America's Foundation for Chess is a non-profit 501(C)(3). The organization developed the program First Move™, which uses chess as a learning tool to teach higher level critical thinking skills, advance math and reading skills, behavioral and social skills, and build self-esteem in students. Our First Move program was professionally designed, maps to State Standards for 2nd and 3rd graders, and is fun and easy to teach.
Kids see chess as a game; they don't realize the powerful learning that goes on while they play. As a result of First Move, teachers see students picking up math concepts much quicker, a better aptitude for reading comprehension, a new sense of focus and more courtesy towards others.
First Move is offered during the school day as a supplemental curriculum to the existing core curriculum. Our focus is not on competition or tournament play, but rather in the thinking skills that are an inherent part of chess.
Featured Testimonial
Jenny Smoot McSwain Elementary
The DVD teaches it so clearly, and the worksheets and review reinforce it so well. My students love the days we do chess.
