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On the 2003 Chess Pilot class in the Cherry Creek School District to incorporate chess into elementary math education:
“Having
Todd in our classroom was an educational and fun time. I was really
amazed at how quickly some of the children understood the lessons
taught. About a third of
the class had some previous experience playing chess and it was great to
see them apply the strategies Todd taught them. They learned new
strategies, such as castling, and could not wait every day to "play
chess." While the
class learned names of the chess pieces and how they moved on the board,
what was more interesting to watch was how their level of concentration
increased as they played.” “Many children talked with both Todd and I about how chess helped them with their math skills. It was a wonderful experience to watch the children with limited chess knowledge. They never gave up and learned a little more every day so that by the end of Todd's stay with us, they felt so much more comfortable in playing chess. It was remarkable to see those illegal moves made in the beginning turn around into legal moves by the end.”
“I
can't thank Todd enough for spending time in our classroom and teaching
my third graders his passion. He planted a seed, nurtured it with so
much love and knowledge, and now, many of my children cannot wait to go
on and learn more about chess. Thanks
so much, Todd. You did a stupendous job!”
Debbie
Lesko 2nd
and 3rd grade teacher Highline Community School
“My sons, Joshua & Jacob Wallace attended Rocky Mountain Chess Camp several times. They have been to many chess camps all over the United States and Todd's camp rates among the best. Todd Bardwick also was their personal chess teacher”. “There are several aspects to being a national chess champion. Joshua won back-to-back Scholastic National Chess Championships in the 2nd & 3rd grade. He placed 3rd in the fourth grade. In the third grade Joshua was also the highest rated player in the country for his age. He appeared on television several times and almost made it on Good Morning America. Both boys, Jacob and Josh, were on the United State’s Top 50 list for their respective ages at the same time”.
“Todd's
assistance in coaching Joshua contributed to his winning record.
Todd is an excellent teacher and an all around nice guy.”
“Todd Bardwick has been
teaching my four children chess for the past two years. I don't
think there is any person on Earth today that makes such a challenging
and potentially mentally draining sport so fun and exciting for children
as Todd does. He is very much like your best friend or next door
neighbor when it comes to being around my children and I cannot think of
anyone who makes such a wonderful came so exciting that I can't pull
myself away from watching him teach my kids chess. I learn
something new every time he plays them, and I thought I had a decent
mastery of the game! Todd is simply the best.” Paul
Jones Greenwich,
Connecticut
“We have known Todd Bardwick for the past ten years. Our son,
Ryan, has taken private chess lessons from Todd and was a member of a
very successful school team coached by Todd.
Ryan attended Todd's popular, highly regarded summer chess camps,
and subsequently worked as an assistant counselor for Todd for three
years. Ryan speaks very
highly of Todd's outstanding ability to organize and optimally staff his
camps. The
“Todd has our highest recommendation, respect, and admiration.
He is a superb teacher; caring and devoted. His students enjoy
his animated, creative style, and it is obvious that Todd enjoys
teaching as much as his students enjoy learning from him”.
“With Todd's help, Ryan advanced from a novice player to become
the Colorado State Chess
Champion in 1997 and co-champion in 1998. He played for school and club
teams which achieved similar success at state as well as national levels”.
“Ryan is currently a freshman at Stanford University, majoring in
engineering. His success in the realm of chess competition certainly
contributed to his accomplishments and achievements. We are grateful to
Todd for his positive influence and guidance, and he has our unqualified
recommendation.” Dr.
and Mrs. Richard Propper Greenwood
Village, Colorado
“Todd's teaching style can be described as
enthusiastic & well-organized and would suit players of all levels
of play. He challenges his students by reviewing positions that his
lesson plans are built upon, and through analysis of past Master games.
I would recommend Todd to any player looking to improve his game.” Jim
Frasier Charlottesville, Virginia
“We have been very impressed with the integrity and consistency of Todd’s programs. Our son, Blair – age 7, loves going to chess class through his school and told us that the 2003 Rocky Mountain Chess Camp was his favorite camp – of all his summer activities, it’s the one he talks about the most and definitely wants to do again.” Paul & Theresa Gilpatrick Englewood, Colorado
“We feel very fortunate to have known Todd
Bardwick for the past eight years.
When our sons became interested in playing competitive chess,
Todd was highly recommended as their teaching coach.
Through Todd's private lessons and attending his Rocky Mountain
Chess Camp our sons have become passionate about the game of chess.
We believe that chess develops logical thinking skills and helps
students with reading and math strategies.
Chess also develops character, stamina, and self- control”. “We are happy to recommend Todd Bardwick to other parents who are looking for a coach for their children. We appreciate Todd's professionalism with teaching, organizing and running the Rocky Mountain Chess Camp. We are glad that there is someone of Todd's caliber to teach chess to students in the Denver area. Thank you, Todd, for all that you do.” Mike
and Carol Caldwell Aurora, Colorado Parents and teacher in Cherry Creek School District
“My son has participated in Todd’s Challenge Time Classes, Rocky Mountain Chess Camp, and one-on-one lessons. Each offering has been presented in a professional manner and kept my son very interested in learning chess. Additionally, Todd’s use of real world examples reinforces how powerful thinking and making good choices effects situations on the chess board and in life. I firmly believe these chess skills will benefit my son in school, sports, business, and life.” Alan L. Oppenheim Englewood, Colorado
“Mr. Todd Bardwick has privately tutored my child in chess for the past five years. His influence on our son has been uniquely positive. He has an accepting and encouraging attitude, and an exceptional communication style with children of all ages. Todd has helped my son progress from a player who knew only how to move the pieces into one the Top 5 in the Colorado State Scholastic Chess Championships in his age group each year, as well as achieving a Top 100 rating for his age nationally. We feel Todd’s teaching combined with chess has also improved our son’s math skills. The annual Rocky Mountain Chess Camps offered by Todd are excellent.” “Thank you, Todd!” Jonette Bronson Telluride, Colorado
“Todd teaches in a way that is methodical and un-intimidating. My son's ability and self-esteem have both been greatly increased under Todd's tutoring. Todd’s summer camps and chess classes extremely well run and organized.” Ann Gargotto Denver, Colorado
“Our daughter, Kelsey, loves Todd's chess lessons. She always learns something and has a lot of fun to boot. Todd is very excited about chess...and it's contagious!”
Grace Nadolny, M.D. Denver, Colorado
“Todd Bardwick is an extraordinary teacher with a special aptitude for teaching chess to youth. For three years, Todd has taught my son Joseph, the 2004 Colorado K-3 state co-champion, and through Todd's influence Joseph was able to pull off arguably the biggest upset of this year's state tournament. I believe the key to Todd's success is his focus on youth chess analysis over memorizing robotic chess lines. This philosophy of teaching children gives them an advantage on the board and in everyday learning.”
Dan Hughes Dallas, Texas
“I was searching on the internet for a chess coach for my son, Nicholas. I have heard that the Masters are a “bit of an eccentric,” and the lessons can be a punishment for young kids. We are so happy finding Todd Bardwick through his summer chess on the internet. Todd is very patient with young kids, the lessons are very fun and humorous! His approach to chess for a beginner is very simple, organized, creative and exciting. I have noticed a great improvement in Nick’s level of chess play, absorbing every pattern and strategy that Todd has been teaching. Nick has been interested in chess since he was five, and now that he is six with lessons under his belt, he can’t wait for his lessons and future tournaments.” Ann Bernier Bedford, Maine
“While
we lived in Colorado, my kids learned a ton of chess from Todd and had a
great time doing it. The summer camps, in particular, were great
confidence-boosters. I wish Todd would move to Indiana to continue to
teach my kids.” Craig
Stinson Bloomington, Indiana
About 1998 Rocky Mountain Chess Camp:
“Sam especially enjoyed the lessons and learning
about keeping score. He made friends easily and felt welcomed by the
teaching staff. Sam hopes to participate again. His enthusiasm for the
game has increased”. Many thanks –” Nancy Spillane Steamboat Springs, CO
About the 2001 Rocky Mountain Chess Camp:
“Todd – I’d like to thank you and your staff for this week. You camp was first rate and your instructors very professional. My son Hobie had a great time and I enjoyed visiting with the instructors during the breaks. I would highly recommend the camp to others.” Joe Kelting Portales, New Mexico
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