Students in kindergarten through fourth grade at Bellmore’s Charles A. Reinhard Early Childhood Center and Winthrop Avenue School are honing their logic skills and problem-solving abilities and working on their sportsmanship through the game of chess. Once a week for four weeks, during their lunchtime recess, the children learn and advance their chess skills from local chess masters Tim Carney, Jason Luchan and Bob Sostack, all of whom are members of the Long Island Chess Nuts.

Organized by the PTA, the club, which is open to beginners as well as advanced players, allows students to learn and perfect their skills. Each week begins with a 10-minute lesson on the rules and strategies of chess; the remaining time is used for students to compete against one another based upon skill level.

“This is a great way to keep the students active during the winter months,” said Pamela Blumberg, C.A. Reinhard PTA member and chair of the Chess Club committee. “The kids really love it, and it allows them the opportunity to learn strategies and sportsmanship while building their character.”