Spring Independent School District
I give The First Move Program the highest ratings possible!!!
State of Idaho, Boise, ID
The part I really like about this program is that kids are thinking ahead.
Brookdale Elementary School, Orangeburg, SC
The First Move Program has been a wonderful success at my school. The teachers and students have embraced the thought provoking capabilities that it exposes our students to.
Mary Lynch School, Springfield, MA
This program is giving our students an excellent opportunity to play a game that is enhancing their thinking skills. Thank you so much!
Ecole Kenwood, Columbus, OH
It does seem to build self esteem. Students are excited to know something that not everyone knows about.
Newton Bateman Elementary School, Chicago, IL
Every student but one came in reading poorly and word-by-word and my head began to spin with dread. This past week I individually tested them to see if there was improvement, 2/3 of the class are reading above the end-of-year standards, and the other third is close behind. Don’t know if it’s the chess, but it is getting them to THINK.
Brighton Elementary, Seattle, WA
The program is amazingly valuable. My students love this program and can’t wait for chess day. They have learned so much from chess that carries over to every area of their day. I can’t thank you enough for this wonderful program!!!
Kamiah Elementary, Kamiah, ID
I am extremely pleased with the thinking ahead that I am seeing when my students play the pawn games. They are looking at what would happen if ………., and some are even looking several steps ahead already, I also like the manners that are taught and used in the game. I wondered if my students would ever be able to not talk during our first games, but I never have to say anything now and I can hear them THINKING!
Shirley Mann Elementary, Union, KY
I really enjoy the program and my students do as well. It is a creative way to teach math, social studies and good sportsmanship skills. I’m glad we’ve adopted it.
Rose Hill Elementary, Kirkland, WA
It is so exciting for me to see how even the “lowest” kids can have so much success with Chess and learn STRATEGY, when in their daily work they have such a hard time coming up with a strategy for anything.
Bloomfield Hills, MI
First Move has been a great addition to our math program. Students look forward to learning new strategies during play. LOVE it!
Seattle, WA
The lessons are well thought out and clear. Thanks at Sanislo Elementary
Peirce School of International Studies, Chicago, IL
My students truly enjoy our chess sessions! I can easily spot students learning to strategize before making a play. Another useful tool to make students think and reflect before acting.
Way Elementary, Bloomfield Hills, MI
I really enjoy teaching First Move because it’s simple and easy for the children to follow the directions of the Chess Lady. I can see the benefits because they align fairly close to our benchmarks and standards in math for third grade. It has boosted the confidence level of my students.
Swift Elementary, Chicago, IL
My Students feel smarter because they know chess. We love it!
Bruce Elementary, Houston, TX
I think that this program is a great way to increase thinking skills, problem solving schools and gives the child something that they would not be exposed to otherwise to take with them for the rest of their lives.
Warden, WA
Critical thinking and strategy are other big benefits. Students tend to be tentative and want someone else to do it for them, give them the answer, or figure it out for them, but with the chess games that they are playing with the program, they are forced to think for themselves in a fun way which builds their confidence.
Atlanta, GA
First Move is an excellent educational tool that engages youngsters in a higher level of thinking. It is also fun and it teaches them respect for their classmates and others. I believe that chess is a game they will carry for life.
Joliet, IL
First Move is an excellent program. Students are excited and anxious to participate. They also love the idea of having their own chess sets. The program allows students to take part in an activity that they would have never been introduced to outside of school. Highly recommended.
Laurel, MS
My students love chess, and I have seen them grow as critical thinkers by learning to play the game. I love that I can connect what they learn in chess to other subjects that I teach, particularly math.
Seattle, WA
First Move creates even playing field for ESL, promotes complex thinking and planning, promotes common courtesies, promotes recognition of patterns, ALL students are engaged.
Seattle, WA
My students and their parents are very excited about this program!
Chicago, IL
We are loving this curriculum in our 3rd grade class! It has been a great equalizer among many of many students!
Atlanta, GA
First Move is an excellent program. I was nervous at first thought but second graders are not too young for chess. They love the program and the game. I find the set user friendly. This program is truly and asset!
Joliet, IL
This program is very easy to follow for the students and teachers alike. The students feel very successful learning at the given pace. I have a new student this year who did not have a year of chess and the other students gladly ‘took her under their wing’ and she is also enjoying the program.
Seattle, WA
It has been wonderful to see how the skills and vocabulary are used in many if not all, our other subjects. My class cheers when it’s chess time.”