Monday 16 September 2024

The Inner Life Of Animals

We will soon be reading at My Good School

Hi, Iʼm reading this book and wanted to share this quote with you. "Our dog Barry was a little wimp. As I have mentioned, before he came to us, he had already been passed along by a number of different owners. For the rest of his life he was scared of being abandoned, and he always got extremely worked up when he was taken along while we visited friends. If you are a dog, how are you supposed to know whether you’re going to be handed away yet again? He showed his nervousness by panting non-stop, so we finally gave up, leaving the distressed animal alone in the house for a couple of hours instead. When we got back, it was easy to see that Barry was relaxed. He became deaf in his old age and couldn’t hear us arrive, sleeping soundly until he blinked up at us when he felt the wooden floorboards vibrate under our feet. So Barry is an example of an animal that lacks courage, but we want to take a look at the opposite trait, and to do that, let’s step out into the woods." (from "The Inner Life of Animals: Surprising Observations of a Hidden World" by Peter Wohlleben) 


Start reading it for free: https://read.amazon.in/kp/kshare?asin=B01N9YNANU&id=7hayxowfs5a65ereaqlapm6sje 

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Read on the go for free - download Kindle for Android, iOS, PC, Mac, and more http://amzn.to/1r0LubW


Let’s Talk Exam Stress

Let’s Talk Exam Stress by Sandeep Dutt

2 Girls 1 Mic Episode 15

Read on Substack

Join Simar and Oshi as they dive into the highs and lows of dealing with exam stress in this lively episode of 2 Girls 1 Mic. Drawing from personal experiences—like Simar’s impromptu dance sessions to clear her mind and Oshi’s love for colour-coded notes—they offer practical tips and strategies to help you stay calm and focused during exam season.

Do you find yourself overwhelmed by endless study sessions? Or perhaps you need a fresh perspective on tackling that dreaded pre-exam panic? Simar and Oshi have got you covered, sharing breathing techniques, study hacks, and ways to take care of your mental health. So, this midterm season, remember to take it easy and work towards being more productive with these tips and tricks!

Tune in for a fun and relatable conversation to confidently crush those exams. And don’t forget to leave your tips in the comments—we’d love to hear how you conquer exam stress!

Sunday 15 September 2024

Reflections Sunday the 15th September 2024

Action Items:
• GSA Retreat from November 13th to November 16th at Khan Farm near Dehradun.
• Students to submit reflections to Manisha at mk@learningforward.org.in.
• Students to consider creating a school newsletter incorporating Joy of Learning content.
• Interns/ students may come forward and volunteer for The Teacher's Academy and Retreat in November.

The Guru Nanak Docuseries-



1. What is your opinion/experience about the significance of places shown in today's episode?
2. Draft a thank you letter/ message for Mr. Amardeep Singh.
3. What is the purpose of the prayer wheel?
4. Oneness in diversity- Comment.
5. Self-reflection and inner peace are more important than worldly treasures- Comment
6. Write a reflection on your belief in fate, destiny, or karma. Connect it with the people shown in today's episode.


The Hidden Life Of Trees -

1. Did the story connect with you today, and why?
2. Find out about-
    a. Fagus grandifolia
    b. Alps
    c. conquistadors
    d. Achilles' heels
5. Compare and contrast nature's blossoming with humans who try to stop it from spreading for their needs of housing and agriculture.

Students may create a school newsletter incorporating Joy of Learning content.


These are some suggestions. We're looking forward to your excellent and thoughtful reflections, which you can email to mk@learningforward.org.in.


Friday 13 September 2024

Krishna and Karna - Doon Girls’ School

The chapter reveals the contrast between Krishna’s divine wisdom and Karna’s complex, often misunderstood nature. Krishna, who symbolizes righteousness and strategic insight, offers guidance and philosophical reflections. Karna, on the other hand, embodies the tragic hero with a deep sense of honor and loyalty but is entangled in personal and moral dilemmas.

Through their interaction, the chapter explores themes of fate, destiny, and the nature of true justice. It highlights how Krishna’s teachings challenge Karna’s choices, shedding light on the deeper moral questions faced by both characters. This encounter serves as a pivotal moment in the story, providing insight into the characters’ inner conflicts and advancing the philosophical undertones of the book.
                                                                                                                                                    Aadya
Grade 9th

In the chapter ‘Krishna and Karna,’ Kiran Desai delves deeply into issues like identity, fate, and the consequences of moral decisions in her book My Name is Cinnamon. The chapter explains how the mythological tales of Krishna and Karna from the Mahabharata still have an impact on people’s lives today by intricately weaving them into the contemporary setting of the book. The two main characters in the book are the tragic hero Karna and the divine advisor Krishna. 

The Historical and mythological figures provide insights into the struggles and dilemmas that individuals face on a personal level. The purpose of this analysis of such personalities is only to show how Traditional knowledge can help us better comprehend modern human experience, especially when it comes to personal experience. The chapter elucidates how the mythological stories of Krishna and Karna from the Mahabharata still have an impact on people’s lives today by intricately weaving them into the contemporary setting of the book.

The two main characters in the book are the tragic hero Karna and the divine advisor Krishna. 
The Historical and mythological figures provide insights into the struggles and dilemmas that individuals face on a personal level. The purpose of this analysis of such personalities is only to show how Traditional knowledge can help us better comprehend modern human experience, especially when it comes to personal knowledge.
                                                                                                                                            Tamreen
Grade 9th

In most ancient texts and tales, Krishna and Karna have major roles with complicated associations with one another and with moral dilemmas. Herein is a quick rundown of their roles:

Krishna was the most important character in the Mahabharata. Being a god, Krishna was an adviser. He was very wise and an astute strategist. He helped the Pandavas, especially Arjuna, during the Kurukshetra War. His teachings, especially in the Bhagavad Gita, are very fascinating philosophically.

Karna: In the major characters of the Mahabharata, Karna is famous for his loyalty, generosity, and sad fate. Though he is one of the most powerful warriors of the Kauravas and a very close friend of Duryodhana, throughout his life, he is beset with personal and moral problems, including confusion over who he is and where his allegiance is supposed to lie.

While Chapter 3 Cinnamon deals with Krishna and Karna, some topics that could be covered are duty, righteousness, or personal conflict. It might explain how Krishna’s wisdom works in contrast to Karna’s challenges or how differing paths and choices between them illustrate larger moral or philosophical points
                                                                                                                          Sanskriti Mehrotra
                                                                                                                          Grade 6th

A character study in chapter three of "Krishna and Karna" has gone ahead to evoke curiosity and empathy. It is assumed that emotional confrontations in this chapter will strike a chord in readers' hearts, reflecting various friendship bonds, struggles, and understanding in general. Krishna's character is wrought with complexities, inner fights, and determination. Karna in the novel conveys his personality and struggles. Specific themes that might be insinuated in the chapter include friendship, conflict, and personal growth. The theme, drawn from the interaction between Krishna and Karna, contributes to broader themes of human contact, resilience, and personal growth. This personal level of connection in the chapter promotes better understanding and offers broader lessons that one can learn from one's journey.
                                                                                                                                                   Saumya Jha
Grade 8th

Krishna and Karna - Sunbeam Suncity School


 
An exquisite reflection of the boundless bravery of extraordinary individuals. Since this is a mental game, everyone should rise to the occasion and overcome their fear. You have to have faith in your abilities to do a certain task. If you alternate between focused and dispersed brain modes, it will function. Adhya Grade-8

Sunday 8 September 2024

Reflections - Sunday School 8th September 2024

Here are the key questions and answers from the meeting:

1. What were Newton's laws discussed? The group was unsure about the exact number of Newton's laws, with some saying three and others saying four. Sandeep Dutt summarised that the first law concerns inertia, the second law concerns force and momentum, and the third law concerns action and reaction.

2. Where do Birch trees grow, and what are their characteristics? Birch trees are pioneer species that increase in open spaces. They have adaptations like white bark that reflects sunlight and oil in the bark, making it burn well.

3. What is the "Pando" tree, and how does it grow? The Pando is a single quaking aspen tree that has spread underground and grown over 40,000 trunks covering over 100 acres. It is an example of a tree that uses its roots to expand and defend itself.

4. What challenges do trees face in urban environments like school campuses? The group discussed how trees in schools may face challenges like lack of space, competition for sunlight, and damage from human activity. They were encouraged to observe the trees around their schools and share their observations.

From My name is Cinnamon - 

1. What is your takeaway from today's session?

2. Write a reflection on the book and characters

3. What, according to you, should be the reason for adoption?

4. What do you do between the class breaks?

5. Is it reasonable to be noisy during breaks? Why? Why not?

6. Do you like your nickname?

7. What is the importance of math in your day-to-day life? 

- From Hidden Life Of Trees -     

1. Did the story connect with you today, and why? 

2. Find out about-

a. Aurochs

b. Quaking Aspen

c. Pando

3. What is the difference between naturopathy medicine and allopathic medicine?

4. Where do the Birches grow?

5. Do you have any challenges in your school or neighbourhood? 

Students may create a school newsletter incorporating Joy of Learning content. These are some suggestions. We're looking forward to your excellent and thoughtful reflections, which you can email to mk@learningforward.org.in.

Based on the meeting transcript, the following key points were discussed at the intern meeting:

1. Video file sizes and challenges with sharing large video files.

2. The school calendar and upcoming events include the Allegory episode and a Good Schools India journal post.

3. Sharing reflections and messages for Teacher's Day.

4. Discuss the books "The Hidden Life of Trees" and "The Hidden Life of Animals", including animal adoption, tree defence mechanisms, and tree growth strategies.

5. Exploring Newton's laws and discussing a potential 4th law proposed by the students.

6. Reflect on why parents sometimes resort to physically punishing their children.

7. Discuss the challenges trees face in urban environments, like deforestation and lack of biodiversity.

8. Planning for an upcoming school retreat in November at the edge of the Rajaji sanctuary.

9. Encourage students to share their thoughts, reflections, and stories and potentially contribute to a newsletter or podcast.

The meeting covered various topics related to the school's reading program, student engagement, and plans for future activities.

The Man Who Saw Tomorrow details Shomie Das’s ideas about how education should be an experience that children enjoy and not one that has been thrust upon them. That entails a deep acknowledgement and respect for the child as a unique individual.




Thursday 5 September 2024

Happy Teacher's Day 2024

On Teacher's Day, Tanmay Gupta, a seventh-grader from Sunbeam Suncity School, and Naitik, a seventh-grade student at the same school, both express their gratitude to their teachers. They believe that teachers play a crucial role in shaping their lives and want to genuinely thank them for their patience and the knowledge they have shared. They also acknowledge their teachers' countless hours in helping them grow. They urge everyone to take a moment to remember their teachers' impact and express gratitude by genuinely thanking them. 



Yashraj, the Head Boy of the High School at Gyanshree Noida, is an intern at My Good School.

#HappyTeachersDay

Tuesday 3 September 2024

GSA Calendar September 2024

My Good School on Sundays
1st September 2024
Christa Campsall 
My Guide Inside
My Name Is Cinnamon

8th September 2024

My Name Is Cinnamon
The Hidden Life Of Trees
The Impact Team Meeting


15th September 2024
Amardeep Singh 

Screening of Episode 9 Allegory: A Tapestry of Guru Nanak's Travels 

The Hidden Life Of Trees


22nd September 2024
My Name Is Cinnamon

The Hidden Life Of Trees
The Impact Team Meeting


29th September 2024
My Name Is Cinnamon
The Hidden Life of Trees
The Impact Team Meeting

Good Schools India Journal
2nd September 2024
Student Agency - Sandeep Dutt
5th September 2024
Health Is Wealth - Kunal Rajpurohit
9th September 2024
Hanoi - RP Devgan

Masterclass - The Teacher's Academy
7th, 14th, 21st and 28th 
Chapter 9 Wanted Back-bencher Last-ranker Teacher.
GSA Monthly Meeting 
28th September 2024 at 4 pm.

Please visit our website www.schooleducation.com 
Good Schools India Journal https://gsi.in

Student Agency at My Good School

Student Agency by Sandeep Dutt

The Making Of My Good School

Read on Substack

The Making Of My Good School

In October 2021, we witnessed a turning point, with teachers focusing on other priorities of returning to school post the COVID19 pandemic, we turned our attention to the students and set up My Good School.


The students took charge of their learning, leading to a crescendo of #JoyOfLearning. 12 years old Rishona, our School Captain is a shining example of student agency. She manages My Good School with remarkable skill, making her the perfect mascot for the student agency.


In 2023, the challenges of fatigue and work pressure for teachers brought us back to a new normal at schools. Teacher’s needed to adapt and learn, the Schools formed an association and we started the Masterclass 2024 for Teachers.

Today, we feel a sense of fulfilment and joy, as interns and fellows take the lead in strengthening The Teacher’s Academy learning programs. Anoushka, helps manage The Teacher’s Academy. In addition, Kunal heads The Impact Project and monitors the learning and assessment process. We thank Rishona, Anoushka and Kunal, they significantly help manage the operations and offer online support to our community of passionate educators.

Sunday 1 September 2024

Reflections - Sunday School 1st September 2024

- From My Guide Inside

1. What was your takeaway from the session today? 

2. What were the words discussed today and how do they reverberate with you? 

3. I used to believe, that I am. 

4. I used to believe… But, now I understand…


Note: MGI Online is a school well-being curriculum which aligns with, the work we do at My Good School and helps us focus on Life-skills.


-From My Name Is Cinnamon-     

1. Don't you think math was invented to torture us?

2. What are UAO (Unattractive Academic Objects) according to you?

3. What are nicknames you use for someone and why?

4. Did you read any detective novels or know some famous detectives?  

5. Solve the following problem,' said Kadubole. 'Shashat has Rs 400. He spends 3/4 on sardines and 1/4 on prawns. 1 kg of prawns cost Rs 150 and 1 kg of sardines cost Rs 50. How many kgs of prawns and sardines does he buy? 

6. Does Cinnamon's life anecdotes resonate with you and how?


These are some suggestions you can choose from. We are looking forward to seeing your wonderful and thoughtful reflections!     

     

You can email your reflections to  mk@learningforward.org.in


We will read Chapter 28 - Burnout, from The Hidden Life Of Trees, next week.