First Move is taught in the classroom so ALL children benefit from the valuable thinking and life skills taught in the program. Each weekly lesson takes about 50 minutes to complete and reinforces core subjects.
Students learn to analyze, plan, and execute on the chessboard and in life. Learning to focus, think ahead, work through a multi-step problem and collaborate are important skills in all environments.
The lessons are taught using video and are designed so teachers don’t need to know how to play chess to be successful. Students are engaged and actively participate in activities, without realizing how much they are learning.
It’s not about Kings, Queens and Rooks; but rather quadrants, coordinates, analysis and planning. First Move is targeted to the academic standards of second and third graders, although it can be used with 4th graders as well.
Students (and teachers) may think an activity looks difficult, but if they follow the directions, they will “win.” This helps develop confidence to take on challenges in other subjects.
First Move is cross-curricular with ties to math, reading, history and science. We are endorsed by the National STEM Coalition. The skills learned extend beyond school as well; like good sportsmanship, respect, fairness and patience.
