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Bridge is all in the cards for middle-school students
The game helps students learn various skills, organizers say.
LIBERTY — Students at W.S. Guy Middle School are taking part in a new method of learning — a method consisting of 52 cards and a group of close friends.
For the last several months, the school has been taking part in a bridge card-game class presented by the American Contract Bridge League, a nonprofit organization founded in 1937.
Every Tuesday, Sally Veauthier, a league member, would enter the school intent on creating a love for the game in a new generation of players.
Veauthier has been playing bridge since the early 1960s when she watched her father play the game and would track weekly winners in the pages of The Vindicator.
“I decided I would take some bridge lessons, and I tell you it just took over my life,” she said.
Armed with teaching material and a curriculum from the ACBL, she hoped to pass that enthusiasm on to Liberty students.
As many as 19 students participated in the elective after-school program to learn the game, but some dropped out of the class at the start of track season. Veauthier said about eight players attended the classes consistently.
If Brooklynn Kramer, 14, one of two bridge tournament winners in the school’s student competition, is an example, then Veauthier’s work was well-received. Brooklyn plans to continue playing the game and bring others to the table as well.
“I love playing cards, so learning a new game that I can teach people was just fun for me,” she said.
Noah Persson, 13, another tournament winner, said he plans to continue playing the game now that he has learned it, possibly with his grandmother who has enjoyed the game for years.
Principal Peggy Dolwick, however, said allowing bridge to be taught in the school is not all about fun and games. She allowed the program after being contacted by ACBL members.
“They indicated that they wanted to work with students to improve math skills. We all know card games help kids learn math and reasoning skills. The philosophy is that by teaching kids those old card games that have fallen by the wayside you can enhance those skills,” Dolwick said.
Victoria Serrano, 13, a participant in the bridge lessons admits it was difficult learning the rules, and that the game does require a certain level of skill to learn and play. She said fun was still a major part of the equation, however.
Dolwick is not sure if the lessons will be ongoing. She is trying to find a time in the school year where the bridge class will not interfere with other extracurricular activities and sports, but she said there is a good chance the class will be in place next school year.
Veauthier said she would like to see the lessons continue not only at Liberty but other schools as well.
She said several studies have shown that playing bridge really improves students’ social skills and their concentration. “This is just a really great game, and the kids really get into it.”
jgoodwin@vindy.com