Initial Positions on the Board - Lesson for Preschool, Chapter - Chess Basics
In the "Initial Positions on the Board" lesson within the Chess Basics chapter, preschool students embark on an engaging journey to grasp the core foundation of chess. This lesson, nestled under the Game Basics unit, introduces young learners to the essential starting positions of chess pieces on the board, a fundamental skill for anyone aiming to play the game. Through a series of interactive activities, including "Chess: Starting Positions on the Board," "Position of the Chessboard: White on the Right Worksheet," "Setting up the Chessboard: Part 1 Worksheet," and the "Chessboard Puzzle Worksheet," students will not only learn where each piece is placed but also the correct orientation of the chessboard itself.
Understanding the initial setup is crucial as it lays the groundwork for all subsequent strategies and moves in the game. This knowledge allows young players to start games correctly, fostering an appreciation for the complexities and strategic depths of chess from an early age. Furthermore, this lesson aids in developing spatial awareness, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, which are vital cognitive abilities in both academic and real-life scenarios.
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Activity 1 / Chess: Starting Positions on the Board
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Activity 2 / Position of the Chessboard: White on the Right Worksheet
Proper positioning of the chessboard and the players is just as important as the technicalities and rules that govern chess playing. Before the game begins, each player must ensure that they have a white square in the near right-hand corner of the board. Learn a simple rhyme to remember this rule, «white on the right». Ask your child to check all the pictures showing the kids sitting at the chessboard in the right way.
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Activity 3 / Setting up the Chessboard: Part 1 Worksheet
Teach your children what the position of all the chess pieces are supposed to be at the onset of the game. The black army is positioned at ranks 7 and 8 on the chessboard, while the white army starts on ranks 1 and 2. On the chessboards at the bottom, your child must check the correct chess piece that will start the game from the highlighted boxes on each board.
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Activity 4 / Chessboard Puzzle Worksheet
How well can your child fill in an empty chessboard with all the correct chess pieces at their proper positions? Find out that answer by using this simple worksheet to give them a test. In this chessboard puzzle, your little one is required to find the missing pieces of the chessboard. The black pieces are arranged properly, and your child’s task is to find the pieces that will complete the white side. Check the correct answers to complete this printout.
