Time Required:
10 minutes
Tools Required:
- Giant king
- Kick balls
Chess Objective(s):
Students will be able to:
- Recognize the importance of protecting the king throughout the game
General Objective(s):
- Improve gross motor skills
- Enhance coordination
- Prioritize protecting versus attacking in a game
Description:
Explain that the king is one of the most important pieces of the game. When the king is captured, the game is over. Have children make a circle around the king facing out (or a line in front). Roll balls at the king and have children kick it away.
Variation:
Have some of the children roll the balls and some of the children protect the king.
Description for Parents
The coach reminded the children that the goal of a chess game is to checkmate the other player’s king, so it is very important to protect your king — when your king is captured, the game is over. The children formed a protective line in front of a giant king piece while the coach rolled balls to them, and they protected the king by blocking the balls.