Introduce young minds to the captivating world of chess with our "Chess Strategy Learning Extra Challenge Grade 1 Worksheets." Tailored specifically for first-grade students, these worksheets enhance strategic thinking, concentration, and problem-solving skills. Perfectly designed to make learning engaging, our printable resources introduce basic chess concepts and strategies in a fun, accessible way. Whether your child is a budding chess master or just beginning their journey, these challenging, well-structured worksheets will provide hours of productive learning. Enrich your child’s educational experience with the ultimate blend of play and insight, and lay the foundation for lifelong cognitive growth.


Check out this FREE Grade 1 "Chess strategy learning" Trial Lesson!

Special Moves: En Passant

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With answer key
Interactive
  • Grade 1
  • Chess strategy learning
  • 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


Learning chess strategies in the first grade offers numerous developmental benefits that extend beyond mastering the game. For parents and teachers, fostering an interest in chess can be a valuable tool for overall cognitive and emotional growth, making it worth the extra effort and challenge.

Firstly, chess is known to enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By learning chess strategies, young students are encouraged to think ahead, plan their moves, and anticipate potential challenges. This skillset is directly transferable to both academic and real-life situations, promoting a mindset of strategic planning and foresight.

Moreover, chess improves concentration and patience. First graders easily get distracted; however, chess instills the importance of focus and the patience needed to think deeply before making a decision. This can lead to better attention spans and improved performance in classroom activities.

Chess also fosters creativity. After grasping basic strategies, students often employ imaginative tactics to outmaneuver their opponents. This kind of abstract thinking enhances their ability to think outside the box in various contexts.

Socially, chess serves as a bridge for interaction. It helps build sportsmanship and teaches children how to handle wins and losses gracefully. Overall, the critical, ethical, and social learning derived from chess makes it a valuable, holistic educational tool for young learners.