Twice a week, Ari and I participate in a 20-minute Jewish music class through The Leffell School in New York. To say it’s one of the highlights of our pandemic life is an understatement. The classes are some of the best moments in the week. It treat it as a sacred time by turning off the notifications on my phone so we cannot be disturbed.
One of the songs Amichai the Music Guy (who is the school’s Minister of Music) sings with the kids every Tuesday is “The Rainbow Song,” which teaches the kids the Hebrew names for the colors. Ari, and all of the kids who take the class, adore sharing items around their house for every color of the rainbow. This morning, Ari brought a special guest to the Zoom music class just for “The Rainbow Song.” It was none other than Love Monster (the main character of Rachel Bright’s Love Monster series)!
As always, Ari was excited to show off one of his color items during the class. However, there are about 100 kids participating in the class so it was possible his video wouldn’t get spotlighted when it came time for red (aka: adom).
But, sure enough, Ari was the first kid who was spotlighted right after the following words were sung:
My favorite color is Adom,
Adom is my favorite color,
Adom is the color of a strawberry…
Ari was holding Love Monster with outstretched arms, nice and close to the screen. Amichai didn’t miss a beat. He went right into “Adom is the color of Love Monster” before moving onto the next kiddo’s red item.
Ari was delighted Love Monster got to make a special appearance.
I wonder who will come for next Tuesday’s music class.
Raising Literate Humans 
These little moments, snippets of the day will be the things that sustain you when Ari is an adult and his smile doesn’t grace your every day. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Oh, I can’t even handle thinking about not having his smile near me every day.
I wrote about music today too! It has been a bright spot in our pandemic weirdness as well, and this slice had me smiling the whole time! This program sounds wonderful, and how special that Ari got to be spotlighted for his favorite color! I just love how moments like this (especially with favorite characters) can captivate kids. Enjoying that wonder is one of my favorite things about being a mom!
Yes, the routine nature of these classes really helps kids our children’s ages!
He’ll probably never forget this! I’m amazed that you could find such a great class. I need to look harder for things like this.
He usually could care less about the spotlights, but he loved it yesterday!
What a delight this music class is for you and Ari. And so exciting that he and Love Monster were spotlighted! The Love Monster series is new to me. I’ll have to check it out.
I think you’d like the series!
Isn’t it awesome to be recognized? Everyone, big or small, needs to feel that human connection, that what they are contributing is worthwhile. I am so glad that he was able to share his color.. and I am going to have to look up The Love Monster!
These classes have been a great way to feel a little less disconnected.
How fun! As a former music teacher, I just love this!
Wonderful small, small moment to capture!
And I love the detail of the honor you give this class by turning off your phone notifications!!
Yes, it’s always off and turned upside down. I never pick up during music time.
I can imagine his excitement at being chosen when he had such a great red thing to share! I almost wish my guys were still little enough to sit with me & do a class like this. (But my 10yo still sleeps in a bed full of stuffies, so we’re not entirely grown up yet.)
I love that he sleeps with a bed full of stuffies! Adorable!
I love imagining the connection despite distance, the music and the Zoom smiles, the appreciation for being highlighted and the allowance for comforting friends in all spaces. I can feel the love in this slice; I can feel the warmth in these moments. TY so much for sharing. I am so loving hearing about your children, Stacey!
It is good to feel connected with this class. The school is far away, but we feel connected nonetheless. 😊
How I love this convergence of art, language, and color! Love Monster made me smile, and so did Ari’s joy. Also – thank you so much for sharing my post today. It’s an honor to be part of this vibrant community!
My pleasure, Fran!
Such fun, that Ari got to show his Love Monster in his favourite colour! No wonder it’s such a special time!