Purpose
The series of Checkmate 1, 2 and 3 cover the National Mathematics Curricula and they are based on the number of instructional hours for this subject. The different illustrations, diagrams, photographs and graphs as well as the content in these books support the student’s understanding of the subject according to SEP`s approved texts.
The constructivist methodology of the books, is based on the results on expected learning outcomes; the different activities, sections and links included in each of the texts, maintain the competency-based approach.
Checkmate helps students increase their language skills in mathematics as it reinforces grammar and other English language skills. This series engages students to work confidently in this subject by using and understanding the same basic concepts in both Spanish and English.
Student’s book structure
• Along each lesson, students will find the following sections:
- Checkmate
– mathematical problems posed as challenges so that students test their reasoning skills, creativity and previous knowledge.
- Opening move
– in which the topics of the lesson are developed. This section includes definitions, explanations and didactic situations for the construction of mathematical knowledge.
- The world on a board – contains Internet links and multimedia material to complement the study of the lessons.
- Whites move
(in 1st grade only) – carefully planned activities to practice and test the topics learned in the lesson.
- Icons

where students will find activities to test their capacity for analysis, discussion, and skills at managing the mathematical methods they learned.
- Let’s review the match – is the final section in each lesson. In this section, the challenge presented in the Checkmate section is retaken and students present other solutions to it.
- Glossary boxes
– with definitions of mathematical terms to clarify the lesson’s concepts.