First Move operates within the classroom so that all children receive the benefits of learning through chess.   The program is taught one hour per week, during the school day, in the 2nd and 3rd grades.

There are three primary components to the First Move program; Curriculum and materials, teacher training, and on-going support.

Curriculum and Materials: All teachers receive the Teacher Manual complete with lessons, handout and worksheets, the DVD users guide, tools for assessment, and (optional) extended activities.  A chess poem book and chess workbook are also part of the curriculum.  To complement the curriculum, we provide each classroom with an interactive DVD with the curriculum on it, a DVD player, a demonstration board, and chess sets and boards for student use. Each student also receives their own chess board and set for home use.

Teacher Training:  Most of our teachers do not know how to play chess prior to starting First Move.  In workshops and through our training DVD, we explain why chess is such a powerful learning tool, how it relates to most other subjects being taught, and how to play chess.  The training, along with the tools we offer, make it so any teacher can implement the First Move program.

On-going Support:  Each First Move teacher is assigned a personal Chess E-Mentor.  This mentor will aid the teacher in implementing the First Move program.  Mentors are available to answer questions by email and will send out regular tip and hint sheets.  This support continues throughout the school year.  Additionally, Chess Mentors can assist schools in setting up a Family Chess Night.  Participating in First Move will also give teachers unlimited access to TEDNET, our Teacher Education Development Network.