Unlock your child's potential with our "Strategic Thinking Development Extra Challenge Chess Worksheets" designed specifically for ages 4-6. These engaging worksheets provide a fun way to introduce young learners to the fundamentals of chess while enhancing their problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Each activity encourages kids to think ahead, foresee outcomes, and develop strategic approaches in a playful context. Ideal for home or classroom use, these worksheets promote cognitive development and foster a love for chess. Equip your little ones with essential skills for success in and out of the game with our thoughtfully crafted challenges! Start their journey today!


Check out this FREE Trial Lesson on Chess for age 4-6!

Special Moves: Castling

Favorites
With answer key
Interactive
  • 4-6
  • Strategic thinking development
  • Chess
  • Extra Challenge
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
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


Strategic thinking is an essential skill that lays the groundwork for problem-solving, decision-making, and critical thinking in children. Introducing programs like Extra Challenge Chess for ages 4-6 fosters these skills in a fun and engaging environment. By learning chess, young children not only develop cognitive abilities but also learn to analyze situations, anticipate consequences, and devise plans—all of which are vital both in academic settings and daily life.

Parents and teachers should care about strategic thinking development because these skills contribute to overall educational success and personal growth. Children who engage in chess learn patience, discipline, and resilience as they navigate challenges and learn from mistakes. This early exposure to strategic gameplay enhances focus and concentration, paving the way for better performance in other subjects, especially math and science, which often rely on logical reasoning.

Moreover, the social aspect of chess promotes interpersonal skills, teaching children about fair play and sportsmanship. By supporting programs like Extra Challenge Chess, parents and teachers invest in developing well-rounded individuals equipped to think critically and strategically, which ultimately prepares them for future academic and life challenges.