Unlock your child's potential with our "Strategic Thinking Development Extra Challenge Worksheets" designed for ages 7-9! These engaging worksheets foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and planning skills, encouraging young learners to think outside the box. Each activity presents thought-provoking scenarios and challenges that promote strategic reasoning in a fun and interactive way. Perfect for enhancing cognitive abilities at home or in the classroom, these extra challenges are ideal for children ready to stretch their minds beyond the basics. Empower your child’s growth and boost their confidence in tackling complex tasks with these essential learning tools! Explore today and enhance their strategic thinking skills!


Check out this FREE "Strategic thinking development" Trial Lesson for age 7-9!

Special Moves: Castling

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With answer key
Interactive
  • 7-9
  • Strategic thinking development
  • 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 development is crucial for children aged 7-9, as it equips them with essential skills for academic and life success. At this stage, children begin to engage in more complex problem-solving tasks and can benefit greatly from learning how to think ahead and make informed decisions. Developing strategic thinking allows them to anticipate outcomes, consider multiple perspectives, and create effective plans to achieve their goals.

For parents and teachers, fostering this skill means encouraging children to not only solve problems but also understand the processes behind those solutions. Engaging in activities that promote strategic thinking—such as puzzles, games, or group projects—can enhance critical thinking and creativity. Furthermore, these skills lay a foundation for future learning and personal development, helping children to navigate challenges in school and beyond.

By caring about and actively fostering strategic thinking, parents and teachers can help instill a growth mindset in their children, promoting resilience and adaptability. In a rapidly changing world, these competencies will not only support academic success but prepare children for real-life scenarios, where making strategic decisions becomes increasingly important. Ultimately, strategic thinking is not just about solving today’s problems; it’s about preparing for tomorrow's challenges and opportunities.