Ficheall is a network of primary school teachers in Ireland who promote the playing of chess in schools for the social and cognitive benefits it has for students. While chess has many cognitive benefits for children it has become increasingly clear from the many anecdotes from teachers that the Ficheall project is having an enormous impact in schools for children’s social skill and sense of belonging in schools.
Ficheall volunteer teachers have created 10 beginner lessons for anyone interested in learning the basics of chess. The beginner lessons feature videos designed by primary school teachers in Ireland, PowerPoint slides, and lesson plans. The Chess for Social Skills lessons is uniquely linked to the SPHE curriculum and are designed to develop students’ understanding of respect, accepting defeat, planning ahead, etiquette, teamwork, decision making, patience, understanding of safe and unsafe, resilience and practice.