We designed this curriculum for children ages 4-12. Though we do understand that younger learners, or learners with a shorter attention span may benefit from more compact stories. And with this in mind, we created a “simplified” version of each standard lesson! That way, everyone can join King Mateo on his adventures in life and chess!

Our SEL Chess Curriculum integrates social-emotional learning directly into chess instruction, helping students develop emotional regulation, decision-making, resilience, and positive peer interaction—through story and play.

Designed for schools and after-school programs, the curriculum is structured, flexible, and easy to implement by chess instructors, teachers, or enrichment staff.

This curriculum supports:

• Emotional regulation during competition

• Growth mindset and reflective thinking

• Respectful communication and sportsmanship

• Perseverance and coping with challenge

• Social awareness through collaborative play

This specialised SEL chess curriculum was designed by educator and artist, Selina Hernandez. She spent over ten years teaching children of all ages to learn and love this game. But after working extensively with younger learners, she discovered the need for a different, more inclusive and engaging approach. From there, the Little Ones Chess stories were born. Honed and tested in the classrooms and homes of New York City, they are now available to you!

Each lesson was designed with the classroom in mind. So while the stories themselves take only 10 minutes or less to read, their accompanying teaching guides are perfect for instructing a typical 45min. - 1hour class/home instruction.

Licensing for schools/chess programs begins at $2,000. See section above these FAQ’s for more info.

Each of these sessions are approx. 45-1hr depending on your scheduling needs.