Yet second- and third-graders in almost 2,000 classrooms in 27 states are having fun with chess while learning critical thinking skills and building self-esteem and confidence, thanks to First Move, a program that started in 2000, by America’s Foundation for Chess (AF4C).
“In nearly 30 nations around the world, chess is integrated into the country’s scholastic curriculum,” said AF4C Executive Director Wendi Fischer. “In the U.S., chess is barely incorporated into American schools. Our goal with First Move is to bring positive change to our education system and make chess a regular part of every child’s classroom experience.”
Fischer notes that there are numerous studies that chess can have a tremendous impact on cognitive and critical thinking skills. First Move curriculum is specifically mapped to standards for second and third grade. Students benefit from the critical thinking, group problem solving, and social interaction that chess requires, but they have fun. According to AF4C, students transfer the intellectual, social, and emotional qualities of the game to school and real world success.
Warden Elementary School in Warden, WA, has incorporated the First Move program into its program. “Students tend to be tentative and want someone else to do their work for them, give them the answer, or figure it out for them,” said Warden Principal Jill Massa. “But with chess games that they play as part of First Move, they are forced to think for themselves in a fun way which builds their confidence.”
Fischer says in “The Educational Value of Chess” that chess is all about “thinking strategically and foreseeing consequences. It’s about lines and angles, weighing options and making decisions. Chess might be the perfect teaching and learning tool.”
While some schools offer chess as a club, to foster fun and learning, members are predominantly boys. First Move integrates chess into the classroom, reaching all children, says Fischer. “Students who wouldn't have thought to join the chess club on their own, are more apt to join after having been exposed to chess in their classroom.”
Sartell Middle School in Sartell, MN, does not have the First Move program, but does have a chess club. But one chess club member there sees the benefits that chess does have on learning. “Chess is like a more advanced form of checkers. You have to use lots of strategy. And it can help your grades. I’ve noticed my grades improve,” said this Sartell student. Another sixth-grader mentioned that while Wii games were her favorite thing, chess gives her an alternative. “ … sometimes I like to do stuff that’s more quiet. It just depends on how I’m feeling.”
Not only does chess improve learning and build skills, it also levels the playing field so to speak. Chess crosses all socioeconomic boundaries and has no language barrier, Fischer says. “Age, gender, ethnic background, religious affiliation, size, shape, color, and language don't matter when playing chess. Everyone is equal on the chessboard. Students who are English language learners find success with chess, because they don't face language barriers on the chessboard.”
At Sartell, Josh Bentley is a volunteer chess instructor. He says, “Chess teaches them … what your opponent can throw at you … preparing for the unseen by trying to predict … just like life.”
