Discover the perfect introduction to chess with our "Extra Challenge Chess Worksheets for Ages 3-6" designed to enhance strategic thinking in young minds. Tailored specifically for early learners, these engaging worksheets make complex concepts graspable and fun. Your little ones will develop critical planning skills, reinforce problem-solving abilities, and spark a love for chess through interactive and challenging activities. Our worksheets are visually stimulating and age-appropriate, ensuring that kids stay focused while mastering beginning chess strategy. Give your child the gift of strategic skill and cognitive growth with our expertly curated early learning chess resources.


Check out this FREE Trial Lesson on Chess for age 3-6!

Special Moves: En Passant

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With answer key
Interactive
  • 3-6
  • Chess strategy learning
  • Chess
  • Extra Challenge
King and Queen Mate Strategy: Part 1 Worksheet
King and Queen Mate Strategy: Part 1 Worksheet

King and Queen Mate Strategy: Part 1 Worksheet

This worksheet will help your young chess player strategize. They’ll learn how to checkmate the opponent’s king using just a king and a queen. Descriptive sample boards will show them the strategy and then a practice board will test their knowledge. Allowing them to plan the queen’s next move to checkmate the opposing king.
King and Queen Mate Strategy: Part 1 Worksheet
Worksheet
En Passant: Tricky Pawn Capture Worksheet
En Passant: Tricky Pawn Capture Worksheet

En Passant: Tricky Pawn Capture Worksheet

When a pawn moves two squares from its initial position and enters a square controlled by an enemy, the enemy can capture it as if it had moved one square. This move is called "en passant" (in passing). Ask your child which square the black pawn will land on after capturing the white pawn en passant using the provided chessboard.
En Passant: Tricky Pawn Capture Worksheet
Worksheet
Two Rook Mate Strategy Worksheet
Two Rook Mate Strategy Worksheet

Two Rook Mate Strategy Worksheet

Kids who can play stress gain better reasoning, logic and critical thinking skills. This worksheet can teach kids the Two Rook Mate strategy to checkmate their opposite king. They'll discover how to close in the enemy king and protect with another rook, all the while enjoying a screen-free activity!
Two Rook Mate Strategy Worksheet
Worksheet
En Passant: Writing it Down Worksheet
En Passant: Writing it Down Worksheet

En Passant: Writing it Down Worksheet

Properly documenting moves in chess is often overlooked. En passant captures require your child to note the starting and ending squares (e.g. d5xe6) with an "X" in between them. Ask your children to review the worksheet and ensure they've notated the captures correctly. (80 words)
En Passant: Writing it Down Worksheet
Worksheet
Two Rook Mate Practice Worksheet
Two Rook Mate Practice Worksheet

Two Rook Mate Practice Worksheet

Chess is all about checkmating your opponent. This free Two Rook Mate practice worksheet is a fun way for your mini strategist to do just that. They can draw a line showing their move then pick the correct notation for the mate! A great way for them to practice fine motor skills, too.
Two Rook Mate Practice Worksheet
Worksheet
Find Stalemate! Worksheet
Find Stalemate! Worksheet

Find Stalemate! Worksheet

Teach your kids Chess and give them more than a hobby - equip them with critical thinking, rationale and problem-solving skills! This free worksheet helps them understand stalemates by examining various sample boards. By providing visual discernment and the joy of the game, your child's logical skills will soar!
Find Stalemate! Worksheet
Worksheet
Notation of Checkmate Worksheet
Notation of Checkmate Worksheet

Notation of Checkmate Worksheet

Checkmate is the thrilling, ultimate move in chess! Teach your child to make it and notate it properly with this free worksheet. They'll love being able to capture the king and it's great for brain-building too! Have them look at the sample boards and place a # sign after the checkmate move for notation.
Notation of Checkmate Worksheet
Worksheet


Introducing chess strategy through an extra challenge for children ages 3-6 can be incredibly beneficial for their cognitive and social development. At this tender age, kids are rapidly developing their thinking and problem-solving skills. Chess, by its very nature, is a powerful tool to foster these abilities, even in its simplest forms.

Playing chess engages children's minds in critical and creative thinking, improving their concentration and memory. Understanding basic strategies and planning steps ahead teaches them cause-and-effect relationships, reinforcing logical thinking. This early encounter with strategic thinking can lay the groundwork for more complex problem-solving skills later in life.

Moreover, chess can instill patience and discipline. Learning to anticipate an opponent's moves and considering the consequences of their actions nurtures patience and emotional regulation.

Socially, children learn the importance of taking turns, fair play, and how to handle win-or-lose situations gracefully. Chess also offers opportunities for bonding. Whether it's parents playing with their child or watching a friendship develop over a chessboard, the game promotes a healthy, interactive, and intellectually stimulating environment.

Ultimately, integrating chess strategy into early education challenges young minds while making learning fun, setting a foundation for lifelong cognitive and social skills.