 Well, for first graders at Riverside Elementary in Brainerd, they're getting their first lesson in foreign language through a music class. For this week's Golden Apple, our Sarah Winkelman takes us into the classroom to hear the songs from around the world. Of music and language, put on by a class of first graders. Well, I can sing and stuff, and sometimes I can use, like, music tools. Each first grade class has a different country theme, and for this class, it's Japan. Japan speaks different language. Although they sing in a different language, when you ask the students what their favorite part is... Instruments. Instruments. It's usually always playing the instrument. And for Roman, the best one is the egg shaker. Like, the stuff inside, when you do them, it makes a noise, because it's hitting all the inside of the egg. Due to the setup of the Japanese music scale, learning the songs from around the world is as easy as one, two, three. Children actually don't think of it as being hard. They're surprised by it. It's been super fun. I like learning the different languages. It's a lesson that starts in the music room, but is transferred to other academic areas. The first grade level, playing instruments, especially steady beat, is so important to their literacy and reading development. And then reaching far beyond the classroom. As they mature and become older, they continue to be aware and inclusive. So far, the students have been practicing for about three weeks for their big concert set to take place on May 8th. Then our parents can see how hard we've been working and how good we've been doing. Where a variety of countries will be represented. After traveling the world, they come back home and end with a patriotic medley. But until then, the students will continue to practice for their upcoming music trips around the world. For this week's Golden Apple, in Brainerd, Sarah Winkleman, Lakeland News. The concert in May will feature all five of the first grade classes at Riverside Elementary. If you enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland PBS.