Chess at The Washington Market School

At The Washington Market School, our blend of Montessori and Reggio Emilia philosophies creates an environment where children are met at their age appropriate developmental stages. This child centered approach extends into our Studio programs, including our engaging and imaginative Chess curriculum.

Through our partnership with Chess at Three, children are introduced to the game of chess using storytelling as the foundation for learning. Rather than memorizing how each piece moves, learners discover why they move that way through playful narratives like King Shaky, who takes only one small step because he’s afraid to leave his cozy pillow castle. These creative stories make complex concepts easier to understand and help foster empathy, confidence, and good sportsmanship.

Each lesson follows a simple rhythm: a story introduces a new chess concept, followed by guided play where children apply their new knowledge on the board. Over time, students learn how all the pieces move, explore strategies and tactics like forks and pins, and even begin to understand checkmate and chess notation.

What begins as storytelling quickly becomes real gameplay, with children not only gaining new skills but developing a love for learning. By making chess both fun and accessible, our program helps young children experience the joy of discovery—one thoughtful move at a time.