From the moment she first laid hands on a chessboard, Carol Ann Caronia was captivated by the intricacies of the game.
Carol Ann is an author and renowned chess educator. Her career began, not in chess, but in specialized business writing for various media outlets, including daily newspapers, industrial publications, and magazines, while also contributing to business development efforts for both New York City and New York State. However, growing tired of the constraints of a 9-5 and determined to make a change, she embarked on a new chapter of her journey.
Watching others play chess brought forth endless questions in Carol’s mind. When her out-of-the-box inquiries were left with unsatisfying answers, she joined the renowned Marshall Chess club in New York. Here, she truly began her journey into the world of chess and soon after, was encouraged to teach. First, at Washington Park Montessori School in Manhattan, she worked with preschoolers. She then transitioned to Chess in the Schools, an instructional organization founded in part by the chess master she learned from, Frank Thornally. Over the next decade, she honed her teaching skills and continued to use the transformative power of chess to shape young minds.
Approaching instruction with a blend of creativity, patience, and adaptability, Carol tailors her teaching methods to suit the individual needs and learning styles of her students. Drawing from her diverse background in education and problem-solving, she employs a hands-on approach, encouraging active participation and critical thinking.
Carol believes in making chess accessible and enjoyable for learners of all ages, often incorporating interactive exercises, puzzles, and real-life scenarios to illustrate strategic concepts. Her emphasis on staying curious and asking questions to gain understanding, rather than rote memorization, empowers her students to develop their analytical skills and strategic thinking abilities both on and off the chessboard. Through her engaging and dynamic teaching style, Carol instills a deep appreciation for the game while nurturing a lifelong love of learning in her students.
Amidst the pandemic, unable to educate in the classroom, Carol distilled her knowledge of chess into her book, "Strategic Moves: Mind-building Chess Exercises for Kids,". This book offers parents and educators a treasure trove of exercises aimed at nurturing essential cognitive skills in children through the game of chess. With a focus on logic, problem-solving, and critical thinking, Carol's book serves as a practical guide for fostering young minds in an engaging and enjoyable manner.
For Carol, the game will always be more than just a collection of pieces on a board—it is a reflection of life itself, with all its challenges, triumphs, and infinite possibilities. Hear more from her in the full interview here!