Smart Moves Chess was founded out of a love for chess – both playing it and sharing it! Our vision from the beginning has been to give children the benefits of chess, earlier. So we developed a preschool chess curriculum does just that!
Chess, for everyone
In 2013, Smart Moves began as an on-site preschool enrichment program based on an innovative preschool chess curriculum that combines physical activity and chess instruction. At the time, it was one of, if not the only, program of its kind in the U.S.
A chess curriculum anyone can teach
Our preschool chess curriculum has grown considerably since those early days. Based on our own experiences teaching it we’ve expanded it to include an additional early learning chess program with lessons tailored for elementary age students. But most importantly, we’ve designed it so it can be taught by anyone with a background in early education, regardless of previous chess knowledge.
Is Smart Moves right for my center?
If your organization or school enrolls children ages 3-10, Smart Moves’ preschool chess curriculum or early learning curriculum is a great way to engage your students, give further momentum to their academic and social development, and help your school stand out. Our preschool chess programs (designed for preschoolers) and early learning chess programs (designed for elementary-age students) seamlessly integrate into your school or club’s existing academic programs. Best of all, they can be taught by any educator and adapted to fit any schedule. On nice days, active lessons can be taught outside – on rainy days, pick some calmer indoor activities!
Why Smart Moves is different
Many preschool enrichment and early learning programs focus on either mental or physical development. But Smart Moves does both. The 70+ activities in our preschool and early learning chess programs use a variety of engaging methods and teaching tools. As a result, students learn the basics of chess, but also mathematical foundations, critical thinking, empathy, and sportsmanship.
At Smart Moves we are trained educators, former youth chess players, and parents. We understand how to teach a complex topic like chess in a fun, engaging way and how to use chess as a vehicle to teach young students about other STEM topics and life skills. We’ve applied that knowledge and experience to create an awesome kid-focused curriculum.
Get started right now
The Smart Moves program is exceptionally easy to get started. The curriculum is available for instant download in the store. You can download it today to start planning your coming months. To save you time and effort, we’ve collected all the supplies you need into easy to manage bundles our Preschool Curriculum Starter Pack and our Early Learning Curriculum Starter Pack. If you just need to refresh or replenish your supplies, you can do that easily, too. You can be up and running, with supplies on the way, in just a few clicks.
Excellent support
Finally, we’re there for you if you hit issues. We have been teaching these activities since 2013. We’ve encountered about every issue that can come up. If you get stuck, just drop us a line.