First Move

First Move is an award winning in-classroom curriculum using chess as a learning tool in 2nd and 3rd grade classrooms.

The program focuses on enhancing the core curriculum while improving student’s critical thinking and test taking skills. Kids see chess as a game and do not realize the powerful learning that goes on while they play.

Student benefits:

  • Improved/increased critical thinking skills
  • Advanced math and reading skills
  • Improved behavioral and social skills
  • Increased self-esteem 
  • Students grasp concepts quicker
  • Practical application of First Move lessons with core curriculum

First Move is not an afterschool program or a traditional chess tutorial; our focus is not on competition or tournament play, rather critical thinking and core curriculum enhancement. As a result of First Move teachers see students grasp math concepts quicker as well as demonstrate an increase in reading and comprehension. First Move promotes courtesy toward others; students learn to shake hands before and after a game, respect rules and think ahead. 

Key features:

  • Curriculum is mapped to 2nd and 3rd grade state standards, and currently being mapped to Common Core Curriculum Standards
  • DVD supported with the “Chess Lady” leading each lesson
  • Teachers do not need prior chess knowledge to teach the program
  • All supplies and materials including student take-home sets are provided
  • Training and support is provided
  • E-mentorship and on-going support is included
  • Additional supplemental activities and lessons are included
  • Online chess play is included for students and teachers to increase and reinforce technical aptitude and chess knowledge

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    Featured Testimonial

    Diann Wolf
    Nora Davis Magnet School First and foremost, the children love Chess. They don't really love math. So if we can sneak in learning by having fun, half the job is done. In life we are expected to make decisions, solve problems, and use inductive and deductive reasoning. We try to teach this in "math" class and literally turn-off our students, but with chess they are putting these skills into practice. One of the most amazing attributes of Chess in the classroom is changing the attention span of our students. Kids today are accustomed to short quick spurts on TV and in video games. They have difficulty sitting still and concentrating for more than 5-10 minutes. When they sit down to play Chess, they are focused, which tells me they can be trained through Chess to focus and eventually carry-over this skill in their math classes. I am always amazed to watch students play in our school chess tournament. Our most "active" children are totally focused. I hope this helps, Shanelle. We enjoy this program so much. Read All

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