Objectives:

• Understand what chess is and its basic concept
• Learn the importance of setting goals
• Establish personal learning objectives for the 30-day program
• Develop patience and focus mindset

Materials:

• Chess set (physical or digital)
• Goal-setting worksheet
• Chess history handout
• Journal or notebook

Introduction:

Welcome to an exciting journey where we’ll learn chess while developing life skills! Chess is more than a game—it’s a tool for building critical thinking, patience, and strategic planning.

Procedure:

1. Share chess history and its global impact (10 min)
2. Discuss the parallel between chess strategy and life planning (5 min)
3. Goal-setting activity: Write 3 chess goals and 3 personal goals (15 min)
4. Show chess set and basic setup without detailed explanation (10 min)
5. Reflection: Why goals matter in both chess and life (10 min)

Objectives:

• Learn the chess board layout and coordinate system
• Understand the concept of emotional regulation
• Practice staying calm under pressure
• Connect board awareness to self-awareness

Materials:

• Chess board
• Coordinate practice sheets
• Breathing exercise guide
• Emotion regulation handout

Introduction:

Just as we need to understand our emotional landscape, we must learn the chess board landscape. Today we’ll explore both territories!

Procedure:

1. Board orientation: files (a-h) and ranks (1-8) (15 min)
2. Coordinate practice game (10 min)
3. Introduction to deep breathing technique (5 min)
4. Practice breathing while learning coordinates (10 min)
5. Discuss staying calm when learning new things (10 min)

Objectives:

• Identify all chess pieces and their relative values
• Understand different roles people play in life
• Learn about teamwork and individual contributions
• Practice goal visualization techniques

Materials:

• Complete chess set
• Piece identification cards
• Role-playing scenario cards
• Value chart handout

Introduction:

Every chess piece has a unique role, just like every person in our lives. Let’s meet our chess team and think about the roles we play!

Procedure:

1. Introduce each piece and its point value (15 min)
2. Role-play: What job would each piece have? (10 min)
3. Discuss roles students play (child, student, friend) (10 min)
4. Visualize becoming skilled at chess (5 min)
5. Set daily practice goals (10 min)

Objectives:

• Master pawn movement rules
• Understand the concept of steady progress
• Learn about perseverance and small steps
• Practice patience with gradual improvement

Materials:

• Chess board with pawns
• Movement practice sheets
• Progress tracking chart
• Growth mindset handout

Introduction:

Pawns move slowly but steadily forward, just like how we grow and learn. Small steps lead to big achievements!

Procedure:

1. Demonstrate pawn movement: one square forward (10 min)
2. Explain initial two-square option (5 min)
3. Practice pawn movements on board (15 min)
4. Discuss how small daily improvements add up (10 min)
5. Create personal “growth tracker” (10 min)

Objectives:

• Learn rook movement patterns (horizontal and vertical)
• Understand clear, direct communication
• Practice expressing needs and boundaries
• Develop assertiveness skills

Materials:

• Chess board with rooks
• Movement pattern diagrams
• Communication scenario cards
• Assertiveness practice worksheet

Introduction:

Rooks move in straight lines—no confusion, no mixed messages. Let’s learn to communicate with the same clarity!

Procedure:

1. Demonstrate rook movement: ranks and files only (10 min)
2. Practice rook movement exercises (15 min)
3. Discuss direct vs. indirect communication (10 min)
4. Role-play clear communication scenarios (10 min)
5. Reflection on personal communication style (5 min)

Objectives:

• Master bishop diagonal movement
• Learn about different approaches to problems
• Practice flexible thinking
• Understand the value of alternative perspectives

Materials:

• Chess board with bishops
• Diagonal pattern worksheets
• Problem-solving scenario cards
• Flexibility exercises handout

Introduction:

Bishops think diagonally—they find creative paths that others might miss. Sometimes the best solution isn’t the obvious one!

Procedure:

1. Demonstrate bishop diagonal movement (10 min)
2. Practice bishop positioning exercises (15 min)
3. Problem-solving activity: multiple solutions (10 min)
4. Discuss times when flexibility helped them (10 min)
5. Plan for trying new approaches to challenges (5 min)

Objectives:

• Review all pieces learned so far
• Assess progress toward personal goals
• Practice emotional regulation during review
• Adjust goals if necessary

Materials:

• Complete chess set
• Goal-tracking sheets from Day 1
• Review quiz materials
• Progress celebration certificates

Introduction:

Time to see how far we’ve come! Let’s review our chess knowledge and celebrate our progress toward our goals.

Procedure:

1. Quick review: board, pieces, basic movements (15 min)
2. Goal progress discussion and celebration (10 min)
3. Identify areas needing more practice (10 min)
4. Peer teaching: students explain one concept (10 min)
5. Set goals for Week 2 (5 min)

Objectives:

• Master the L-shaped knight movement
• Develop creative problem-solving skills
• Learn to think “outside the box”
• Practice managing frustration with complex concepts

Materials:

• Chess board with knights
• L-shape templates
• Knight tour puzzles
• Frustration management guide

Introduction:

Knights are the most unique pieces—they jump over others and think differently. Sometimes the best solutions come from unexpected approaches!

Procedure:

1. Demonstrate L-shaped movement pattern (15 min)
2. Practice with physical L-templates (10 min)
3. Discuss creative thinking strategies (10 min)
4. Work through knight movement puzzles (10 min)
5. Share strategies for staying calm when confused (5 min)

Objectives:

• Learn queen movement (combination of rook and bishop)
• Understand leadership and responsibility
• Practice making important decisions
• Learn about power and its wise use

Materials:

• Chess board with queens
• Movement combination worksheets
• Leadership scenario cards
• Decision-making framework handout

Introduction:

The queen is the most powerful piece on the board. With great power comes great responsibility—let’s learn to use our abilities wisely!

Procedure:

1. Demonstrate queen’s combined movement abilities (15 min)
2. Practice queen positioning exercises (10 min)
3. Discuss leadership qualities and responsibilities (10 min)
4. Role-play leadership scenarios (10 min)
5. Reflect on personal leadership opportunities (5 min)

Objectives:

• Learn king movement (one square in any direction)
• Understand the importance of self-care and safety
• Practice recognizing personal limits
• Learn about protecting what’s most important

Materials:

• Chess board with kings
• Safety zone worksheets
• Self-care checklist
• Boundary-setting guides

Introduction:

The king moves carefully and stays safe—the whole game depends on protecting the king. We must also take care of ourselves!

Procedure:

1. Demonstrate king’s careful, limited movement (10 min)
2. Explain why king safety is crucial (10 min)
3. Discuss personal self-care practices (10 min)
4. Create personal self-care plan (15 min)
5. Practice saying “no” to protect wellbeing (5 min)

Objectives:

• Learn how each piece captures opponents
• Understand healthy competition vs. harmful conflict
• Practice winning and losing gracefully
• Learn conflict resolution strategies

Materials:

• Chess sets for practice
• Capture rule handouts
• Sportsmanship guidelines
• Conflict resolution wheel

Introduction:

In chess, pieces can capture opponents, but it’s all part of the game. Let’s learn how to compete fairly and handle conflicts positively!

Procedure:

1. Demonstrate capturing for each piece type (15 min)
2. Practice capture scenarios (10 min)
3. Discuss healthy competition principles (10 min)
4. Role-play conflict resolution scenarios (10 min)
5. Create class sportsmanship agreement (5 min)

Objectives:

• Learn castling, en passant, and pawn promotion
• Understand adaptability and flexibility
• Practice adjusting to unexpected situations
• Learn about growth and transformation

Materials:

• Chess sets for demonstrations
• Special moves reference cards
• Adaptability scenarios
• Growth mindset worksheets

Introduction:

Chess has special moves for unique situations. Life also requires us to be flexible and adapt when things don’t go as planned!

Procedure:

1. Demonstrate castling for king safety (10 min)
2. Show en passant capture (5 min)
3. Explain pawn promotion transformation (10 min)
4. Discuss times when they had to adapt (10 min)
5. Practice flexible thinking exercises (15 min)

Objectives:

• Understand check and checkmate concepts
• Learn to stay calm under pressure
• Practice problem-solving when stressed
• Develop resilience and persistence

Materials:

• Chess sets for examples
• Check/checkmate position cards
• Stress management techniques guide
• Pressure situation scenarios

Introduction:

When the king is in check, it’s a stressful moment, but there are always options to consider. Let’s learn to think clearly under pressure!

Procedure:

1. Explain check: king under attack (10 min)
2. Show three ways to escape check (15 min)
3. Demonstrate checkmate scenarios (10 min)
4. Practice calm breathing during pressure (5 min)
5. Discuss real-life pressure situations and coping (10 min)

Objectives:

• Review all chess rules and special moves
• Assess emotional regulation progress
• Practice complete game understanding
• Prepare for strategic thinking in Week 3

Materials:

• Complete chess sets
• Comprehensive review quiz
• Emotional regulation self-assessment
• Week 3 preview materials

Introduction:

We’ve learned all the chess rules and grown stronger emotionally. Let’s celebrate our progress and prepare for the exciting strategy phase!

Procedure:

1. Comprehensive chess rules review (20 min)
2. Emotional growth discussion and celebration (10 min)
3. Partner practice: teaching each other (15 min)
4. Set intentions for strategic learning (5 min)

Objectives:

• Play complete chess games from start to finish
• Practice clear communication during games
• Learn to express thoughts and ask questions respectfully
• Develop patience with opponents’ thinking time

Materials:

• Chess sets for pairs
• Game recording sheets
• Communication guidelines
• Timer for practice

Introduction:

Today we put everything together! Playing complete games teaches us about communication, patience, and respect for others.

Procedure:

1. Review game etiquette and communication rules (10 min)
2. Play first complete games in pairs (25 min)
3. Debrief: what was challenging about communication? (10 min)
4. Share positive moments from games (5 min)

Objectives:

• Learn basic opening principles (center, development, safety)
• Understand the importance of planning ahead
• Practice setting short-term and long-term goals
• Connect chess planning to life planning

Materials:

• Chess demonstration board
• Opening principles handout
• Planning worksheet templates
• Goal-setting timeline sheets

Introduction:

Good chess players think ahead and make plans. This skill helps us in chess and in life when we need to prepare for the future!

Procedure:

1. Teach opening principles: control center, develop pieces, castle early (15 min)
2. Practice applying opening principles (15 min)
3. Discuss planning in daily life (school, chores, goals) (10 min)
4. Create a 1-week and 1-month plan (10 min)

Objectives:

• Learn basic tactics: pins, forks, and discovered attacks
• Develop systematic problem-solving approaches
• Practice looking for patterns and opportunities
• Build confidence in analytical thinking

Materials:

• Tactical puzzle sheets
• Chess position diagrams
• Problem-solving strategy guide
• Pattern recognition worksheets

Introduction:

Chess tactics are like puzzles waiting to be solved. Learning to spot patterns helps us become better problem-solvers in all areas of life!

Procedure:

1. Introduce pins: pieces that can’t move (10 min)
2. Demonstrate forks: attacking two pieces at once (10 min)
3. Show discovered attacks: revealing attacks by moving (10 min)
4. Practice tactical puzzles in pairs (15 min)
5. Discuss problem-solving strategies (5 min)

Objectives:

• Recognize and manage frustration during chess
• Learn internal conflict resolution strategies
• Practice self-compassion when making mistakes
• Develop resilience and persistence

Materials:

• Chess sets for challenging positions
• Frustration management techniques
• Self-talk practice sheets
• Mindfulness exercises guide

Introduction:

Sometimes chess is hard and we feel frustrated with ourselves. Let’s learn healthy ways to handle these feelings and keep growing!

Procedure:

1. Share experiences of chess frustration (10 min)
2. Practice difficult chess positions together (15 min)
3. Learn “STOP, BREATHE, THINK” technique (10 min)
4. Practice positive self-talk phrases (10 min)
5. Create personal frustration management plan (5 min)

Objectives:

• Handle rule disagreements respectfully
• Learn mediation and negotiation skills
• Practice active listening during conflicts
• Develop empathy and perspective-taking

Materials:

• Chess sets for scenarios
• Conflict resolution steps poster
• Active listening practice cards
• Mediation role-play scenarios

Introduction:

Sometimes chess players disagree about rules or moves. Learning to resolve conflicts peacefully is a valuable life skill!

Procedure:

1. Role-play common chess disagreements (15 min)
2. Learn conflict resolution steps: Listen, Understand, Collaborate, Resolve (15 min)
3. Practice active listening exercises (10 min)
4. Discuss compromise and win-win solutions (10 min)

Objectives:

• Learn basic endgame principles
• Understand how to handle life transitions
• Practice adapting strategies when situations change
• Develop flexibility and acceptance

Materials:

• Endgame position examples
• Transition scenarios cards
• Strategy adaptation worksheets
• Change management guides

Introduction:

Chess endgames are different from opening and middle game. Life also has different phases that require new approaches and strategies!

Procedure:

1. Show how endgames differ from earlier phases (10 min)
2. Practice basic endgame positions (15 min)
3. Discuss life transitions (new school, moving, etc.) (10 min)
4. Explore how strategies must adapt to new situations (10 min)
5. Share experiences with change and adaptation (5 min)

Objectives:

• Review strategic thinking and tactical concepts
• Demonstrate conflict resolution skills
• Practice complete game analysis
• Prepare for advanced concepts in Week 4

Materials:

• Chess sets for review games
• Strategic concept checklist
• Conflict resolution assessment rubric
• Week 4 preview materials

Introduction:

We’ve developed strategic thinking and conflict resolution skills. Let’s celebrate our growth and showcase what we’ve learned!

Procedure:

1. Strategic concept review through games (20 min)
2. Conflict resolution scenario demonstrations (15 min)
3. Peer feedback and recognition (10 min)
4. Preview of Week 4 advanced topics (5 min)

Objectives:

• Explore chess variants (King of the Hill, Three-Check)
• Practice adapting to new rules and situations
• Develop cognitive flexibility
• Learn to embrace change and challenges

Materials:

• Chess sets for variants
• Variant rules handouts
• Adaptability challenge cards
• Flexibility assessment tools

Introduction:

Chess has many exciting variants with different rules. Learning to adapt quickly is a superpower for both chess and life!

Procedure:

1. Introduce King of the Hill variant (10 min)
2. Play King of the Hill games (15 min)
3. Learn Three-Check variant (10 min)
4. Discuss how adapting to new rules felt (10 min)
5. Connect to real-life adaptability examples (5 min)

Objectives:

• Play chess with time controls
• Practice decision-making under pressure
• Learn time management strategies
• Develop composure in stressful situations

Materials:

• Chess clocks or timers
• Time management guides
• Pressure management techniques
• Stress response worksheets

Introduction:

Time pressure is part of many life situations. Learning to think clearly and make good decisions quickly is a valuable skill!

Procedure:

1. Introduce chess clocks and time controls (10 min)
2. Play short time-control games (20 min)
3. Discuss feelings and strategies during timed play (10 min)
4. Practice quick decision-making exercises (10 min)

Objectives:

• Teach chess basics to a partner or younger student
• Develop teaching and communication skills
• Practice patience and empathy
• Build confidence through leadership opportunities

Materials:

• Chess sets for teaching pairs
• Teaching checklist guides
• Communication skills handouts
• Leadership reflection journals

Introduction:

Teaching others helps us understand things better ourselves. Great leaders help others grow and succeed!

Procedure:

1. Prepare teaching plans in small groups (10 min)
2. Practice teaching sessions with partners (20 min)
3. Receive and give feedback on teaching (15 min)
4. Reflect on leadership experiences (5 min)

Objectives:

• Analyze personal chess improvement over 25 days
• Identify strengths and areas for continued growth
• Practice self-assessment and reflection skills
• Set goals for future chess and life development

Materials:

• Growth tracking portfolios
• Self-assessment rubrics
• Goal-setting templates
• Progress celebration materials

Introduction:

Let’s look back at our amazing journey and see how much we’ve grown in chess and life skills. Self-reflection helps us keep improving!

Procedure:

1. Review Day 1 goals and current abilities (15 min)
2. Complete self-assessment in chess and life skills (15 min)
3. Identify biggest improvements and proudest moments (10 min)
4. Set new goals for continued growth (10 min)

Objectives:

• Plan and organize a chess club or tournament
• Practice collaboration and teamwork skills
• Learn about community building and inclusion
• Develop organizational and planning abilities

Materials:

• Event planning worksheets
• Tournament bracket templates
• Community building guidelines
• Collaboration assessment tools

Introduction:

Building a chess community brings people together and spreads the joy of learning. Let’s create something amazing together!

Procedure:

1. Brainstorm chess community event ideas (10 min)
2. Form planning committees and assign roles (10 min)
3. Develop event plans with timelines (20 min)
4. Present plans and provide feedback (10 min)

Objectives:

• Explore online chess platforms and tools
• Learn digital etiquette and safety
• Practice responsible technology use
• Understand online learning opportunities

Materials:

• Computers or tablets
• Online chess platform accounts
• Digital safety guidelines
• Technology skills checklists

Introduction:

Technology opens up amazing opportunities for learning and playing chess. Let’s explore these tools safely and responsibly!

Procedure:

1. Introduction to online chess platforms (15 min)
2. Practice playing games online (15 min)
3. Discuss digital etiquette and safety (10 min)
4. Explore chess learning apps and puzzles (10 min)

Objectives:

• Learn about chess history and global variations
• Appreciate cultural diversity and different perspectives
• Understand how games unite people across cultures
• Develop global awareness and empathy

Materials:

• World map and chess history timeline
• Cultural chess variants information
• Famous players from different countries
• Cultural appreciation activities

Introduction:

Chess is a universal language that connects people around the world. Let’s explore how different cultures have embraced and shaped this wonderful game!

Procedure:

1. Explore chess origins and spread across cultures (15 min)
2. Learn about famous players from different countries (10 min)
3. Try chess variants from other cultures (15 min)
4. Discuss how games bring people together (10 min)

Objectives:

• Apply all learned chess and life skills in tournament play
• Demonstrate sportsmanship and emotional regulation
• Celebrate individual and collective growth
• Practice gracious winning and losing

Materials:

• Chess sets for tournament
• Tournament brackets and score sheets
• Participation certificates
• Celebration materials

Introduction:

Today we celebrate our journey with a friendly tournament. Remember, the real victory is in how much we’ve grown as chess players and as people!

Procedure:

1. Tournament opening ceremony and sportsmanship reminder (10 min)
2. Round-robin or Swiss-system tournament games (30 min)
3. Celebration and recognition of all participants (10 min)

Objectives:

• Reflect on the complete 30-day journey
• Set long-term goals for chess and life development
• Create plans for continued learning and growth
• Celebrate achievements and graduate from the program

Materials:

• Journey reflection portfolios
• Future goal-setting templates
• Graduation certificates
• Continued learning resource lists

Introduction:

We’ve completed an incredible journey together! Today we reflect on our growth, plan our future, and celebrate our achievements.

Procedure:

1. Complete journey reflection and portfolio review (15 min)
2. Set 6-month and 1-year goals for chess and life (15 min)
3. Share appreciation and memories with classmates (10 min)
4. Graduation ceremony and certificate presentation (10 min)