First Move Scholastic Chess Curriculum for All 2nd and 3rd Graders

In 2014/15, BCPS is launching the First Move scholastic chess curriculum in all second and third grade classrooms.  This is the nation’s largest scholastic chess curriculum initiative in history, and will benefit over 34,000 students across the District.  

The First Move scholastic chess curriculum helps to increase students’ critical thinking, problem-solving and social skills, while students are having fun learning to play the game. In addition, studies have shown playing chess increases students’ math skills, reading aptitude and overall academic achievement.  

First Move was successfully piloted during the 2013/14 school year at three schools located in the city of Sunrise, with the encouragement and support of the city of Sunrise and its mayor.  The Sunrise City Commission and the Broward League of Cities also passed resolutions supporting the inclusion of scholastic chess in all Broward County public schools.