♟️

Cognitive & Strategic

55 skills across all age groups in this category

The Newborn

The Newborn

Age 0 (0-12 months)

7 skills

#11 Object Permanence

Role Model: Jean Piaget (developmental psychologist)
Resource: Montessori object permanence boxes

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Visual Tracking
Tracks objects with eyes as they move
2
Partial Search
Looks for partially hidden objects
3
Full Search
Searches for completely hidden objects
4
Advanced Search
Looks for hidden objects in multiple locations
Click to see sub-goals

#12 Sensory Exploration

Role Model: Curious George
Resource: "The Out-of-Sync Child" by Carol Kranowitz

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Mouthing
Explores objects with hands and mouth
2
Purposeful Exploration
Shows preferences and explores purposefully
3
Varied Sensory Play
Engages in varied sensory play with different materials
4
Small Object Control
Explores small safe objects with control
Click to see sub-goals

#13 Cause & Effect Understanding

Role Model: Mouse
Resource: Simple cause-and-effect toys

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Accidental Discovery
Accidentally discovers actions have effects
2
Intentional Repetition
Repeats actions intentionally to see effects
3
Experimentation
Experiments with different actions to see different results
4
Problem Solving
Repeats actions to produce desired results (cause & effect mastery)
Click to see sub-goals

#15 Book Exploration

Role Model: LeVar Burton
Resource: "Read-Aloud Handbook" by Jim Trelease

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Looking
Looks at high-contrast images in board books
2
Reaching
Reaches for and mouths board books
3
Recognition
Recognizes familiar objects or people in books
4
Page Turning
Turns pages and points to pictures
5
Labeling & Repetition
Engages in book reading with labeling and repetition
Click to see sub-goals

#21 Joint Attention

Role Model: Daniel Tiger
Resource: Pathways.org developmental resources

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Follows Gaze
Follows caregiver's gaze to look at objects
2
Follows Pointing
Looks where caregiver points
3
Pays Attention When Caregiver Points
Pays attention when caregiver points or looks at something
4
Points to Share Interest
Points to share interest with caregiver (not just to request)
Click to see sub-goals

#27 Imitates Simple Actions

Role Model: Ms. Rachel
Resource: Pathways.org developmental resources

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Watches Actions
Watches caregiver's actions with interest
2
Attempts Imitation
Attempts to imitate simple actions (banging, shaking)
3
Imitates Gestures
Imitates actions like clapping, waving, tapping
4
Complex Imitation
Imitates more complex actions and sequences
Click to see sub-goals

#28 Sustains Attention

Role Model: Michael Jordan
Resource: Montessori infant materials

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Brief Focus
Focuses on objects or activities for brief periods
2
Extended Focus
Sustains attention on activities for 1-2 minutes
3
Sustained Attention
Sustains attention for several minutes on engaging activities
4
Deep Concentration
Shows deep concentration on containers, lids, and spatial relationships
Click to see sub-goals
The Toddler

The Toddler

Age 1 (12-24 months)

5 skills

#33 Following Simple Directions

Role Model: Daniel Tiger
Resource: Developmental psychology resources

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Responds to "no" and simple requests
2
Developing
Follows one-step directions ("Get your shoes")
3
Mastery
Follows two-step directions ("Get your shoes and bring them here")
Click to see sub-goals

#34 Stacking & Building

Role Model: Handy Manny
Resource: Simple wooden blocks

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Stacks 2-3 blocks before they fall
2
Developing
Stacks 4-6 blocks with concentration
3
Mastery
Builds towers of 6+ blocks and simple structures
Click to see sub-goals

#37 Simple Pretend Play

Role Model: Daniel Tiger
Resource: Simple dolls and toy animals

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Imitates simple actions (feeding doll, talking on phone)
2
Developing
Engages in simple pretend sequences
3
Mastery
Creates own pretend scenarios
Click to see sub-goals

#42 Book Interaction

Role Model: LeVar Burton
Resource: Board books with flaps and textures

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Turns board book pages (may skip pages)
2
Developing
Points to pictures when named
3
Mastery
Names pictures and has favorite books
Click to see sub-goals

#44 Puzzles & Shape Sorting

Role Model: Ben Olafson
Resource: Simple wooden puzzles

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Removes puzzle pieces
2
Developing
Places simple shapes in sorter
3
Mastery
Completes 3-4 piece puzzles
Click to see sub-goals
The Explorer

The Explorer

Ages 2-3

8 skills

#74 Chess

Role Model: Magnus Carlsen (learned at 5)
Resource: "Chess for Children" by Murray Chandler / ChessKid

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Learns the names of all the pieces and their setup
2
Developing
Understands how each piece moves
3
Mastery
Plays a simplified game ("pawn wars") and understands check
Click to see sub-goals

#75 Go

Role Model: Lee Sedol (pro at 12)
Resource: "Learn to Play Go" by Janice Kim / Go Magic

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Understands placing stones on a 9x9 board
2
Developing
Learns the rule of capture ("atari")
3
Mastery
Plays a simple game on a 9x9 board
Click to see sub-goals

#76 Checkers

Role Model: Marion Tinsley (legendary player)
Resource: "How to Play Checkers" (YouTube)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Understands basic movement and capturing
2
Developing
Plays complete games with an understanding of the rules
3
Mastery
Begins to think ahead and plan simple strategies
Click to see sub-goals

#77 Memory Games

Role Model: Dominic O'Brien
Resource: "How to Train Your Memory" (YouTube)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Plays simple matching games with 6-8 pairs
2
Developing
Plays memory games with 12+ pairs successfully
3
Mastery
Can remember sequences of 5+ items
Click to see sub-goals

#78 Pattern Recognition

Role Model: Alan Turing
Resource: Pattern recognition games and apps

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Completes simple 3-4 piece puzzles
2
Developing
Recognizes and replicates simple patterns with blocks
3
Mastery
Completes 12-24 piece jigsaw puzzles
Click to see sub-goals

#79 Spatial Reasoning

Role Model: Frank Lloyd Wright
Resource: LEGO Architecture sets

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Builds simple structures with blocks (tower, bridge)
2
Developing
Replicates a simple block structure from a picture
3
Mastery
Designs and builds original, complex structures with LEGOs
Click to see sub-goals

#80 Counting & Numbers

Role Model: Katherine Johnson (NASA)
Resource: "Hidden Figures" / Khan Academy Kids

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Counts objects to 10 with one-to-one correspondence
2
Developing
Counts to 20 and recognizes written numerals
3
Mastery
Performs simple addition and subtraction with objects
Click to see sub-goals

#81 Letter Recognition

Role Model: Theodor Seuss Geisel
Resource: "Dr. Seuss's ABC" / LeapFrog Letter Factory

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Recognizes and names all uppercase letters
2
Developing
Recognizes lowercase letters and their sounds
3
Mastery
Begins to sound out simple CVC words (cat, dog, sun)
Click to see sub-goals
The Apprentice

The Apprentice

Ages 4-5

9 skills

#139 Advanced Chess

Role Model: Judit Polgár (trained from age 4)
Resource: "Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess" / ChessKid

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Understands piece values and basic opening principles
2
Developing
Learns basic tactics (forks, pins, skewers)
3
Mastery
Plays a full game, understands checkmate
Click to see sub-goals

#140 Advanced Go

Role Model: Cho Chikun (9-dan professional)
Resource: "Go: A Complete Introduction" by Cho Chikun

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Understands concept of "eyes" and living groups
2
Developing
Plays on a 13x13 board
3
Mastery
Identifies and executes simple ladders and nets
Click to see sub-goals

#141 Backgammon

Role Model: Paul Magriel
Resource: "Backgammon for Beginners" (YouTube)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Understands board setup and basic movement
2
Developing
Plays complete games with doubling cube
3
Mastery
Develops basic strategy for bearing off
Click to see sub-goals

#142 Map Reading

Role Model: Lewis and Clark
Resource: "Maps and Geography" (National Geographic Kids)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Reads a simple map of a park or neighborhood
2
Developing
Uses a compass to find North
3
Mastery
Creates a simple map of own room or backyard
Click to see sub-goals

#143 Financial Literacy

Role Model: Warren Buffett
Resource: "The Secret Millionaires Club" (animated series)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Divides allowance into "Spend," "Save," "Give" jars
2
Developing
Makes a small purchase and counts change
3
Mastery
Makes value-based decisions about purchases
Click to see sub-goals

#144 Reading

Role Model: LeVar Burton
Resource: "Reading Rainbow" (PBS series)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Reads simple picture books with basic vocabulary
2
Developing
Reads early reader chapter books independently
3
Mastery
Reads for pleasure and information
Click to see sub-goals

#145 Writing

Role Model: Roald Dahl
Resource: "Roald Dahl's Creative Writing" (Book)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Writes own name and simple words legibly
2
Developing
Writes simple sentences with correct punctuation
3
Mastery
Writes a short story, letter, or report
Click to see sub-goals

#146 Charades

Role Model: Jimmy Fallon
Resource: "Charades for Kids" (Game) / "The Charades Game" (YouTube)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Acts out simple animals and objects for family to guess
2
Developing
Acts out actions, emotions, and simple phrases without speaking
3
Mastery
Leads charades games and creates creative clues for others
Click to see sub-goals

#386 Chess Basics

Role Model: Magnus Carlsen
Resource: "Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess"

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Knows how each piece moves
2
Developing
Plays complete games following all rules
3
Mastery
Understands basic tactics like forks and pins
Click to see sub-goals
The Maker

The Maker

Ages 6-8

11 skills

#195 Coding

Role Model: Mark Zuckerberg / Grace Hopper
Resource: "Scratch" (scratch.mit.edu) / "Python for Kids"

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Uses block-based coding (Scratch)
2
Developing
Writes simple programs in Python
3
Mastery
Builds a simple website using HTML and CSS
Click to see sub-goals

#196 Tournament Chess

Role Model: Magnus Carlsen
Resource: "Magnus Carlsen's Father Reveals How He Taught Him Chess"

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Plays in local chess tournaments
2
Developing
Studies openings and endgames systematically
3
Mastery
Achieves a chess rating and improves consistently
Click to see sub-goals

#197 Advanced Go

Role Model: Lee Sedol
Resource: "Lee Sedol vs. AlphaGo" (Documentary)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Plays on a 19x19 board
2
Developing
Studies joseki and life-and-death problems
3
Mastery
Achieves a rank on an online Go server
Click to see sub-goals

#198 Poker Basics

Role Model: Phil Ivey
Resource: "Poker Theory and Practice" (simplified)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Understands hand rankings and basic rules
2
Developing
Plays home games with family
3
Mastery
Manages bankroll and understands expected value
Click to see sub-goals

#199 Settlers of Catan

Role Model: Klaus Teuber
Resource: "Catan" (Board Game) / "How to Play Catan" (YouTube)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Understands resource gathering, trading, and building roads and settlements
2
Developing
Develops strategies for resource management and negotiation with other players
3
Mastery
Plans long-term strategies, anticipates opponents moves, and wins consistently
Click to see sub-goals

#200 Blackjack

Role Model: Edward Thorp
Resource: "Beat the Dealer" by Edward Thorp / "Blackjack Basic Strategy" (YouTube)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Understands card values, hitting, standing, and the goal of reaching 21
2
Developing
Learns basic strategy chart for when to hit, stand, double, or split
3
Mastery
Applies probability concepts and understands house edge and expected value
Click to see sub-goals

#201 Savings Account Management

Role Model: Warren Buffett
Resource: "The Secret Millionaires Club" / Greenlight app

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Opens a savings account and learns the difference between checking and savings
2
Developing
Sets up automatic transfers from allowance to savings, tracks balance growth
3
Mastery
Maintains a savings rate of 20%+ and understands interest earned
Click to see sub-goals

#202 Debate & Logic

Role Model: Abraham Lincoln
Resource: "Thank You for Arguing" (young readers edition)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Forms a simple argument with evidence
2
Developing
Identifies logical fallacies
3
Mastery
Participates in a formal debate
Click to see sub-goals

#203 Research Skills

Role Model: Ms. Frizzle
Resource: "How to Research" (Library guides)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Finds information in books with guidance
2
Developing
Uses age-appropriate websites for research
3
Mastery
Conducts basic research using multiple sources
Click to see sub-goals

#204 Project Management

Role Model: Walt Disney
Resource: "Trello for Kids" / Simple project planning

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Plans and executes a multi-step personal project
2
Developing
Manages a small group project
3
Mastery
Uses a simple project management tool
Click to see sub-goals

#393 Go Basics

Role Model: Lee Sedol
Resource: "Learn to Play Go" series by Janice Kim

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Understands capture and territory concepts
2
Developing
Plays complete games on 9x9 board
3
Mastery
Plays on full 19x19 board with basic strategy
Click to see sub-goals
The Innovator

The Innovator

Ages 9-12

10 skills

#270 Competitive Chess

Role Model: Magnus Carlsen
Resource: "Magnus Carlsen: The Early Years" (YouTube)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Competes regularly in tournaments
2
Developing
Achieves a rating of 1200+
3
Mastery
Studies master games, develops opening repertoire
Click to see sub-goals

#271 Competitive Go

Role Model: Lee Sedol
Resource: "AlphaGo" (Documentary)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Competes in local Go tournaments
2
Developing
Achieves a rank of 10 kyu or better
3
Mastery
Studies professional games
Click to see sub-goals

#272 Bridge

Role Model: Simone Biles
Resource: "Bridge for Beginners" (Book)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Understands basic bidding and play
2
Developing
Plays complete games with conventions
3
Mastery
Competes in novice bridge events
Click to see sub-goals

#273 Advanced Poker

Role Model: Phil Hellmuth
Resource: "The Theory of Poker" (simplified)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Understands advanced concepts
2
Developing
Plays in larger home games
3
Mastery
Tracks results, analyzes play
Click to see sub-goals

#274 Mahjong

Role Model: Sarah Jessica Parker
Resource: "Riichi Mahjong" tutorials (YouTube)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Understands rules of a major variant
2
Developing
Plays complete games with strategy
3
Mastery
Competes in casual tournaments
Click to see sub-goals

#275 Programming

Role Model: Ada Lovelace
Resource: "Automate the Boring Stuff with Python"

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Builds complete applications
2
Developing
Understands data structures and algorithms
3
Mastery
Contributes to open-source projects
Click to see sub-goals

#276 Data Analysis

Role Model: Daphne the Dragon
Resource: "Data Science for Kids" (YouTube)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Uses spreadsheets for basic analysis
2
Developing
Creates charts and visualizations
3
Mastery
Conducts basic statistical analysis
Click to see sub-goals

#277 Compound Interest Mastery

Role Model: Albert Einstein ("compound interest is the 8th wonder") / Warren Buffett
Resource: "The Richest Man in Babylon" by George Clason / Khan Academy Finance

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Understands the concept of compound interest and can explain it using the Rule of 72
2
Developing
Calculates future value of investments using compound interest formula, compares different compounding periods
3
Mastery
Models long-term wealth growth in spreadsheets, understands how starting early creates exponential advantage
Click to see sub-goals

#278 Investment Return Analysis

Role Model: Warren Buffett / Peter Lynch
Resource: "One Up on Wall Street" by Peter Lynch / Morningstar.com

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Reads and understands basic investment statements showing gains/losses
2
Developing
Calculates total return, annualized return, and compares against benchmarks (S&P 500)
3
Mastery
Analyzes risk-adjusted returns, understands Sharpe ratio, and tracks portfolio performance over time
Click to see sub-goals

#279 Foreign Language

Role Model: Tim Doner
Resource: Duolingo / Babbel / Language exchange

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Achieves conversational proficiency
2
Developing
Reads and writes in the second language
3
Mastery
Holds extended conversations with native speakers
Click to see sub-goals
The Trailblazer

The Trailblazer

Ages 13-15

3 skills

#316 Expert Chess

Role Model: Magnus Carlsen / Hikaru Nakamura
Resource: "My System" (Book by Aron Nimzowitsch)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Achieves a rating of 1600+
2
Developing
Studies with a coach, analyzes own games
3
Mastery
Competes in state or national championships
Click to see sub-goals

#317 Expert Go

Role Model: Lee Sedol / Ke Jie
Resource: "Lessons in the Fundamentals of Go" (Book)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Achieves a rank of 5 kyu or better
2
Developing
Studies with a teacher, reviews professional games
3
Mastery
Competes in regional or national tournaments
Click to see sub-goals

#416 Chess Mastery

Role Model: Garry Kasparov
Resource: "My System" by Aron Nimzowitsch

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Studies opening theory and endgame patterns
2
Developing
Competes in rated tournaments
3
Mastery
Achieves significant rating milestone or tournament success
Click to see sub-goals
The Polymath

The Polymath

Ages 16-18

2 skills

#353 Competitive Bridge

Role Model: Bob Hamman
Resource: ACBL youth bridge programs

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Plays in sanctioned ACBL events
2
Developing
Achieves Junior Master or higher rank
3
Mastery
Competes in regional or national youth championships
Click to see sub-goals

#354 Strategic Poker

Role Model: Daniel Negreanu
Resource: "The Mental Game of Poker" (Book)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Plays in legal, regulated environments
2
Developing
Maintains a positive win rate
3
Mastery
Studies game theory optimal play
Click to see sub-goals

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