Neuro-based Teaching Methodologies
MiniChess classes are delivered as a structured, curriculum-integrated programme within the school timetable, typically aligned with mathematics and or entrepreneurship. The programme spans five developmental levels, from Start Smart for 4 to 5 year olds to Level 3 for learners up to 11 years old, and is designed to strengthen critical thinking, problem-solving and core STEM development.
Overview
The programme is presented by qualified specialist MiniChess teachers or accredited in-school staff, ensuring high-quality instruction, with all required teaching materials and equipment provided. Schools, governing bodies and alternative organisations interested in implementing this valuable programme can initiate a consultation to finalise a model tailored to their specific institutional needs.
MiniChess classes are included within the school’s curriculum and timetable (face-to-face tutoring), usually as part of the mathematics and or entrepreneurship curriculum cycle. Classes are presented weekly by an external specialist MiniChess teacher or an accredited in-school teacher (as per the school agreement), including all prescribed MiniChess teaching materials and equipment, as well as workbooks.
The weekly MiniChess classes are presented over 5 Levels, according to the school agreement:
- Start Smart level (4 to 5 years old)
- Level R (6 to 7 years old)
- MiniChess Levels 1, 2 and 3 (7 to 12 years old)
Process Forward
In-school STEM development programs offer a multitude of benefits to students. Firstly, these programs foster early exposure to STEM disciplines, allowing students to explore and develop an interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics from a young age. By engaging in hands-on activities, experiments, and projects, students gain practical experience and a deeper understanding of STEM concepts. Moreover, these programs promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills, which are essential in various academic and professional pursuits. In-school STEM development programs also encourage collaboration, communication, and teamwork, as students often work together on projects, fostering important social and interpersonal skills. Lastly, these programs help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications, enabling students to see the practical relevance and impact of STEM fields in their lives. Overall, in-school STEM development programs provide valuable opportunities for students to explore, excel, and prepare for future careers in STEM.
*MiniChess students become members of the Start Smart Entrepreneurs Club
Our Neuro-based training methodologies
1. The 7 main learning styles taught in our classes
Oral
Visual
Auditive
Tactile
Social
Logical
Kinetic
2. Strong Focus on Developing socio-economic skills through play
3. All lesson plans and themes are structured in a fixed spatial model for baseline STEM skills development:
- 3D, concrete, real-life experiences
- 2D, guided abstract understanding
- Age-appropriate, practical application of knowledge
4. MiniChess play-innovation is a proven model for Brain Training
MiniChess classes are emotionally safe spaces, with a clear intention to identify and correct developmental backlogs. Optimal learning can only take place when a child is functioning in their thinking brain. When children feel safe, they are more inclined to be creative, experiment and investigate without fear of rejection. This matters, as it supports the development of an entrepreneurial mindset. Many children in South Africa experience very difficult home and or school environments, which can place them in a state of survival, functioning from the reptilian brain. This activates a fight or flight response, where the child is not open to optimal learning. MiniChess teachers are trained to identify this and to assist learners to move out of survival, through the “safe house” (the limbic brain), to access the thinking brain and optimise learning.
MiniChess purposefully targets the correction of early developmental backlogs from the outset of the programme by stimulating the inner senses: the vestibular system, the proprioceptive system and kinesis. According to occupational therapists, backlogs in any of these three systems can contribute to learning difficulties at school. In particular, backlogs in the vestibular system (a system of tubes situated in the inner ear) can cause long-term challenges in spatial ability, which are not simply outgrown with age.
Spatial ability forms the foundation for reading, writing and mathematics for life. Spatial backlogs are considered widespread in South Africa, contributing to national challenges in reading and mathematics outcomes. Our play-based programme shows strong results in helping to address these backlogs in young children.
5. The MiniChess games are designed to stimulate critical think-skills as well as emotional skills from practical play-experiences:
“Children learn to make healthy decisions by making decisions, not by taking instruction.”
Important Information
MiniChess is available online with live classes on the MC platform.
For children aged 4 to 12
Teaching Materials
- Large 3D chessboard mat (2.8m x 2.8m) with lightweight chess pieces
- Large magnetic demo board and nagnetic chess pieces
- Staunton chessboards and sets in stackable containers
- MiniChess stamp (used by teachers in spatial development)
- Two FIDE accredited chess timer with batteries (used from Level 2 onwards)
- Teacher Aid pack plus (props and learning materials for lessons)
- Start Smart kit and set of 72 magnetic colour squares
- Learner workbooks
- Mecer Smartlife 7 inch tablet
- The MiniChess by Kasparov offline game (tablet-based)
- MiniChess coding kit
About The Materials
This timer is issued from Level 2 onwards. Each school receives two clocks per year (batteries included) to support practical play implementation, and to teach time, effective time management and playing under time pressure.
Learner Workbooks
Each child receives their own workbook per MiniChess level, issued across five levels of progressive difficulty. Available in English for this project, the programme introduces English mathematics terminology through play from an early age. Classes are presented according to each school’s policy on language of teaching and learning. Teachers and instructors are from the same village as the children in the school, which supports cultural and language compatibility.
Mercer Smartlife 7 inch Tablet
Learners share the Mecer Smartlife 7 inch tablet across different classes. Tablets are pre-loaded with the relevant programmes and pre-charged before each MiniChess tablet-day. The shatterproof ‘safe-case’ is lockable with wheels and protective custom cut high-density inners. The Astrum earphones are individually pre-packed and marked. It is issued to each individual participating child at the beginning of the year and kept in practical containers per class list, for use by the specific individual learner for the rest of the year.
how STEM skills benefit early development through our classes
Math Proficiency
MiniChess turns maths into something learners can feel and practise, not just memorise. On the board, children work with sequences, patterns, position, and cause and effect. They learn to plan step by step, spot relationships, and solve problems with structure, which supports confidence in maths tasks that require method, accuracy, and logical thinking.
- Logical and sequential thinking
- Improved problem solving
- Pattern recognition
- Grid work and coordinates
Literacy Proficiency
MiniChess strengthens the building blocks that sit underneath reading and writing, like attention, symbol recognition, and clear expression. Learners practise following instructions, naming concepts, and explaining their thinking. Over time, this supports classroom literacy because children become more focused, more precise with language, and more comfortable communicating ideas.
- Letter and number recognition
- Improved concentration
- Stronger verbal reasoning
- Clearer expressive communication
Social Skills
MiniChess creates a safe, structured space where learners practise how to behave in a competitive setting without it becoming negative. They learn to take turns, manage emotions, and handle both winning and losing with maturity. These habits carry into the classroom and playground, helping learners build confidence, resilience, and healthier relationships with peers.
- Confidence and self-esteem
- Patience and turn-taking
- Understanding consequences
- Healthy competitiveness and sportsmanship
Cognitive Skills
MiniChess develops thinking skills that help across subjects, not just in chess. Learners practise focus, memory, and planning, while learning to pause, assess options, and choose a better next step. This supports stronger learning habits because children become more deliberate thinkers, more adaptable, and more able to reflect on what worked and what needs to change.
- Critical thinking and decision making
- Memory and recall
- Visualisation (thinking ahead)
- Mental discipline and focus
