International Chess Day / Chess Moves Relay
Chess Moves Relay
Teams race across a giant outdoor grid moving like chess pieces, hopping like knights and zigzagging like bishops, to reach the far side.
How to run it
- Mark a large grid with chalk or cones.
- Give each team a piece card that tells them how to move: rook straight, bishop diagonal, knight in an L shape.
- Children take turns crossing the grid moving only as their piece can, then tag the next teammate.
- Swap piece cards each round so everyone tries every move.
You will need
- chalk or cones
- piece movement cards
Make it easier or harderYounger children can use rook and bishop moves only; older children must reach a target square in the fewest moves.
SafetyKeep teams in separate lanes to avoid collisions and provide water breaks.
My Time Our Place · Outcome 3, Outcome 4Children connect movement with problem-solving, building physical skills alongside mathematical thinking.
Fits these theme days
More like this
After School Quick STEM · Games Day · Board Games Day +2
Number Card Maths Game
Children use a deck of coloured number cards to play quick adding and multiplying games, turning maths practice into friendly competition.
Great Race Day · Challenge Day · Teamwork Day +2Two-Choice Detour Challenges
At each stop of a team race, groups choose between two different mini challenges, weighing up speed, skill and strategy together.
Great Race Day · Gross and Messy Day · Games Carnival Day +2No-Hands Donut Relay
Relay teams take turns eating a hanging donut without using their hands, then walk back to tag the next player for a funny, messy race.
Great Race Day · Outdoor Explorers · Treasure Hunters Day +3Grounds Map Navigation
Children use a simple map of the service grounds to locate hidden checkpoints, building map-reading and directional skills.