Unlock the power of strategic thinking in your first grader with our engaging Strategic Thinking Development Grade 1 Chess Worksheets! Designed to inspire young minds, these worksheets introduce essential chess concepts through fun activities that enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Each worksheet encourages students to analyze positions, visualize outcomes, and make thoughtful decisions, laying a strong foundation for future learning. Perfect for the classroom or at-home practice, our resources make it easy to integrate chess into your child's education. Help your child develop essential cognitive skills while enjoying the timeless game of chess—download your worksheets today and watch their strategic abilities flourish!


Check out this FREE Grade 1 Trial Lesson on Chess!

Rook

Favorites
With answer key
Interactive
  • Grade 1
  • 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


Parents and teachers should prioritize strategic thinking development through activities like Grade 1 chess for several compelling reasons. First, chess is an engaging and mentally stimulating game that can enhance children's cognitive abilities. By learning chess at an early age, children develop critical thinking skills, which are crucial for problem-solving across various subjects. This early exposure fosters an ability to anticipate consequences, enabling them to make better decisions in academics and life.

Moreover, playing chess teaches children the importance of patience and discipline. They learn to weigh options and consider different strategies, thereby boosting their ability to focus—an essential skill for succeeding in school. Chess promotes resilience through the experience of losing or making mistakes, which encourages children to evaluate their errors and strive for improvement.

Additionally, chess can enhance social skills, as it is often played in groups or pairs. This environment encourages communication and collaboration, which are vital components of a well-rounded education. Overall, integrating chess into a young child's routine not only supports cognitive development but also lays a strong foundation for lifelong learning and personal growth, ultimately benefiting their academic and social experiences.