chess nameplate
chess basics
Chess Basics
The Scholastic Chess Series offers tools that work:  

  • Easy-to-follow video coaching that introduces each lesson

  • Easy to use Workbook format

  • Step-by-step “how-to” instructions for the instructor/parent

  • Fun hands-on activities starting with the first lessons!

  • Clear, short lessons are reinforced by Activity pages

  • Answers on back of each Activity page for quick reinforcement

  • Unique incremental method makes it easy for anyone to learn

  • Tips for play

Book 1: Chess Basics for beginners K-6

And we mean basic — from setting up the chessboard and naming the squares, to identifying the pieces and how they move, to understanding check, checkmate and stalemate.

Pre-chess games start with the Pawns. Games grow in complexity as students learn each new piece and how each interacts in the game. The video and fun Activity lessons systematically develop chess skills without making it overly complicated.  As the learner masters each piece, important chess problem-solving abilities like Focusing, weighing options and thinking ahead are mastered.