My Good School: February 2025

Wednesday, 26 February 2025

GSA Calendar March 2025

We invite all GSA members and individuals to participate in our enriching programs. Here’s our weekly calendar for online learning activities that we hope will inspire you:

- Wednesday Weekly GSI Journal: A Journey of Inspiration and Growth

- Thoughtful Thursdays with Poetry

- Fantastic Fridays with Book Reading

- Saturday Masterclass for Teachers

- Sunday My Good School for Students

We are here to support you on your learning journey!

Good Schools India (GSI) Journal is a reader-supported publication. Consider becoming a free subscriber to receive new posts and support our work. You can help empower individuals with personal and social development. You will feel a sense of deep satisfaction as you help young people prepare to face the world with #JoyOfLearning.

Sunday, 23 February 2025

My Good School, Sunday 23rd February 2025

Sunday School # 177

A workshop on goal setting with guest speaker Lina Ashar, followed by a book reading session and updates on My Good School activities.

Key Takeaways

Lina Ashar presented on the importance of SMART goal setting and how to apply it effectively
The group read chapters from "The Hidden Life of Animals" on animal intelligence and goal-oriented behavior
Updates were shared on upcoming My Good School events, including a retreat in April and new weekday sessions

Session 1 of 3, scheduled for the third Sunday of the month, beginging February 2025.

Lina Ashar, founder of Dreamtime Learning, discussed the importance of goal setting using the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Relevant, Time-bound) framework. She emphasized the need for clear, realistic goals to achieve personal and academic success. Lina Ashar highlighted the reticular activating system (RAS) in the brain, which helps focus on specific goals. She also addressed common challenges like procrastination and stress, suggesting time-blocking and realistic goal setting. The session included practical exercises to transform vague goals into SMART ones and stressed the importance of inner mastery and personal growth.

What we learnt with Lina Ashar

Explained the SMART goal framework: Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Relevant, Time-bound
Discussed the brain's reticular activating system (RAS) and its role in goal achievement
Emphasized the importance of setting realistic, incremental goals to avoid stress
Addressed questions on procrastination, parental pressure, and maintaining motivation

Book Reading: "The Hidden Life of Animals"
Chapters: Hidden Agendas & Simple Sums:
Read chapters on animal intelligence, focusing on crows, goats, and dogs
Discussed examples of animals demonstrating counting abilities and time awareness
Explored the concept of forward planning in animal behavior

Reflection questions

How does Wohlleben challenge the traditional understanding of animal intelligence in this chapter? Reflect on examples he provides and consider whether they change your perspective on how animals think and solve problems.
In what ways does the ability of animals to perform simple mathematical tasks impact our ethical responsibilities toward them? Do you think recognizing intelligence in animals should influence the way humans treat them?
Wohlleben shares anecdotes about animals demonstrating basic arithmetic skills. How do these examples compare to the way young children or untrained humans approach similar tasks? What does this suggest about the cognitive abilities of animals in comparison to humans?

Planning for March 2025

The meeting discussed the upcoming schedule for various educational activities. Students will return from holidays on April 1st, and attendance is expected to improve. The calendar will include reading sessions on Sundays, watching the Episode 14 of Guru Nanak’s travels with Amardeep Singh and a workshop with Lina Ashar. The students of Sunbeam School Varuna are planning a presentation at My Good School. In addition, a poetry sessions are held on Thursdays at 5:15 PM, and a book reading sessions on Friday afternoon at 2:20 PM.

The My Good School retreat is scheduled from April 11th to 14th. Art and music sessions are under consideration for the week, with a focus on engaging a broader audience. Finally, plans for the Art and Music Sessions on Monday and Tuesday respectively, with Wednesday as a weekly off.

You can email your reflections to mk@learningforward.org.in or post them as comments below!

Wednesday, 19 February 2025

Reading is Reflecting - Ila Gautam

READING IS REFLECTING

Reading aids learning, understanding, creating, inventing, and inspiring. The selection of books paves the way for the journey of learning. Like a loyal companion, a book serves your sad as well as happy emotions, consoles your gloom, and redirects your pessimistic ideas. They entertain with silly anecdotes from someone’s life and fancies of the authors. They are the true reflection of one’s choices, as the one who loses heart likes the autobiographies, a curious one tries to peep in the books as an explorer, and the one in search with a better understanding sits among the wisdom of great thinkers and reads different views on the same ideas. The books that mirror the efforts of one govern the achievements of someone else, whereas some books pour out the hearts of those who want others to imitate their ideas. Most importantly, the significance of books lies in the choices made by the readers. It is rightly called reflection because the book one reads reflects his thoughts. They magnify the reader’s ideologies. The rhymes of a poet or themes of any author take space in the thoughts, beliefs, and even words of the readers. Think of a polyglot who excels in languages with books or a student who studies the concepts with his teacher’s directions but expresses them with his reflections. Each edition of a book tells a story of the reader whose reflections defined it again.

WRITER VS READERS

A character of a story remains an immersive experience for its readers. Through the insights of his life, he revives the reflections of the readers. Happiness, sorrow, excitement, or anxiety are the emotions beyond the interest of the reader. Is it what the writer wants its readers to do? Or is it a reader’s choice? Ironically, it’s something that wasn’t and, moreover, can’t be imagined. The writer who fabricates a woof without having experienced it and readers devour it without being one of them. Some of the bitter or best memories gain their vent at a moment in time where the frequency of the reader goes exactly the same as the reader.

What if the reader comes before the writer—the creator of the character? This moment opens another space for them. It’s a beginning to a new journey where the creator rejoices in the praise, appreciation, and liking his character yields, where some new characters come into existence, and where he actually meets his own creation. To a reader, the moment is a completely different place. He who has been struggling with his pain and misery, who has been so excited to find the one with the experiences and ideas akin to him, encounters a reality that’s not true. His acquaintance—the character is merely a fanciful creation. The reader who has already driven out many of his poor thoughts attains a better maturity, turning into a stronger and perfected being.

Ila Gautam
The Century School

Sunday School Reflection: The 3R’s of Learning and Growth"🌞📖✨

🌞 Sunbeam Students Reflect on Sunday School 🌞

Just like a computer has Input & Output devices, our learning at Sunday School follows a similar pattern! 🖥️✨

📥 INPUT:
📖 Reading – Gaining wisdom from scriptures
🤔 Reflection – Understanding and applying lessons
🤝 Building Relationships – Growing in faith together

📤 OUTPUT:
👀 Recognise – Identifying God's presence in life
🧠 Remember – Keeping His teachings in our hearts
❤️ Reciprocate – Spreading love and kindness

Let's keep learning, reflecting, and growing together! 🌿📚💡

#SundaySchool #3Rs #FaithInAction

Sunbeam School Lahartara Hostel Students

Sunday, 16 February 2025

My Good School, Sunday 16th February 2025

Sunday School # 176

We warmly welcome Vikas Prakash Joshi, an-award winning writer, editor, translator, podcaster, public speaker, novelist, amateur cook and occasional journalist in Pune, India. His first book for children, My Name Cinnamon (Hay House India), was published in November 2022 , and it has been lauded all over the world, in over 30+ countries, endorsed by many top Indian writers, and received 7 publishing offers. Story Ink, a Mumbai-based production company, has also acquired the book for screen adaptation. It was illustrated by the well known and award winning illustrator for children's books Niloufer Wadia. It has received 5 recognitions already: A3F Literary Award for Fiction 2023, Asian Literary Society Award for Best Debut Fiction,Asian Literary Society Certificate of Excellence in Fiction, Skipping Stones Magazine Honour List for International Books 2023, Longlisted and Shortlisted for Valley of Words Awards for Young Adult Fiction 2023. It was also chosen among 60 selected books by Indian authors for kids and YA by Hyderabad-based Beyond the Box organization, an organisation working in the field of literature.

Summary

We discussed Vikas Joshi's book "My Name is Cinnamon," focusing on the last chapter, "Chapter 17: Going Home." Vikas shared insights into the book's creation, including the integration of Usher Syndrome and the emotional journey of the protagonist, Cinnamon. The discussion highlighted the importance of early disclosure of adoption to children and the challenges of bullying. Vikas emphasized the significance of community in his writing and provided advice for aspiring authors, stressing regular writing and resilience. The session concluded with a group photo and a reflection on the book's themes.

Sandeep Dutt discussed the progress and schedule of "My Good School," a comprehensive educational program. The school meets on various days for different activities: Sundays for master classes, Saturdays for teacher sessions, Fridays for book readings, Thursdays for poetry, Tuesdays for music, and Mondays for art.

The annual fee is 2500 rupees, offering 160 hours of learning. The program includes a structured internship, fellowship for teachers, and workshops. They share learning through newsletters, blogs, podcasts, and a YouTube channel. The meeting concluded with a dance performance and a song celebrating the joy of learning.

Chapter 17: Going Home is the last chapter of My Name is Cinnamon, here are the reflection questions:

1. Character Growth

How has Cinnamon changed from the beginning of the book to the end? What are the key moments that shaped him?

2. Resolution & Closure

Does this chapter provide a satisfying conclusion to Cinnamon’s journey? Why or why not?

3. Themes & Lessons

What is the most important lesson that Cinnamon (and the reader) learns by the end of the story?

4. Emotional Impact

How did this final chapter make you feel? Did it leave you with any unanswered questions or reflections about identity and family?

5. Personal Connection

If you could ask Cinnamon one question about his journey, what would it be and why?

Q & A with Vikas Joshi:

1. How did you come up with the name "Cinnamon" for the main character?
2. When do you think is the best time to tell an adopted child about their adoption?
3. How should an adopted child react if they are being bullied at school?
4. What strategies can aspiring writers implement to balance quality and quantity in their writing process?
5. What skills and qualities do you think are important for Gen Z students to develop for their future?
6. How did you decide to incorporate the Usher Syndrome element into the story?
7. Why does the book focus so much on the role of community and different communities in India?

The conversation covered a range of topics related to the book, the writing process, and advice for aspiring writers and students. The questions demonstrate the audience's engagement and interest in understanding the author's perspective and experiences.

Based on the conversation, here are some strategies Vikas Joshi suggested for aspiring writers to balance quality and quantity:

- Write regularly, but don't expect everything you write to be publishable. You'll need to discard a lot of content.

- When you get stuck on something, leave it for a while and work on other parts of the story. You may find a solution later as you continue writing.

- Focus on producing content, even if it's not perfect. The "worst piece of writing done is better than the best piece of writing which is in your mind."

- Be prepared to receive a wide range of reactions, both positive and negative. Don't get discouraged by negative feedback, but evaluate if it's constructive.

- Commit to writing a few times a week, even if you can't do it daily. Consistency is key.

The key is to balance the discipline of regular writing with the patience to refine and improve your work over time. It's about finding the right mix between quantity and quality.

Key messages Vikas Joshi leaves behind:

1. Embrace the ups and downs in your journey as a writer/creative person. Be prepared for the fact that your definition of success will change as you progress.

2. Focus on developing your ability to deeply understand and connect with people. Interpret their words and behaviors beyond the surface level.

3. The "worst piece of writing done is better than the best piece of writing which is in your mind." Don't be afraid to discard content and keep writing.

4. Be resilient and consistent in your writing practice, even if you can't write every day. Commit to writing a few times a week.

5. Evaluate feedback carefully - not all criticism is constructive. Learn to discern which feedback is worth taking seriously.

6. For aspiring writers, start writing and don't wait for the "perfect" moment. The more you write, the more you'll improve.

7. Incorporate your personal experiences and memories into your writing, as it can make the story more authentic and relatable.

The overall message emphasizes the importance of perseverance, self-awareness, and a willingness to learn and grow as a writer. Vikas encourages aspiring writers to embrace the challenges of the creative process.

Vikas Joshai at My Good School

Reflection questions based on Chapter 12: Crowd Intelligence from The Inner Life of Animals by Peter Wohlleben:

1. Collective Behavior

How do animals benefit from collective decision-making, and what are some examples from this chapter?

2. Survival & Adaptation

In what ways does crowd intelligence help animals survive in the wild? Can you think of a situation where acting alone might be more beneficial?

3. Comparison to Human Society

How does the concept of crowd intelligence in animals compare to human group behavior, such as teamwork or social decision-making?

4. Ethical & Environmental Considerations

What can humans learn from animal crowd intelligence when it comes to solving problems like climate change or resource management?

5. Personal Reflection

Have you ever experienced a moment where working as a group led to a better outcome than working alone? How does this relate to the examples in the chapter?

You can email your reflections to mk@learningforward.org.in or post them as comments below!

Tuesday, 11 February 2025

Deepening Understanding Through Reflection - Sunbeam Bhagwanpur

My Name is Cinnamon is a heartfelt coming-of-age story about identity, adoption, and self-acceptance. The book follows Cinnamon, a curious and thoughtful boy who embarks on a journey to understand his past and his place in the world. Through his experiences, he learns that true family is built on love, not just biology. The novel beautifully explores the emotions of adoption, the importance of belonging, and the power of embracing one’s uniqueness. It also highlights the role of supportive parents in shaping self-confidence and identity. With warmth and depth, the story encourages curiosity, self-discovery, and the celebration of what makes each person special. While being a light-hearted and heart-warming read, the book also covers some difficult themes that are rarely explored in children’s and young adult literature. It is a deeply moving testament to the unceasing desire to know oneself, the unrelenting pull of familial bonds, and the power of hope, sacrifice, and love. While being a light-hearted and heart-warming read, the book also covers some difficult themes that are rarely explored in children’s and young adult literature. It is a deeply moving testament to the unceasing desire to know oneself, the unrelenting pull of familial bonds, and the power of hope, sacrifice, and love.

Simrat Kaur

Sunbeam English School Bhagwanpur

My Name is Cinnamon reminds us that our uniqueness is what makes us special. Cinnamon’s journey of self-discovery shows that embracing who we are—quirks, differences, and all—can be empowering. Through his experiences, we see how family plays a huge role in shaping our confidence, offering unconditional love and support when we need it most. The story also encourages us to take pride in our roots and personal journey, reminding us that every name, every story, and every individual holds meaning. At its heart, the book is about finding joy in being exactly who we are.

Atiksh Vaibhav

Sunbeam English School Bhagwanpur

Life is full of moments that make us question who we are, and My Name is Cinnamon beautifully captures that feeling. Cinnamon’s story reminds us that it's okay to feel different or unsure sometimes, but what truly matters is how we embrace ourselves. With the love and support of those around us, we can turn our doubts into strengths. Instead of shying away from what makes him unique, Cinnamon learns to own it—and in doing so, he finds confidence and joy in simply being himself. It’s a heartfelt reminder that we all have a place in the world, just as we are.

Chitranshi Singh

Sunbeam English School Bhagwanpur

Sunday, 9 February 2025

My Good School, Sunday 9th February, 2025

Sunday School # 175

Reflection questions for Episode 14: Setu Bandh from Tapestry of Guru Nanak’s Travels:

1. What message did Guru Nanak convey about the true purpose of pilgrimage during his visit to Setu Bandh?

2. How does Guru Nanak’s perspective on devotion versus rituals challenge traditional beliefs?

3. In what ways can we apply Guru Nanak’s teachings on inner spirituality in our daily lives?

4. How can we promote unity among diverse communities while respecting different traditions, as Guru Nanak demonstrated at Setu Bandh?

Summary of "Candle Light" – My Name is Cinnamon by Vikas Prakash Joshi

In this chapter, Cinnamon’s biological parents receive important and concerning news about his health. They learn from his adoptive parents that Cinnamon has a genetic condition that may cause him to lose his eyesight around the age of 40 and could also lead to hearing impairment. This revelation is deeply emotional for both the parents, as they process the implications of his condition and think about his future.

The candlelight in the chapter symbolizes both vulnerability and hope, just as a candle flickers but continues to glow, Cinnamon’s journey is uncertain but still filled with love and strength. His adoptive parents’ concern and love for him are evident as they grapple with this information, reinforcing the theme that family is built on care and emotional bonds. The chapter highlights themes of resilience, unconditional love, and the importance of support in facing life’s uncertainties.

Reflection Questions

How do Cinnamon’s biological parent react to the news about his genetic condition?
What does the candlelight symbolize in this chapter, and how does it relate to Cinnamon’s journey?
How does this chapter highlight the difference between biological and emotional bonds in a family?
What can we learn from Cinnamon’s parents about handling difficult and uncertain situations?
How would you support a loved one if they were facing a similar challenge?

You can email your reflections to mk@learningforward.org.in or post them as comments below!

Thursday, 6 February 2025

📝✨ Student Perspectives on Science & Well-being ✨📝- Sunbeam Lahartara

At Sunbeam School, students love exploring and expressing their thoughts on fascinating topics. Here are some insightful reflections on a few thought-provoking subjects!

🐍🔥 Warm and Cold-Blooded Animals ❄️🐢

Animals have different ways of regulating their body temperature. Warm-blooded animals, like humans and birds, maintain a constant body temperature regardless of the environment. Cold-blooded animals like reptiles and amphibians depend on external sources like the sun to keep warm. This adaptation helps them survive in various climates, but it also means they must be careful in extreme temperatures.

🐝🌸 Why Do Bees Pollinate? 🍯💐

Bees are nature's tiny superheroes! 🦸‍♂️ They pollinate flowers as they collect nectar for making honey. This process helps plants reproduce and ensures we have fruits, vegetables, and beautiful flowers. Without bees, our food supply would be at risk! Protecting these hardworking insects is crucial for a healthy ecosystem.

🧘‍♂️🕊️ Meditation and Its Importance 🙏🧘‍♀️

Meditation is a powerful tool for inner peace and focus in today's fast-paced world. It helps reduce stress, improves concentration, and keeps our minds calm. Many students practice meditation daily to stay focused on their studies and maintain a positive mindset. A few minutes of deep breathing and mindfulness can bring clarity and happiness to our lives.

Students develop curiosity and critical thinking through these discussions, making learning a joyful experience. 🌟 What are your thoughts on these topics? Let's keep the conversation going! 😊✨

Sunbeam School and Hostel Lahartara

Sunday, 2 February 2025

My Good School, Sunday 2nd February 2025

Sunday School #174

Chapter 11, Cold Hedgehog and Warm Honey Bees, from The Inner Life of Animals by Peter Wohlleben:

1. Theme: Adaptation and Survival

Question: How do hedgehogs and honeybees use different survival strategies to cope with cold temperatures, and what does this reveal about the role of adaptation in nature?

2. Theme: Social Cooperation vs. Individualism

Question: Honeybees work collectively to generate warmth, while hedgehogs survive through solitary hibernation. What are the advantages and disadvantages of these contrasting approaches?

3. Theme: Energy Conservation

Question: In what ways do hedgehogs and honeybees conserve energy during winter, and how can humans apply similar principles to sustainable living?

4. Theme: Climate Change and Animal Behavior

Question: How might rising global temperatures affect the winter survival strategies of both hedgehogs and honeybees, and what consequences could this have for ecosystems?

5. Theme: Human Connection to Nature

Question: What lessons can we learn from these animals about resilience, cooperation, and adaptation in the face of challenges?

Summary of Chapter 11: "Cold Hedgehog and Warm Honey Bees"

(from The Inner Life of Animals by Peter Wohlleben)

In this chapter, Peter Wohlleben explores how different animals cope with cold temperatures, focusing on hedgehogs and honeybees as contrasting examples of survival strategies.

Hedgehogs are solitary creatures that rely on hibernation to endure the winter. As temperatures drop, their body functions slow down dramatically—they lower their heart rate and body temperature to conserve energy. This strategy, while effective, comes with risks, such as failing to wake up if reserves run too low or being disturbed by sudden temperature fluctuations.

In contrast, honeybees survive winter through social cooperation. Instead of becoming dormant, they form tight clusters inside their hives, vibrating their muscles to generate heat and keep the colony warm. This communal effort requires continuous food consumption, as bees must sustain enough energy to keep their hive at a stable temperature.

Through these two examples, Wohlleben highlights the diverse ways animals have adapted to survive harsh conditions. He also raises broader questions about the impact of climate change on these survival mechanisms and emphasizes how deeply interconnected all living creatures are in their ecosystems.

Takeaways from the Meet and Greet Session by Mr. K. C. Jain

1. Power of Meditation – Meditation helps in calming the mind, reducing stress, and achieving inner peace.

2. Importance of Silence – Practicing silence allows for self-reflection, enhances mindfulness, and fosters clarity of thought.

3. Benefits of Fasting – Not eating at times purifies the body and mind, increases self-discipline, and promotes inner strength.

4. Significance of Not Thinking – Overthinking leads to stress; a still mind brings serenity and deeper understanding.

5. Connection with Nature – Spending time in nature rejuvenates the soul, enhances focus, and aligns one with the universe's rhythms.

Wednesday, 26 February 2025

GSA Calendar March 2025

Sunday, 23 February 2025