MACON, Ga. — Every Wednesday morning at Roberts Academy, the day begins with a game — and a lesson in strategy.

Mercer University chess club students lead weekly chess sessions for Roberts Academy students in second grade through sixth grade. The partnership started just a year ago, but Roberts Academy leaders said it’s already made a positive difference in students.

Roberts Academy serves students with dyslexia , and the partnership aims to help them strengthen focus and confidence — both on and off the chessboard.

Fifth grader Samaya Delarosa said she’s learned a lot since the club began.

“Before I knew how to play chess, but when we started to do chess club, I started learning some more moves,” she said.

Students play both inside the classroom and outside on life-size chess squ

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