英语博客(A cup of English):085 Music party.

　　Beginners.

On Mondays, Domini has her music class after her normal preschool curriculum 1. It is an extra class that has been added on to the end of the morning, so children can learn a few things about the world of music. She has enjoyed it immensely this year. There are only a few children in the class, but they are all buddies 2, and they have certainly learned 3 a lot. The teacher, Miss Laura, told us that the last day of class would be party day. Parents were invited to join in the fun and to see what the children had learned during the year. We sat in the sunny playing area of the school while teacher Laura got out all the goodies from her basket: cookies, apple juice, instruments, cards, and colorful scarves. She had everything planned. The children started by parading around, waving the scarves to a certain beat. Then she read a story about a bear which rhymed. Musical notes came next. And finally, the children told us about composers. We finished off the party with juice and cookies while we sat in the sun and chatted. Unfortunately, teacher Laura won't be back next year. I'm sure Domini will miss her.

Grammar notes.

Preterite: to sit (sit, sat, sat), to get (get, got, got)* american = gotten, to tell (tell, told, told).

Exs:

He sat and waited for the train, but when it came, he had fallen asleep.

I finally got the shoes I wanted. I had to wait until the end of the season for them to go on sale.

I told him to be careful with the china. Well, there's another plate in the bin 4!

Advanced.

My calendar has lots of check marks. They have been put there by my children who are counting the days until the long, long vacation starts. In many schools, teachers are wrapping up their classes and giving parties for the end of term. My daughter, who is still in preschool, had a party the other day. I was lucky enough to attend. It was an unusual party, a music party. She has been doing a music class once a week in her little preschool called Seeds. The curriculum was called Music and Me ABC. Each week the teacher read them stories that had something to do with music. They would move and dance to different types of music, and learn about music symbols, rhythm 5, and even composers. Sometimes, when I would turn up to pick up my daughter, they would still be finishing up the class. At the end of each class, they sing a "goodbye" song that has a great beat. Each child would be sitting on the floor, cross legged, swaying 6 to the music, and singing along with the teacher. They would also have a special treat most weeks of being able to take home a percussion 7 instrument. Great for the kids, - not so great for the parents!

Grammar notes.

Useful vocabulary and phrases: to count the days, curriculum, to turn up, to finish up.

Exs:

I am counting the days until the ballet. I can't wait to see it!

I am not very pleased with the school. It's curriculum is old fashioned and limited.

We were waiting at the restaurant for almost an hour! She turned up as we were leaving!

Please finish up the dessert. It won't keep until tomorrow.