Summer music programs for children

VERNON-The Vernon Police Athletic League, in conjunction with Kindermusik, will be offering two programs for children. "At Home" is a program for children, ages 4 to 7. Children will learn to say hello in five languages, as they visit a new place each week, including Germany, Japan, Africa, England and Mexico. They will play native instruments, and work with props and need some imagination to recreate the environment of the country being visited. "At Home" materials include full-color picture folders, each depicting a different theme, home CD, parent's brochure describing the curriculum, arts and crafts materials for classroom and home activities. Session One runs Tuesdays, Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30. Session Two runs Thursdays, Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25, Sept. 1. The two-hour programs run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Vernon Police Athletic League, 21 Church St. Children will need to bring a snack and drink. A fee of $86 includes "At Home" materials, but no instrument fee. The "ABC Music & Me" is for toddlers, ages 2 to 4. Pretend play makes the most of a toddler's physical and verbal growth spurt. Imagination is the opening act for problem solving and learning math. In the midst of pretend play, a toddler strives for new words to explain what is happening and to anticipate what will happen next. Parents should plan on attending with the child, both for the child's sense of comfort, and to learn the program for home use. No child will be asked to sing unless they want to. It is more important for them to process what is being presented. Some children do not sing the songs until they are back at home in their comfort zone. Session Three runs Tuesdays, Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23. Session Four runs Thursdays, Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25. The 45-minute programs run from 10 to 10:45 a.m., at the Vernon Police Athletic League, 21 Church St., for a fee of $43. Registration forms can be picked up at the league office at 973-764-9514, or downloaded from www.vernonpal.com. Registration forms and payment, indicating the session being registered for, can be dropped off in the drop box located outside the building. Checks should be made out to: Vernon Police Athletic League.