oshc activities
International Chess Day / Bottle Lid Chess Sets

Bottle Lid Chess Sets

Children make their own take-home chess set using bottle lids for pieces and a hand-ruled cardboard board.

How to run it

  1. Give each child a square of cardboard and help them rule an 8 by 8 grid, colouring alternate squares.
  2. Collect 32 bottle lids per set, 16 of each colour (or paint them two colours).
  3. Draw or stick piece symbols on each lid using permanent marker or paper stickers.
  4. Test the sets with a game of pawn wars or a full game.

You will need

  • cardboard squares
  • rulers
  • pencils
  • markers
  • bottle lids (32 per set)
  • paint or stickers
Make it easier or harderFor younger children, provide a pre-printed board; older children can design their own themed pieces.
SafetyBottle lids are a choking hazard for very young siblings, so send sets home in a sealed bag.
My Time Our Place · Outcome 4Children use measurement and design skills to create a functional game from recycled materials.

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