Unlock your child's strategic thinking with our engaging Grade 1 Chess Strategy Learning Worksheets! Designed for young minds, these interactive and fun worksheets introduce essential chess concepts, boost problem-solving skills, and promote critical thinking. Young learners will enjoy mastering basic strategies and opening moves through colorful illustrations and kid-friendly exercises. Perfect for both classroom use and home practice, these worksheets create an enjoyable learning experience that fosters patience, planning, and foresight. Dive into the timeless game of chess and watch your child's cognitive abilities flourish with our expertly crafted resources! Explore today and unleash little grandmasters!


Check out this FREE Grade 1 Trial Lesson on Chess!

Special Moves: En Passant

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  • Grade 1
  • Chess strategy learning
  • Chess
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
How King Captures Worksheet
How King Captures Worksheet

How King Captures Worksheet

The king can capture an enemy piece by taking its place. But it cannot move if the action will put it at risk of attack, or if it's next to the enemy king. On this worksheet, circle the places the white king can capture in one move. (80 words)
How King Captures Worksheet
Worksheet
En Passant Bingo Worksheet
En Passant Bingo Worksheet

En Passant Bingo Worksheet

To teach kids to perfect the en passant move in chess, use this worksheet. It has pictures which depict when a pawn is in danger of being captured. By looking through the pictures, kids can easily understand and perfect the move.
En Passant Bingo Worksheet
Worksheet
What Is a Stalemate? Worksheet
What Is a Stalemate? Worksheet

What Is a Stalemate? Worksheet

Chess is an ideal way to develop logic, strategizing, problem-solving and more! Even kids can learn it. With this worksheet, children can learn about draws and stalemates. Sample boards will help them decide which team, black or white, is at a stalemate.
What Is a Stalemate? 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


Parents and teachers should care about introducing chess strategy to Grade 1 students due to its remarkable benefits for developing young minds. Chess is more than just a game; it is a powerful educational tool that fosters critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and concentration – all essential for a child's academic success and personal growth.

Learning chess strategies at a young age enhances cognitive abilities. Children who play chess regularly show improved memory, better planning skills, and advanced pattern recognition, as they have to visualize multiple moves ahead and consider various outcomes. This mental exercise strengthens their brain’s executive function, which is crucial for handling complex tasks and making informed decisions.

Chess also instills patience, perseverance, and strategic thinking. Young players learn the importance of thinking before acting, a valuable lesson in both academics and everyday life. They develop an appreciation for rules and fair play, which fosters self-discipline and respect for others.

Moreover, chess encourages social interaction and boosts self-esteem. Playing against peers or adults in a structured environment helps children develop a sense of sportsmanship and allows them to experience success and setbacks, teaching them resilience.

In conclusion, introducing Grade 1 students to chess strategies provides a foundation for lifelong cognitive benefits and equips them with vital skills that extend beyond the classroom.