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Since many teachers and after school providers do not play chess; we made it easy to implement. Because time is always a challenge, we made First Move an effective, valuable and powerful use time. Oh, and don’t forget fun!
The majority of research agrees “chess helps kids perform better academically.” Research on the First Move program stated, “First Move increases math and reading aptitude, across all sub-groups.” (Woo, 2009) That means chess is a powerful tool to use, especially in our increasingly diverse classrooms.
There are no chess standards, but through chess, kids can meet math standards. Second grade Common Core math standard 2.G.A.1- Recognize, define and demonstrate knowledge of horizontal, vertical, and diagonal. First Move meets that standard in our first lesson!
First Move students do learn to play chess, however our focus is activities that use chess concepts to promote pattern recognition, logical reasoning, thinking ahead, working collaboratively and having fun! It can be used in a classroom as part of the school day, in an extended day, or out of school program.
First Move is an academic enrichment curriculum using the game of chess to teach critical and creative thinking skills to elementary students in grades 2, 3 and 4. We have an in-class curriculum and after-school program. The lessons are sequential and academics are the primary focus. Cross curricular ties with math, reading, social studies and STEM subjects are woven into each lesson.
Nope! You can learn right along with your students as you follow The Chess Lady and simply facilitate the reinforcing classroom activities. You will be a smashing success!
First Move was designed to be an academic program, not a chess club. We focus more on inspiring students to think critically and be great problem solvers, then on chess. We do encourage students to be chess players and join clubs. First Move is a great tool for academic in-class and after-school programs.
Social Emotional Learning and the skills taught in the First Move program go hand in hand. We teach good sportsmanship, positive behavior, and help student to slow down and concentrate for greater periods of time. Impulse control and the development of intellectual self-esteem are also taught through First Move.
First Move is designed for a classroom or after-school academic setting and can also be utilized in a home-school group. It was not designed for use in chess clubs. First Move meets standards for 2nd and 3rd grade students and easily translates into the 4th grade as well.
Contact us! We will work with you to determine which First Move program is best for your school’s needs. Simply reach out and we’ll help you navigate the details. Contact email@example.com or call/text us at 425-629-4000.
The program is $295 for new classrooms which includes a Teacher’s Manual, online curriculum, classroom chess sets, a demonstration board, and additional resources. For continuing classrooms, there is a yearly subscription cost of $50 per classroom.
Yes! In 2009 a report was completed by NWREL. Dr. Annie Woo concluded “First Move’s research and standards based curriculum increases math and reading aptitude across all sub-groups”. Beyond that, we have tons of anecdotal evidence supporting the use of First Move.
Dr. Judy Shelton, Curriculum Director, Ariel Community Academy
Just want you to know how great this program is. The students and teachers are truly into it…..in one teacher’s words….it really makes a difference in the ways students react to one another, much less the critical thinking it employs.
Trina Lanegan, 2nd grade teacher, Mt. Stuart Elementary School, Ellensburg, WA
I teach in a Title 1 school and have children with special needs, learning delays, and complex trauma they are dealing with. I have six bilingual learners. Chess was the equalizer this year. My highest, most gifted students played chess with my Fetal Alcohol Syndrome student and everyone was a winner.
Casey Watts, 3rd grade teacher, Nora Davis Magnet School, Laurel, MS
My students love chess, and I have seen them grow as critical thinkers by learning to play the game. I love that I can connect what they learn in chess to other subjects that I teach particularly math.
Robin McSestheis, 2nd grade teacher, Austin Elementary, Grand Prairie, TX
I have seen many benefits from this program in my classroom from social aspects to academic improvement.
Kurt Brandner, 3rd grade teacher, Stanley Elementary, Tacoma, WA
I LOVE this program. IT is designed very well. It is systematically strong, provides ample practice for students to learn each piece of knowledge, and I am learning more right along with my class. I also love how it supports the language and skills I am teaching them in math. We have even initiated a class versus class game using our large display boards. Thank you so much for sharing this program.