Once, in a small village lived a family with eight children. Two of the children loved ________ very much, but the family was so poor that it was impossible to send ________ of them to study at the art college at the same time. After many discussions the two boys finally ________ a plan. They would toss (抛) a coin. The loser would go ________ into the mines (煤矿) and, with his money, ________ his brother’s study at the college. Then when the brother who won the toss finished his studies, after four years he would support the other brother studying at the ________.

James won the toss and Jack went down into the mines. James worked with all his heart and his paintings were much ________ than those of most of his teachers and by the time he ________ his study, he was beginning to make a lot of money for his paintings.

James returned. When he told Jack be could go to the art college, Jack said ________, “The four years in the mines has done too much to my hands so it is too ________; Now I can’t even hold a glass.”

To show his great love, James drew his brother’s hands with fingers towards the sky. He called his drawing “The Praying Hands” which became very famous years later.

Why is music an important subject that every child should study?

First of all, music helps us when we are unhappy, and gives us pleasure when we are happy. There are many different types of music: slow and fast, serious and relaxing. We can choose the music to match our feelings. And second, music is fun. People enjoy playing drums (鼓) and using their energy!

Scientists say that music helps children with language learning. Singing simple songs is good for young children. Music improves the ear — and we know that children who have studied music can learn foreign languages more easily and pronounce (发音) them much better. Students who have learnt to play music are also better at maths. This is not surprising, as music is mathematical, with notes in order. Playing music with other people also teaches children to work together. People who can play musical instruments (乐器) always have something they can do at a party. Older children who play in school orchestras (管弦乐队) enjoy school more and do not drop out of school early.

You need a lot of practice to play an instrument, and it can be difficult to ask your child to spend hours at the piano or playing the guitar. So music practice should be a daily habit — for example, every day after school, but do not make the practice too long.

Parents should listen to their children playing and tell them that they enjoy it. Practice should also be fun. It is also a good idea to finish the practice with a piece of music the child likes, and so learning music will be a pleasant part of the day.