oshc activities
International Chess Day / Human Chess Match

Human Chess Match

Children become the pieces on a giant chalk or taped chessboard while two teams of 'players' direct their moves in a full-size game.

How to run it

  1. Draw or tape an 8 by 8 grid of large squares outdoors or in a hall, shading every second square.
  2. Make simple piece signs (king, queen, rook, bishop, knight, pawn) to wear or hold.
  3. Choose two children as players and set the pieces up in their starting positions.
  4. Players call each move and the pieces walk to their new square; captured pieces leave the board and cheer from the side.

You will need

  • chalk or masking tape
  • card piece signs
  • string or pegs to attach signs
Make it easier or harderYounger children can play using only pawns and kings; older children can be the players and explain their strategy.
My Time Our Place · Outcome 4, Outcome 5Children apply strategic thinking and communicate clearly as a team to plan and carry out moves.

Fits these theme days

More like this