Enhance your child's problem-solving skills with our Strategic Thinking Development Chess Worksheets, specifically designed for ages 7-9. These engaging, printable worksheets introduce fundamental chess concepts while fostering critical thinking and strategy. Each activity encourages young learners to analyze situations, plan ahead, and make informed decisions—skills essential for both chess and everyday challenges. Our worksheets combine fun and education, making them an ideal tool for parents and educators alike. Dive into the world of chess and empower your child’s confidence and creativity as they master strategic thinking through interactive and enjoyable learning experiences. Start their journey toward becoming a tactical genius today!


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  • 7-9
  • Strategic thinking development
  • Chess
Chess Pieces Quest Worksheet
Chess Pieces Quest Worksheet

Chess Pieces Quest Worksheet

Help your child prepare for the chess quest by refreshing their knowledge of the symbols and characteristics of each chess piece. Then, have them try the 9 questions on this worksheet. These questions will assess their understanding of the symbols and how many pieces each player starts with.
Chess Pieces Quest Worksheet
Worksheet
Notation of Moves Writing it Down Worksheet
Notation of Moves Writing it Down Worksheet

Notation of Moves Writing it Down Worksheet

Notating chess moves can be tricky for kids to learn. This worksheet will help them better understand it. To notate a move, write the piece's short name, start and end squares, and separate them with a "-". For instance, Bd4-d2 means a bishop moved from b4 to d2. No need to write pawns' short names.
Notation of Moves Writing it Down Worksheet
Worksheet
How Rooks Capture Worksheet
How Rooks Capture Worksheet

How Rooks Capture Worksheet

Chess is a game that requires skill, concentration and planning. Players must move their chess pieces strategically to capture pieces from their opponent. Do your kids know how to use the rook to capture pieces? Go through the worksheet with them and circle the pieces the rook can capture.
How Rooks Capture Worksheet
Worksheet
How Queen Captures Worksheet
How Queen Captures Worksheet

How Queen Captures Worksheet

Chess is a great game for sharpening math skills, strategic thinking, and knowledge of how each piece moves. If your child is interested, introduce them with this worksheet. It demonstrates how the queen can capture opposing pieces, such as another queen, and take their place.
How Queen Captures Worksheet
Worksheet
Short Notation of Moves Worksheet
Short Notation of Moves Worksheet

Short Notation of Moves Worksheet

To master chess, you need more than just knowing the pieces and their moves - you need to be able to make notations of your moves. To make a short notation, write the piece name and square it moved to; for example, Bd2 for bishop on d2. Pawns don't need the piece name, just the square; e.g. g5. Show your kids how to draw lines to the board for the moves given.
Short Notation of Moves Worksheet
Worksheet
One Move Checkmates: Puzzle 2 Worksheet
One Move Checkmates: Puzzle 2 Worksheet

One Move Checkmates: Puzzle 2 Worksheet

Fine-tuning logic and critical thinking skills can be tricky but this free PDF offers a fun way for little logisticians to practice visual-spatial relationships and strategizing to checkmate the black king. It also boosts directional and reading skills which makes it a great brain-building puzzle.
One Move Checkmates: Puzzle 2 Worksheet
Worksheet
Chess Manners Worksheet
Chess Manners Worksheet

Chess Manners Worksheet

Teach your child chess manners in addition to table and social ones. Chess has clear rules and etiquette which must be followed for a proper game. Review this worksheet with your kid and discuss the pictures that show inappropriate behaviours. This will help them understand how to play the game correctly and with good manners.
Chess Manners Worksheet
Worksheet
Moves Notation Bingo Worksheet
Moves Notation Bingo Worksheet

Moves Notation Bingo Worksheet

Test your child's chess notation skills with this simple worksheet. Download the PDF which shows a chess board and arrows pointing to pieces. Ask your child to identify the moves and note them down correctly. The notations needed are for bishop, pawn, rook and knight. Up to 80 words.
Moves Notation Bingo Worksheet
Worksheet
Castling No - no's: Part 2 Worksheet
Castling No - no's: Part 2 Worksheet

Castling No - no's: Part 2 Worksheet

Teach your child the rules of castling: no castling if the king is under attack or will move onto an attacked square, or cross an attack line. To prepare for a game of chess, help your child complete the exercise of identifying when the king can castle – check the pictures.
Castling No - no's: Part 2 Worksheet
Worksheet
How Bishops Move Worksheet
How Bishops Move Worksheet

How Bishops Move Worksheet

There is no such thing as too much sharpening of skills. Encourage your child to learn more about chess technicalities with this simple worksheet. It shows them how a bishop moves: along diagonals any number of squares, but it can't jump over other pieces.
How Bishops Move Worksheet
Worksheet


Strategic thinking skills are crucial for children, particularly in ages 7 to 9, as they are developing critical cognitive abilities. Chess, a game rooted in strategy and foresight, serves as an excellent tool for fostering these skills.

Firstly, playing chess teaches children to plan ahead, anticipate their opponent's moves, and adjust their strategies accordingly. This can translate into improved problem-solving abilities in academic settings and daily life. As they learn to evaluate different outcomes and make decisions based on potential consequences, children enhances their analytical thinking.

Moreover, chess fosters patience and discipline, as players must wait for the right moment to act and understand the need for careful consideration before making moves. This mindfulness can help mitigate impulsive behaviors often observed at this age.

Additionally, chess encourages social interaction and sportsmanship, as children often play in pairs or small groups, promoting teamwork and communication.

By investing time in chess, parents and teachers can equip children with foundational skills that extend far beyond the game itself, enhancing their academic performance and life experiences. Overall, developing strategic thinking through chess lays a solid groundwork for future critical and independent thinking.