Story Time Chess (2019) Board Game

Story Time Chess is a children’s educational board game that was released in 2019 by Megableu in collaboration with Story Time Learning. Designed to teach kids the basics of chess through storytelling and interactive gameplay, it has gained popularity among parents and educators looking for a fun way to introduce the game of chess to young learners.

Game Components of Story Time Chess

A two-sided game board (one side is a regular chess board, the other a themed garden board)

32 custom chess pieces

32 character cut-outs

30 miniature tokens

An instruction book

Chess piece storage bags

Optional workbooks: Story Time Chess My Coloring Workbook, Story Time Chess Activity Workbook, and Story Time Chess Puzzle Workbook.

How To Setup Story Time Chess

Setting up Story Time Chess is straightforward and designed to be accessible even for those with no prior chess knowledge. Start by placing the chess pieces on the board according to the storybook’s instructions. Each piece has a corresponding character cut-out that helps children remember the piece’s name and movement. The storybook guides you through the setup and initial gameplay, ensuring that both children and adults can follow along easily.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Storytelling: The game uses stories to explain how each chess piece moves.

Mini-games: Each chapter includes mini-games to reinforce the piece movements and strategies.

Piece Movement Learning: Children learn how each piece moves through interactive and fun activities.

Objective: The ultimate goal is to understand how the pieces move and eventually learn to play a full game of chess. The initial objective is to familiarize children with the pieces and their movements, with more complex strategies introduced in subsequent levels.

Player Experience

Playing Story Time Chess is a delightful experience, especially for young children. The game transforms the serious and abstract world of chess into a silly and imaginative realm. Children are engaged by the colorful illustrations and the quirky characters, such as King Shakey who is always scared and only takes one step at a time. The mini-games and activities keep the children entertained while they learn, making the experience both fun and educational. Parents and caregivers can bond with their children through this interactive learning process, enhancing language acquisition, cognitive development, and creativity.

Pros

Engaging and Fun: Uses storytelling and colorful characters to make learning chess enjoyable.

Accessible: No prior chess knowledge is required, making it perfect for beginners.

Educational: Develops critical skills like strategic thinking, math, problem-solving, communication, and sportsmanship.

Durability: Pieces and components are made of durable materials suitable for small hands.

Awards and Recognition: Awarded multiple prestigious awards, including the 2021 Toy of the Year Award.

Cons

Limited Depth: While it teaches piece movements well, it may not immediately prepare children for full strategic gameplay.

Gradual Learning: Requires patience as children progress through the stories and mini-games to fully understand the game.

Additional Levels Needed: To move beyond basic piece movements, additional workbooks (Level 2 and 3) are required.

Personal Thoughts on Story Time Chess

**Story Time Chess** is ideally suited for families with young children who are just beginning to learn chess. It is a great tool for parents or caregivers who want to introduce their kids to the game in a fun and engaging way. The game’s approach ensures that children learn through play, making it an excellent educational gift. For families looking to bond over a shared activity and for schools aiming to introduce chess in an engaging manner, **Story Time Chess** is an excellent choice. However, it is important to note that this game is just the first step in learning chess, and additional resources may be needed as children progress in their understanding of the game.

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