she never even blinked. I told him after the lesson she'd never been that engaged for that long about anything. I understood why this happened, as Flyn has a “self-discovery” teaching method and personality the kids can’t resist. Shortly after that, we hired Flyn to give her private lessons – she made amazing progress and yes, she was always fully engaged whenever he arrived. She made quick and obvious progress. It’s hard to imagine I could have made a better choice. If you’re looking to have your child coached at chess, I can unconditionally recommend Coach Flyn as your guy.
Regards Pritee Gupta <----
