Contents

Acknowledgements....................................................................................................................................... 1
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 2
Section A: Overview of the Curriculum ......................................................................................................... 3
Aims of the Chess Curriculum ............................................................................................................... 3
Standards & Benchmark ....................................................................................................................... 4
Progression Grid.................................................................................................................................... 5
Curriculum Breakdown/ Outline ........................................................................................................... 7
Section B: Teaching Chess ........................................................................................................................... 17
Teaching Strategies ............................................................................................................................. 17
Role of a Chess Teacher ...................................................................................................................... 18
Classroom Planning ............................................................................................................................. 19
Classroom Behavior Management ...................................................................................................... 19
Section C: Assessment in Chess .................................................................................................................. 22
Reference Material List ............................................................................................................................... 23

Acknowledgements
This curriculum document is the culmination of collective efforts and contributions from the dedicated
academic teams across Zindagi Trust’s managed schools, particularly those from the Chess Department.
Special acknowledgment to Mohammad Salman Khan, whose extensive qualifications as a certified FIDE
School Instructor, ECU School Chess Teacher, and a teacher at Shangla Girls School have significantly
contributed to the development of this curriculum.

Sincere thanks to Awwad Mirza, Chess Coach at SMB Fatimah Jinnah who continues to carry on the legacy
of his father. To Hira Sher Muhammad, Zindagi Trust alumnus and now chess teacher at SMB and lastly to
Bismah Ali.

A special thanks to all the individuals, chess enthusiasts, and stakeholders who have contributed their
insights, feedback, and support throughout the development of this curriculum. It is through the collective
efforts and the shared commitment to chess education that this document has come to fruition.

1
Introduction
Chess, a game of strategy and intellect, is increasingly recognized for its potential to enhance
cognitive development and academic performance across all age groups. Research by Ferguson
(2000) highlights the cognitive benefits of learning chess, demonstrating improvements in critical
thinking, problem-solving, spatial reasoning, and memory retention. These cognitive
enhancements have been correlated with academic achievements in various subjects, as
evidenced by Sala & Gobet (2017), who found that chess instruction positively impacted
mathematical problem-solving abilities in primary school students.
Beyond its cognitive advantages, chess also nurtures essential social-emotional skills crucial for
success in life. Research by Valea (2019) illuminate the development of focus, concentration, and
perseverance among chess players. It showed higher concentration levels among primary school
children and established that chess can help children in developing certain cognitive skills.
Further, the game promotes traits like good sportsmanship and socialization, fostering positive
social interactions and emotional regulation both inside and outside the classroom.
As educators strive to cultivate well-rounded individuals with intellectual and emotional
intelligence, the integration of chess into school curriculums emerges as a powerful tool. The
growing body of research reflects the multifaceted benefits of chess, encompassing cognitive
development, academic performance, social-emotional skills, and community building. By
incorporating chess into educational settings, educators can provide students with a unique and
valuable avenue for holistic growth and learning.
Recognizing the transformative power of chess, Zindagi Trust (ZT) introduced chess at its schools
in 2011 under the direction and guidance of the late Shehzad Mirza. The primary objective was
to create a rich, holistic learning environment for children and equip them with critical thinking
skills. Drawing on over a decade of experience, Zindagi Trust has developed a chess curriculum
aligned with contemporary trends and feedback from the ZT-managed schools.

The main aim of the chess curriculum is to instill the principles of chess, and foster logical
reasoning, critical thinking, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills in students. Therefore,
this document serves as a guiding aid for educators who share ZT's vision and aim to integrate
chess into their school's holistic educational framework. This curriculum provides a
comprehensive outline of learning expectations and breaks down the chess learning framework
into levels. Ideally suited for children aged seven and onwards, this curriculum is founded on
performance standards, benchmarks, and features a progression grid demonstrating the
advancement of learning objectives across grades.

2
Section A: Overview of the Curriculum
This section delineates the main components of the curriculum while providing a comprehensive overview
of how Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) are distributed across grade levels.

Aims of the Chess Curriculum

The overarching aims of the chess curriculum are as follows:

● Impart fundamental chess skills and strategies for practical application.

● Strengthen basic chess knowledge and critical thinking abilities to build a solid foundation
for advanced chess learning.
● Develop the ability to reason logically and analyze diverse game situations.
● Foster a lasting understanding of chess principles through hands-on practice, visual aid,
and conceptual discussions.
● Engage in gameplay and puzzles to develop skills in chess reasoning, information
processing, making connections to real-life situations, and making judgments.
● Foster an appreciation for chess and cultivate an enjoyment of learning and playing the
game.

This curriculum document includes details of pedagogical approaches designed to aid chess
educators in achieving the overall aims of this curriculum. For example, among others, real-life
scenarios and chess puzzles are two strategies to achieve the aims of this curriculum. These
approaches engage students in analyzing game situations and applying chess knowledge to solve
related real-life problems. Moreover, students get opportunities to construct similar game
scenarios, enhancing their intellectual engagement with chess content.

The curriculum emphasizes principles, patterns, and strategic systems so that students can apply
their evolving chess knowledge and develop a comprehensive understanding of the subject.
Further, it contains assessment guidelines to ensure an effective alignment amongst learning
outcomes, instructional design, and assessment methods. Specific formative assessment
strategies are also suggested for the improvement of students' learning. An effective learning-
outcomes-oriented quality assurance system based on constant monitoring and an effective
feedback loop is recommended.

Chess textbooks and workbooks play a key role in providing quality chess education at all levels.
In addition to these, teaching and learning resources include chess software, apps, online
tutorials, chess clubs, and a range of web-based and electronic resources. Suggested activities,
web links, and reference books are added to help the users of the chess curriculum.

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Chess educators are therefore expected to:
● Shift from solely providing information to adopting student-centered teaching
methodologies.
● Create cooperative and collaborative learning environments.
● Design assessment tasks and curate weekly lesson planning depending on student
response.
● Seek resources online and otherwise to help students demonstrate their
theoretical learning practically.

Standards & Benchmark

The chess curriculum consists of the following three key learning strands outlined in the table
below. These strands are further broken down into benchmarks, and subsequently into learning
objectives across grade levels. The learning strands are intentionally kept broad to offer flexibility
to the teachers in adapting their teaching styles according to their students' needs.

Learning Strands Standards Benchmark

Fundamentals Of ● Identify and understand the ● Recognize the chessboard, squares,

Chess chessboard and chess pieces, horizontal lines, vertical lines, diagonal
as well as the rules and lines, and naming of squares.
etiquette of the game. ● Identify chess pieces and their
movements and understand their
relative values.
● Complete understanding of
chessboard and important squares.
● Compare & contrast between various
types of draws and complex
checkmate situations.
Opening, ● Identify and apply ● Understand basic tactics like fork,
Middlegame and fundamental principles of skewer, double attack, and discover
Tactics opening and middle game attack.
theory and strategies, and ● Recall famous chess openings and
analyze various chess tactics, opening repertories, and understand
including pins, forks, skewers, advanced tactics like pins, sacrifices,
discovered attacks, and and outpost strategy.
others. ● Analyze and demonstrate concepts of
● Apply known facts, properties, attack and defense in various
and relationships to analyze situations.
chess situations. ● Differentiate between the Kings and
● Examine real-life situations by Queen’s Gambit variations.
identifying logically valid

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 arguments and drawing
conclusions to enhance their
strategic thinking.

Endgame ● Identify and understand basic ● Describe the concepts and rules of the
endgame techniques. endgame.
● Analyze different types of ● Be able to recognize and demonstrate
chess endgames and their different types of end game strategies.
strategic implications. ● Compare and contrast different types
● Examine real-life situations by of pawn structures, and demonstrate
identifying logically valid about all major, minor pieces and
arguments and drawing pawn endings.
conclusions to enhance their ● Recall the five golden rules of chess.
understanding of planning, ● Differentiate between the Kings and
long-term strategy, and Queen Gambit openings.
analytical thinking. ● Analyze and review complex game
● Collect, organize, analyze, and positions and strategies and develop
interpret game data. decision-making skills.
● Evaluate and analyze game ● Predict and develop a plan for the
positions and strategies, anticipated moves of the opponent.
developing deeper
understanding and skill.

Progression Grid
The Progression Grid serves as a guide indicating how competencies at a particular
developmental level are to be attained to meet the standards. The grid lists all the Student
Learning Outcomes (SLOs) in parallel and shows the gradual development of learning objectives
from one grade to another. There is a gradual increase in the difficulty and complexity of chess
skills learned as students progress through the levels, creating a well-rounded and
comprehensive chess curriculum.

5
Learning Strands Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 7
Fundamentals Of Recognize Understand Understanding Deepen Develop a
Chess chess board, the concepts of chessboard, understanding of comprehensive
squares and of chessboard, notation and chess board and understanding of
line, and chess notations and pieces, and develop a various types of
pieces and pieces, and basic comprehensive draws and
their check, checkmate and understanding of complex
movements. checkmate, draws the role and checkmate
and draws. strategic use of situations.
each chess piece
and square.

Opening, Get introduced Learn chess Learn famous Develop and

Middlegame and to basic chess openings and chess openings understand
Tactics opening and their main and understand opening
middle game ideas. advanced tactics repertories and
strategies. like pins, tactical themes
Understand sacrifices, and such as
Learn the basic tactics outpost strategy. deflection, decoy,
concepts of like fork, and clearance.
attack and skewer, and Analyze and
defense. double attack, apply the
and discover concepts of
attack. attack and
defense in
various
situations.
Endgame Begin to Get introduced Understand Learn chess Learn about all
evaluate and to basic chess basic endgame endgame and major and minor
analyze game endgame principles. their main ideas. pieces and pawn
positions and strategies and endings.
strategies. techniques. Continue Understand and
recording apply different Develop decision-
Begin to games and types of pawn making skills and
evaluate and begin to structures. improve strategic
analyze game analyze them understanding.
positions and for Analyze and
strategies. improvement. review complex
game positions
and strategies.

6
Curriculum Breakdown/ Outline
This section consists of the level wise breakdown of the curriculum.

Grade 3
Unit Topics SLOs Suggested Activities
Unit 1: Introduction What is Chess? Students will be introduced Introduce chess: Provide an
to Chess to the game of chess as a overview of chess, including
History of Chess. sport. the objective, basic rules,
and essential chess
Benefits of Playing Chess. Students will be outlined the terminology.
history and origin of chess.
Movements of Chess Video: Show a short video
Pieces. Explain the basics of chess. highlighting the gameplay,
strategies, and excitement
Identify all chess pieces. of chess.

Interactive discussion:
Engage students in a
discussion about the
benefits of playing chess,
encouraging them to share
their thoughts and
experiences. Discuss the
cognitive, social, and
emotional benefits of chess.

Explore chess history:

Present a brief history of
chess, discussing its origins
in ancient India, its spread
across different cultures,
and notable chess players
throughout history.

Encourage students to ask

questions and participate
actively in the discussion.
Unit 2: Squares on the Students will be able to Worksheet activity:
The Chessboard Chessboard. identify and name the Provide worksheets for
squares on the chessboard. students to draw and color
Types of lines on the a chessboard, labeling the
Chessboard. squares and lines.

7
 Students will be able to
Chess Notations. differentiate between the Mini game:
concept of horizontal, Conduct a mini game where
vertical, and diagonal lines students practice naming
on the chessboard. and identifying different
Students will recognize the squares on the chessboard.
central squares on the
chessboard.

Students will learn the basics

of chess notations.
Unit 3: Chess Pieces Types of Chess Pieces. Students will be able to recall Worksheet activity:
all the chess pieces. Provide worksheets for
Movement and students to draw and color
placement of Chess Students will be able to chess pieces and write fairy
Pieces on the Board. identify the symbols and tales about it.
values of chess pieces on the
Mathematically Assigned board and home squares Hands-on activity: Provide
Values to Chess Pieces. through algebraic notations. chess pieces and a demo
board for students to
Describe the movements of practice placing the pieces
chess pieces. correctly.

Recognize positioning of Web: www.lichess.org

pawn and Knight Mini game:
Conduct mini games where
Identify the value of pawn students practice
movements and capture
and knight based on their
different pieces on the
movement.
chessboard.

Demonstrate movement Web: www.chessplus.net

of pawn and knight www.logicqboard.com
Recognize positioning of Math activity: Assign values
bishop, rook, and queen. to each chess piece and
engage students in
Identify the mathematical calculating the total value of
different pieces.
value of bishop, rook, and
Explain the conventional
queen based on their
point’s value for each chess
movement. piece.

Demonstrate movement Explain:

of bishop, rook, and queen

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 Recognize the position of ♕ = ♖ + ♗ + ♙ because
King. 9=5+3+1
Tasks:
(a) ♞ +♜+ ♟ =?
(b) ♕ = ♗+♗+?
(c) Can you find four pieces
that add together to the
same value as a queen?
What difference would it
make if the queen were
worth 10?
(d) These are the captured
pieces during a game, which
side is leading in material,
black or white?
1♞ ♝ ♛ ♖ ♙
2♕ ♞ ♞ ♜
3♟♟♟♟♜♝♕♘♘♖♖
Unit 4: Check, Introduction to Check. Students will be able to Interactive discussion:
Checkmate, and compare and contrast the Engage students in a
Draws Introduction to conditions for checkmate. discussion about check and
Checkmate. checkmate, encouraging
Students will be able to them to share examples.
Draws in Chess. differentiate between types
of checkmate patterns. Classroom tournament:
Organize mini games and
Students will be able to full game tournaments
differentiate between types where students practice
of draws in a game of chess: pieces movement, capture,
Stalemate, Threefold checkmating opponents,
Repetition, Insufficient and identifying draws.
Mating Material, Fifty Move Web: www.lichess.org
Rule, and Draw by www.chess.com
Agreement.
Worksheet activity:
Provide worksheets for
students to solve the
puzzles, write the answer
and tick mark the right
answer.

9
Grade 4
Unit Topics SLOs Suggested Activities

Unit 1: Attack and Strategies for Students will develop Group discussions:
Defense Attacking in Chess. strategies for launching Divide students into pairs or small
attacks on the opponent's groups to analyze and discuss
Defensive pieces. attacking and defensive strategies
Techniques. from famous chess games.
Students will demonstrate
types of defensive Simulated positions:
techniques of Run Away, Provide students with chess puzzles
Block (Interpose), and Add that involve attacking and
a Defender to protect defending scenarios for them to
their own pieces. solve.
Unit 2: Special Castling. Students will be able to Role-playing activity:
Moves identify the concept of Have students act out the special
En Passant. castling. moves of castling, en passant, and
pawn promotion on a large
Pawn Promotion. Students will be able to demonstration board.
practice the concept of
castling on the board. Puzzle-solving:
Students will be able to Provide worksheets puzzles that
differentiate between en- focus on practicing and recognizing
passant moves and pawn opportunities for special moves.
promotion.

Students will be able to

demonstrate en-passant
moves and pawn
promotion.

Students will be able to

showcase pawn
promotion on the
chessboard.
Unit 3: King Under Attack. Students will recognize Simulated games:
King Under Threats when the king is under Have students play simulated
Basic Checkmate threat. games where they focus on
Patterns. protecting their king and
Students will demonstrate recognizing checkmate threats.
Draws and appropriate defensive
Stalemate. strategies (Block attack, Problem-solving scenarios: Present
Move to a safe square, students with chessboard scenarios
where the king is in danger and

10
 and Capture the attacking they need to find the best defense
piece) to defend the king. or escape.

Students will be able to Provide worksheets for students to

differentiate between a solve the puzzles and write the
checkmate and a correct answer.
stalemate.
Students will be able to
identify the game situation
of draw.
Students will be able to
differentiate between
stalemate and draw.
Unit 4: Rules of the game Students will be familiar Classroom tournaments:
Other Rules of chess & with the touch-move rule, Conduct friendly tournaments
procedures time controls, and basic where students practice following
chess etiquette. touch-move rules, time controls,
and practicing good chess
Students will recall the etiquette.
rules of playing in a chess
tournament. Chess etiquette discussion:
Engage students in a discussion
Students will demonstrate about the importance of good
the procedures followed in sportsmanship and etiquette
a chess tournament. during chess games.
Unit 5: Checkmate Introduction to Students will be able to Analysis of checkmate positions:
Positions Checkmate differentiate the types of Provide students with famous
Positions. checkmate positions; checkmate positions from historical
Arabian Mate, Anastasia games and have them analyze the
Mate, Back Rank Mate, key moves leading to checkmate.
Kiss Mate, Smother Mate,
& Double Rook Mate. Creative presentations:
Assign students to create
Students will demonstrate presentations displaying different
types of checkmate checkmate positions and explain
positions on the the strategies behind them.
chessboard. Provide worksheets for students to
solve the checkmate puzzles and
write the correct answer.

11
Grade 5
Unit Topics SLOs Suggested Activities
Unit 1: Short Chess Games. Students will be able to Speed chess:
Short Games showcase short chess Organize speed chess
games. tournaments where
students play shorter
Students will recall short games with limited time.
chess game strategies.
Students will develop Game analysis:
decision-making skills Assign students to analyze
based on different game and present their own
scenarios. short games, identifying
critical moments and
decisions.

Unit 2: Opening Introduction to Openings in Students will recognize Opening research project:
and Basic Opening Chess. the purpose of openings Assign each student a
Strategy in chess. specific opening to
Opening Strategies. research. Ask them to
Students will learn basic present its key ideas, and
opening strategies and demonstrate its
principles. gameplay.

Opening simulations:
Conduct simulated
opening scenarios where
students practice applying
basic opening strategies.
Unit 3: Understanding Tactical Themes: Students will Solve puzzles based on
Tactics Fork, Skewers, Double Attack, differentiate between tactical themes.
Double Check, Discovered types of tactical themes.
Attack, Discovered Check, Mate Play games where the
with Rook and Queen. Students will be able to objective is to checkmate
recall checkmate with rooks or a queen.
strategies with rook and
queen. Provide worksheets for
students to solve the
puzzles and write the
correct answer.

12
Grade 6
Unit Topics SLOs Suggested Activities
Unit 1: Opening - Key Ideas in Famous Chess Students will study and Opening presentations:
Famous Chess Openings. analyze famous chess Assign each student or group
Openings openings : Roy Lopez, a famous chess opening to
Scotch Game, Sicilian research. Ask them to present
Defense, Queen Gambit, its history, key ideas, and
London System, Carro notable games in the class.
Kann
Opening simulations:
Students will understand Conduct simulated games
the key ideas of opening where students practice
strategies. playing famous openings and
apply the opening principles
Students will be able to they have learned.
recall the strategies
behind these openings.
Unit 2: Middle Middle game principles Students will recall middle Chess strategy discussions:
Game Strategy game principles. Engage students in
Centralized the rook, discussions about strategic
Identify different strategic Students will identify the concepts like pawn structure,
aspect of open file and different strategic aspects piece activity, and piece
semi open file. of an open file. coordination.

Rook on open file Students will identify the Game analysis:

Rook on 7th Rank different strategic aspects Analyze famous middle game
Tactical Exchanges and of a half-open file. positions with students,
Trades. discussing the strategic
Students will identify decisions and plans of the
Utilizing Pins and different strategies of players involved.
Sacrifices. rook in middle game.
Identifying and Utilizing Provide worksheets for
Outposts. Students will be able to students to solve the puzzles
recall rules of; Equal and write the correct answer.
Trade & Exchange, Good
Trade & Exchange Bad
Trade & Exchange

Students will identify

pinning techniques and
outposts effectively.

13
 Students will be able to
demonstrate pinning
techniques and outposts
effectively.
Unit 3: Pawn Different Pawn Structures. Students will be able to Pawn structure analysis:
Structure . differentiate between Assign students positions with
different pawn structures different pawn structures and
and their functions. have them analyze the
strengths and weaknesses of
Students will recall pawn each.
ending strategies. Pawn structure simulation:
Provide scenarios where
Students will be able to students practice making
demonstrate passed pawn strategic decisions based on
strategies. different pawn structures.

Students will be able to

demonstrate double
pawn imbalances.
Unit 4: Endgame Strategies for Pawn Students will execute Endgame puzzles:
Strategy Endings, Rook Endings, strategies for pawn Provide challenging endgame
Queen Endings, and endings. puzzles that focus on pawn
Bishop and Knight endings, rook endings, and
Endings. Students will execute other specific endgame
strategies for rook scenarios.
Introduction to Zugzwang. endings.
Endgame simulations:
Basic Endgame Puzzles Students will execute Conduct endgame simulations
strategies of queen where students practice
endings. executing winning strategies
in pawn, rook, queen, bishop,
Students will be able to and knight endings.
differentiate between
bishop and knight
endings.

Students will demonstrate

the concept of Zugzwang.

Students will exhibit skills

by solving basic endgame
puzzles.

14
Grade 7
Unit Topics SLOs Suggested Activities
Unit 1: Strategies for Opening Students will learn Opening repertoire building:
Opening Repertoires and Preparation strategies for effective Guide students in building
Opening Preparation opening preparation. their own opening
Students will repertoires and provide
demonstrate opening resources for studying
theory. opening theory.

Opening preparation
exercises:
Assign students to prepare
opening lines for specific
opponents and discuss their
strategies.
Unit 2: Tactical Concepts and Students will Chess tactics workshops:
Tactical and Strategic Combinations. demonstrate tactical Conduct workshops focusing
Weapons skills and combinations. on advanced tactical
Developing Strategic concepts and combinations,
Thinking and Planning. Students will enhance allowing students to practice
their strategic thinking and reinforce their tactical
and long-term planning skills.
abilities.
Strategic planning exercises:
Assign students complex
positions and have them
analyze and develop long-
term strategic plans.
Unit 3: Tactics and Strategies Students will learn Analysis of attacking games:
King Hunting and tactics for attacking the Analyze famous games
Attacking the King Recognizing and opponent's king. where players successfully
Exploiting Weaknesses attacked the opponent's
in the Opponent's Students will king, discussing the strategic
Position. demonstrate strategies decisions and attacking
of King’s in opposition. patterns.
Students will showcase
strategies of the Queen Attacking practice games:
in opposition. Organize practice games
where students focus on
Students will exhibit launching effective attacks
attacking strategies on against the opponent's king.
castled king. Provide worksheets for
students to solve the puzzles

15
 and write the correct
answer.
Unit 4: Calculation and Analyzing Variations Students will recognize Calculation exercises:
Analysis and Positions. types of variations Provide challenging positions
effectively. where students need to
Introduction to calculate several moves
Advanced Analysis Students will be able to ahead and analyze the
Techniques. recognize anticipated consequences of each move.
moves of the opponent. Analysis of grandmaster
games:

Analyze grandmaster games

with students, emphasizing
the importance of accurate
calculation and analysis in
decision-making.

Provide worksheets for

students to solve the puzzles
and write the correct answer.
Unit 5: Solving Complex Students will solve Chess puzzles and tactics
Tactical Sharpening and Tactical Puzzles. complex tactical puzzles training:
Improving Strategic Vision to sharpen their tactical Engage students in solving
skills. complex chess puzzles and
tactical exercises to enhance
Students will be able to their tactical awareness and
execute the scenarios sharpen their skills.
presented using the
gambit variations. Strategic vision exercises:
Present students with
strategic positions. Assign
them the taskto identify and
execute the most promising
strategic plans.

Provide worksheets for

students to solve the puzzles
and write the correct
answer.
Unit 6: Strengthening Strategies for Students will be able to Concentration exercises:
Mental Abilities Through Managing Emotions recall rules playing a Conduct concentration
Chess and Handling Pressure game of chess in a exercises where students
in Chess tournament. focus on visualizing and

16
 Students will be able to calculating positions
incorporate the accurately.
fundamentals of time
management, touch Mindfulness and relaxation
move, and illegal move. techniques:
Students will be able to Introduce mindfulness and
practice mindfulness relaxation techniques to
techniques for playing in help students manage stress
a tournament. and improve their mental
abilities during games.

Section B: Teaching Chess

This section details the crucial components involved in the effective teaching of chess.

Teaching Strategies
Teaching strategy for chess should be a combination of theoretical lessons, interactive
discussions, hands-on activities, and practical gameplay. Considering this, the following strategies
can be implemented for teaching chess:
1. Demonstrations: The teacher should provide clear demonstrations of chess concepts, moves,
and strategies. Visual aid items such as a demonstration board or digital resources can be used
to enhance understanding.
2. Interactive Discussions: Engage students in interactive discussions to encourage critical
thinking and problem solving. Ask open-ended questions, encourage students to share their
ideas, and facilitate discussions on strategies and tactics.
3. Hands-on Activities: Incorporate hands-on activities to reinforce learning. Use worksheets for
drawing and coloring chessboards, manipulatives for understanding piece movements, and
puzzles to develop critical thinking skills.
4. Practice Games: Organize practice games within the classroom to provide students with
opportunities to apply their knowledge and improve their skills. Encourage fair play, provide
guidance when needed, and facilitate discussions on game analysis afterward.
5. Individual and Group Work: Assign individual or group projects where students can research
and present on specific topics related to chess, such as famous players, historical games, or
opening variations. This promotes independent learning and fosters teamwork.
6. Differentiation: Recognize and accommodate the varying skill levels and learning styles of
students. Provide additional challenges for advanced learners and offer extra support to students

17
who may require it. Differentiation can be achieved through personalized assignments, puzzles
of varying difficulty levels, or peer mentoring.

Role of a Chess Teacher

The teacher plays a crucial role in teaching chess by assuming the following responsibilities:

Facilitator Guide and Mentor

Create a positive and inclusive learning Guide students through the rules, strategies,
environment where students feel and tactics of chess. Provide clear
encouraged to participate, ask questions, explanations, demonstrate techniques, and
and share their thoughts. offer guidance. Observe students' gameplay,
identify their strengths and weaknesses, and
provide constructive feedback to help them
improve their skills.

Chess Teacher

Motivator Knowledge Source

Encourage students to develop a growth Be well-versed in chess concepts, openings,
mindset, embrace challenges, and persevere strategies, and endgame techniques to
in their learning journey. Celebrate their effectively teach and answer students'
successes and provide support when faced questions.
with setbacks.

18
Classroom Planning
When planning chess lessons, consider the following guidelines:
1. Set Clear Objectives: Define specific learning objectives for each unit or lesson, ensuring they
align with the curriculum and the developmental abilities of the students.
2. Sequencing: Plan the units in a logical sequence, gradually building upon previously learned
concepts. Begin with foundational knowledge and gradually introduce more complex strategies
and tactics.
3. Varied Instructional Methods: Utilize a mix of instructional methods such as lectures,
demonstrations, discussions, hands-on activities, puzzles, and gameplay to cater to different
learning styles.
4. Resources and Materials: Gather appropriate resources and materials, including chess sets,
demonstration boards, worksheets, puzzles, books, online resources, and chess software or apps.
5. Assessment: Develop assessment tools such as quizzes, puzzles, gameplay evaluations, and
projects to gauge students' understanding and progress. Use both formative and summative
assessments to provide ongoing feedback and measure learning outcomes.
6. Differentiated Instruction: Plan for differentiation by providing options for varying skill levels,
allowing students to work at their own pace, and offering enrichment or support as needed.
7. Integration with Other Subjects: Seek opportunities to integrate chess with other subjects,
such as history (learning about famous chess players) or mathematics (calculating piece values
or counting moves).

Classroom Behavior Management

Managing behavior in a chess classroom is a unique challenge that chess teachers often face.
While the game itself may be intellectually stimulating, disruptions caused by poor behavior can
hinder the teaching and learning process. Here are some strategies and approaches to address
classroom behavior in a chess setting:
1. Understanding the Challenge:
▪ Teaching and learning can be significantly disrupted by poor behavior.
▪ Chess teachers may find behavior management more challenging than traditional
teachers, as they may lack formal training in classroom control.
2. Approaches to Classroom Management:
2.1 Teacher Authority:
▪ Establish clear expectations and rules from the beginning.

19
 ▪ Consistently enforce rules to maintain authority.
2.2 Code of Behaviors:
▪ Develop a code of conduct specific to the chess class.
▪ Communicate and discuss this code with students.
2.3 School Solutions:
▪ Align with broader school policies on behavior management.
▪ Seek support from school administrators if needed.
2.4 Individual Child Solutions:
▪ Address specific behavioral issues on a case-by-case basis.
▪ Implement individualized behavior plans if necessary.
2.5 Parental Influence:
▪ Communicate with parents about behavioral expectations.
▪ Encourage parental involvement and support.
3. Reasons for Misbehavior:
3.1 Lack of Interest in Chess:
▪ Find ways to make chess more engaging and relevant to students.
▪ Introduce chess-related activities to spark interest.
Chess Understanding:
▪ Differentiate instruction based on skill levels.
▪ Provide additional support for beginners and advanced players.
Feeling Overwhelmed:
▪ Break down complex concepts into manageable parts.
▪ Offer additional assistance to those who are struggling.
Lack of ability:
▪ Celebrate successes at all skill levels.
▪ Emphasize the learning process over winning.
Parental Pressure:
▪ Communicate with parents about realistic expectations.
▪ Emphasize the educational and developmental aspects of chess.
Basic Needs:
▪ Ensure students have access to water and snacks.
▪ Schedule chess classes at times that align with regular mealtimes.

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Feeling of Exclusion:
▪ Promote diversity and inclusion in the chess class.
▪ Address any discriminatory behavior promptly.
Fear of Failure:
▪ Cultivate a growth mindset, emphasizing the value of learning from mistakes.
▪ Encourage a positive attitude toward challenges.
By employing a combination of clear communication, consistent enforcement of rules, and
addressing underlying issues, chess teachers can create a positive and productive learning
environment. Recognizing and responding to the individual needs and motivations of students is
key to effective behavior management in any classroom and more so, to a chess classroom which
is unique in its nature.

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Section C: Assessment in Chess
Assessment in a chess curriculum can be done through a combination of formative and summative
assessments to evaluate students' understanding, progress, and skill development. Here are some
assessment methods that can be utilized:

Puzzle Solving Gameplay Evaluation

Assign chess puzzles or problem-
Observe students' gameplay during
solving exercises that require
practice games or classroom
students to analyze positions, make
tournaments. Assess their
tactical decisions, and find the best
understanding of strategies, decision-
moves. Assess their ability to identify
making, and application of learned
patterns, calculate variations, and
concepts.
solve puzzles accurately.

Written Quizzes or Tests Analysis of Famous Games

Administer quizzes or tests to assess Assign students to analyze and
students' knowledge of chess rules, present on famous chess games.
chess notation, terminology, and Assess their ability to identify key
basic concepts. Include questions moves, explain the strategies
that require short answers, diagrams, employed, and evaluate the players'
or written explanations. decision-making processes.

Project Presentations
Performance Assessments
Assign research projects where
Conduct one-on-one or small group
students explore specific chess topics,
assessments where students engage
such as famous players, historical
in simulated chess scenarios.
games, or strategic openings. Assess
Evaluate their ability to apply
their presentation skills, research
strategies, analyze positions, and
depth, and understanding of the
make informed decisions.
topic.

Peer Assessments
Reflection and Self-Assessment
Encourage students to assess and
Encourage students to reflect on their
provide feedback to their peers
own gameplay, strengths, and areas
during practice games or puzzle-
for improvement. Have them self-
solving activities. This helps develop
assess their progress and set goals for
critical thinking skills and fosters
future growth in chess.
collaboration within the class.

It is crucial to provide timely and constructive feedback to students, highlighting their strengths and areas
that need improvement. Assessment should focus on understanding, strategic thinking, problem-solving
skills, and application of chess concepts rather than just memorization of moves or outcomes.

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Reference Material List
1. CURRICULUM FOR BEGINNERS AND INTERMEDIATES Highland. Park Scholastic Chess. (2010).
https://www.il-chess.org/non_joom/youthpdfs/HighlandParkCurriculum.pdf
2. Edu, F. (2020, June 11). Chess in Education Research. Chess in Education Commission.
https://eduarchive.fide.com/chess-in-education-research/
3. Ferguson, R. (2000) The Use and Impact of Chess. Section B, USA Junior Chess Olympics
Curriculum. 53.
4. Jankovic, Alojzije; Novak, Ivan (2019) : Chess as a Powerful Educational Tool for Successful
People, In: Tipurić, Darko Hruška, Domagoj (Ed.): 7th International OFEL Conference on
Governance, Management and Entrepreneurship: Embracing Diversity in Organisations. April
5th - 6th, 2019, Dubrovnik, Croatia, Governance Research and Development Centre (CIRU),
Zagreb, pp. 425-441
5. Kulac, O. (2014). Elementary Level Chess Class Book (F. Karabay, Trans.; Third Edition).
FIDE Chess in Schools. https://www.scribd.com/document/285718206/kuy1-2014-en
6. O’Donnell, T. (1997). Chess Teaching Manual.
https://www.albertachess.org/Teaching%20Manual.pdf. Retrieved February 13, 2024, from
https://www.albertachess.org/Teaching%20Manual.pdf
7. Read & Write Chess. (2023, June 4). Saint Louis Chess Club.
https://saintlouischessclub.org/education/read-write-chess
8. Sala, G., & Gobet, F. (2017, June 23). Does chess instruction improve mathematical problem-
solving ability? Two experimental studies with an active control group. Learning & Behavior,
45(4), 414–421. https://doi.org/10.3758/s13420-017-0280-3

9. Van Delft, K. (2021, April 2). Chess for Educators. New In Chess.
http://books.google.ie/books?id=9EAqEAAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=Chess+for+
Educators:+How+to+Organize+and+Promote+a+Meaningful+Chess+Teaching&hl=&cd=1
&source=gbs_api
10. Velea, T. (2019, February 16). The Effect Of Playing Chess On Focused Attention. The European
Proceedings of Social and Behavioural Sciences. https://doi.org/10.15405/epsbs.2019.02.84

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