Monday, 2 December 2024

Sunbeam School Reflections - Sunday 1st December

Journey of self-discovery

If I were in Cinnamon’s place, I think I’d feel a mix of gratitude and a little lost. Imagine knowing you’re loved deeply by your family, but still having those lingering questions about where you come from and who you are. It would be like carrying around a puzzle with one or two missing pieces. You can see the big picture, but it’s not completely whole.

I think there’d be moments of insecurity—wondering if I truly belong if people see me differently because of my story. And then, there’d be times of pride, knowing that my journey is special, that my family chose me and built a life around love, not just biology. But still, I’d want to know: What’s my history? Who am I beyond this life I’ve been given?

Cinnamon’s story shows how important it is to have people who accept you completely, even when you’re figuring yourself out. If I were him, I’d probably feel scared at times, but also hopeful—hopeful that I could find my answers while holding on to the love I already have. It’s a reminder that belonging isn’t about fitting into a mould; it’s about feeling seen, just as you are.


Prapti Rai

Sunbeam English School Bhagwanpur


The journey of self-discovery is a profound and transformative experience. It often involves introspection, exploration, and personal growth. Here are some key aspects:

1. Reflection: Take time to reflect on your values, beliefs, and experiences. Journaling can be a helpful tool.

2. Exploration: Engage in new activities, travel, or meet new people. Stepping outside your comfort zone can reveal hidden aspects of yourself.

3. Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness and meditation to increase self-awareness and connect with your inner thoughts and feelings.

4. Setting Goals: Identify what you want to achieve in life. Setting personal goals can give direction to your journey.

5. Embracing Change: Accept that change is a part of growth. Be open to adapting your views and understanding as you learn more about yourself.

6. Seeking Guidance: Sometimes, talking to a mentor or therapist can provide valuable insights and help you navigate your feelings.

7. Celebrating Growth: Acknowledge your progress and celebrate small victories. They contribute to your overall growth.

Remember, self-discovery is unique to each individual, and there’s no right or wrong way to navigate it. Enjoy the process!

Sanvi Rai

Sunbeam Hostel Bhagwanpur


The story "My Name is Cinnamon" reflects a journey of self-discovery through its humorous and heartfelt narrative. The protagonist, Vir, navigates the challenges of raising his mischievous pet goat, Cinnamon, while learning important life lessons. Vir’s decision to name the goat “Cinnamon” highlights his creative and unique perspective, symbolizing his individuality. As the story unfolds, Vir grows more confident in embracing his quirks and defending his choices, even when others find them unconventional. Through his bond with Cinnamon, Vir learns to celebrate differences, take responsibility, and value his passions. Ultimately, the story encourages readers to stay true to themselves and cherish the qualities that make them unique, making it a delightful tale of growth and self-acceptance.

Chitranshi Singh

Sunbeam English School Bhagwanpur 

                                                                Journey of self-discovery

If I were in Cinnamon's place, I would likely feel a mix of emotions: love and gratitude for the family that chose me, but also confusion and perhaps a sense of longing to understand my origins. Being adopted into a loving family is a blessing, but societal judgments and constant reminders of being different might evoke feelings of insecurity or isolation.

I imagine there would be moments of self-doubt, especially when faced with intrusive questions or comments about being adopted. However, over time, I think I would come to cherish the love and care my adoptive family has shown me, realizing that family is defined not by blood but by connection, acceptance, and unconditional support.

This experience would likely make me more empathetic, resilient, and introspective, helping me appreciate the complexity of human relationships and the importance of forging my identity.

Simrat Kaur
Sunbeam English School Bhagwanpur

JDS School Reflections - Sunday 1st December 2024


The journey of self-discovery is a personal process of exploring and understanding one's true self—one's values, passions, strengths, and purpose. It often involves self-reflection, seeking new experiences, overcoming challenges, and embracing personal growth to live more authentically and fulfilling.

Name - Anjali
Grade - 9th 
School - Jhamkudevi Sen Sec School

Sunday, 1 December 2024

Reflection Sunday 1st December 2024

 Sunday School No. 165

Reflection of the week
-From My Name Is Cinnamon-
1. What was your takeaway from the session today?
2. What were the critical points in the chapter?
3. Journey of self-discovery
4. How do you think his birth parents will react?
5. If he met his birth parents, how would Cinnamon feel?
6. What do you hope for in the story?
7. How would you feel if you were in Cinnamon's place?

Sunday School:
Discuss education approaches with guest speaker Lina Ashar and continue reading "My Name is Cinnamon" book.

Key Takeaways
  • Focus on developing emotional intelligence (EQ) and life skills over academic knowledge.
  • Design learning experiences that build empathy, critical thinking and adaptability
  • Encourage students to define success for themselves beyond just grades
  • Use AI as a tool for research/collaboration, but ensure reflections are authentic

Topics

Guest Speaker: Lina Ashar on Education Approaches

  • Emphasized the need to completely overhaul conventional schooling
  • Advocated measuring traits like kindness, empathy, ethical decision-making
  • Suggested embedding values into learning design, e.g. teaching empathy through debate exercises
  • Highlighted the importance of self-driven learning based on student interests
  • Recommended 80% focus on EQ development, 20% on IQ/academics

Time Management and Focus
  • Lina suggested "time boxing" - allocating specific time blocks for tasks
  • Identified focus and anti-fragilitycritical key skills for the future
  • Advised teaching self-regulation, mindfulness, and flow states to improve focus

Stress Management for Students
  • Acknowledged anxiety/depression as a growing concern
  • Noted lack of nature exposure and sensory overload as contributors
  • Suggested increasing recess time, cutting unnecessary academic content
  • Recommended parents ask more feeling-based vs. doing-based questions

Book Reading: "My Name is Cinnamon"
  • Chapter 11 details Cinnamon's arrival in Ratnapur to meet their birth parents.
  • Discussed characters' emotions and motivations as the story progressed
  • Reflected on themes of identity, belonging, and defining success

My Good School Program Updates
  • Reviewed upcoming calendar of events and activities
  • Discussed new WhatsApp community structure for communications
  • Emphasized focus on the "Joy of Giving" initiative and school partnerships

Next Steps
  • For more about Lina and her work, listen to the Podcast on www.GSI.IN 
  • Talk on the Joy of Learning Diaries blog and how to post quality reflections.
  • Students to submit reflections on meeting, avoiding over-reliance on AI
  • Continue "My Name is Cinnamon" reading in future sessions
  • Prepare for the upcoming Varanasi trip and end-of-year reflection

These are some suggestions you can choose from. Looking forward to seeing your wonderful and thoughtful reflections! You can email your reflections to - mk@learningforward.org.in; post them as comments below!