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 

                                                               

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

My Name Is Cinnamon

It is a multi-genre book because in this book, every page has different emotions; every single page is having suspense about what is going to happen in the coming page. The main character of the story is cinnamon. He was often curious, sometimes apprehensive, and a little sarcastic.

Adwik Gupta 

Sunbeam Suncity

With respect to the discussion by the elders, in my perspective, I think guidelines and advice from elders are needed together with monitoring so that mistakes made are corrected, But constant monitoring and sheltering are harmful for a person's overall growth. A person should be given the 
liberty to correct and learn from his/her own mistakes.
Parth Tulsyan
Sunbeam Suncity 

After listening to the discussion of Leena ma'am, Sandeep sir, and Jugjiv sir. I think if children are monitored constantly. They will never be able to learn to be self-reliant and confident and will be unable to face and overcome challenges. It is necessary to be emotionally strong to face the real competitive world.
Just like a baby has to learn walking on its own by getting up every time after it falls down.
Mayank Malani
Sunbeam Suncity.

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

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!

Reflection Sunday 24th November 2024

 Sunday School No. 164

Reflection of the week-

-From My Name Is Cinnamon-

1. What was your takeaway from the session today?

2. What were the key points in the chapter?

3. Journey of self-discovery

4. Being honest with ourselves

5. If he met his birth parents, how would Cinnamon feel?

6. What was driving Cinnamon's curiosity? What would you do in his place?

7. When have you ever felt excitement and fear at the same time?

8. When you feel doubt in your life, how do you deal with it?

- From The Inner Life Of Animals –

1. We aren't a part of nature, we are nature- Comment.

2. What is your takeaway from today’s session?

3. How would you feel if Robin was your pet?

4. Humans and Animals: their relationship

5. If you could have one animal with you forever, which animal would it be?

6. How would you like if an animal voluntarily came to live with you?

These are some suggestions you can choose from. Looking forward to seeing your wonderful and thoughtful reflections! You can email your reflections at - mk@learningforward.org.in

We want to invite interns to apply for the following positions for the year 2025:

1.⁠ ⁠My Good School Captain 

2.⁠ ⁠Podcast Station Manager

3.⁠ ⁠The Teacher’s Academy Ambassador 

4.⁠ ⁠My Good School Retreat Ambassador 

5.⁠ ⁠YouTube Channel Manager

6.⁠ ⁠Blogger Editors - two ✌️ 

7.⁠ ⁠Joy of Giving Ambassador 

Who can apply?

You are a registered intern 

Attend My Good School

You should have posted a Reflection

Do you have time to post now, too? The last date to apply is November 30th, 2024.

If needed, we will conduct a poll on 15 December 2024 for the school captain position and 

other positions.

Email your expression of interest with a short message on how you will contribute 

To LF@EBD.IN

Meeting summary for My Good School (11/24/2024) Quick recap Sandeep and Manisha discussed the upcoming workshop schedule and the importance of gratitude, while Jugjiv led a discussion about the book they were reading and the protagonist's struggles with adoption. The group also discussed various personal experiences, emotions, and thoughts, as well as the challenges and potential solutions for the lives of tribal communities in India. The conversation ended with Sandeep sharing his personal experiences with animals and introducing the concept of selective breeding, while also announcing the availability of various positions for interns at My Good School. Here are the key action items from the meeting: • All participants to read and engage with the Joy of Learning Diaries posts, including commenting and reflecting on them. • Interested students to apply for open positions at My Good School by November 30th. All participants to download and explore "The Teacher" app when it is released. • Manisha and Jugjiv to join Sandeep for TheTeacherApp release event on November 25th. • All participants to listen to the upcoming podcast with Lina Asher, to be released on Friday. • Students to write reflections on the meeting content in various formats (text, voice, video, drawing, etc.). • Students to research and reflect on topics mentioned, such as Galapagos Islands, tundra, and genetic manipulation in dog breeding. • Participants to consider applying for My Good School internships if not already registered. All participants to tune in to the upcoming Masterclass and My Good School live sessions on YouTube from Varanasi on December 14th and 15th. Summary Workshop Schedule and Book Discussion Sandeep and Manisha discussed the upcoming workshop schedule, with Sandeep clarifying that they will only conduct one workshop on the 12th, followed by a day to explore the school campus. The second day will involve Amitha conducting a session with Sandeep, and the third day will be dedicated to a master class on YouTube, which will be live-streamed to all Sunbeam branches. Sandeep also mentioned that he will be meeting Meenakshi at Khan Farm for lunch on Tuesday. Jugjiv then led a discussion about the book they were reading, focusing on the protagonist's struggles with adoption and his journey towards self-discovery. The group also discussed the importance of gratitude and the role of a psychologist in helping the protagonist. Baba's Trip and Socio Acquisition Jugjiv discussed the recap of the previous chapter as Baba's recent trip to Delhi, where he had gone for over a week. Baba returned home without immediately unpacking his baggage or sharing his trip experiences. Cinnamon, who had accompanied Baba, was disappointed as Baba usually brought back interesting items and stories from his trips. The family later discovered that Baba had been discussing something important with his wife, Ma, which led to a conversation about a report. The family also discussed the history of Socio, a homegrown fresh juice-based carbonated drink from Surat, and the recent acquisition of a 50% share in the company by Reliance. Cinnamon's Quest for Biological Parents Jugjiv discussed the desire of a character named Cinnamon to meet his biological parents. Cinnamon's father, Baba, agreed to help and they went to the Adoption Agency. They were able to contact Reshma Gawali, a local businessman who is in touch with Cinnamon's mother, Aditi Govet. However, the meeting with Aditi did not go well, as indicated by Ma's emotional state. The family's dynamics were affected by this revelation, with Ma becoming withdrawn and only coming out for chicken soup. The situation remained unresolved for several days. Exploring Characters' Emotions and Thoughts Jugjiv led a discussion about the emotions and thoughts of characters in a story. The group discussed Cinnamon's mother's concerns and her potential fear of losing Cinnamon. They also explored Cinnamon's curiosity and desire to know more about himself. The conversation touched on the challenges faced by the characters, such as the possibility of adoption and the difficulties of living in a tribal community. The group also discussed the concept of Adivasis, the original inhabitants of India, and their unique way of living in tune with nature. The conversation ended with plans to move on to the next chapter of the story. Tribal Communities, Malnutrition, and Reflections Jugjiv led a discussion about the challenges and potential solutions for the lives of tribal communities in India. The participants debated whether it's right to try and integrate these communities into mainstream society, with some arguing that they should be allowed to live their traditional way of life. The issue of malnutrition was also raised, with Jugjiv noting that India has a poor record on stunting in children. The group also shared personal experiences of using public toilets, with Sandeep praising the cleanliness of a particular facility. The conversation ended with a reflection on the joy of giving, with Sandeep suggesting a story about Solob International as a potential reflection. Balancing Excitement and Fear in Life In the meeting, Jugjiv led a discussion about the experience of excitement and fear together, using the example of a character in a story who is excited to meet his real parents but fearful of rejection. The participants shared their own experiences of feeling both excitement and fear, such as before exams or big matches. Jugjiv emphasized the importance of acknowledging and dealing with doubts, suggesting that one must have faith in oneself and take action to overcome them. The group also discussed the importance of addressing negative thoughts and the need for self-confidence. The conversation ended with a discussion about a bus toilet situation, where a woman named Ma stood up for the passengers and successfully got the toilet cleaned. Standing Up for Rights and Learning In the meeting, Jugjiv discussed an incident where he stood up for others and highlighted the importance of standing up for one's rights. He also shared a personal experience of trying to make a complaint to Amazon, which was difficult. Sandeep then emphasized the importance of reading and reflecting on the "Joy of Learning" diaries, which are shared with the group. He encouraged everyone to read and comment on the diaries, as it is an important part of the learning process. Sandeep also mentioned that the diaries can be searched by name, allowing individuals to review their own reflections. Joy of Learning Diaries Discussion Jugjiv and Sandeep discussed various posts on the Joy of Learning Diaries, particularly focusing on posts by Anjali and Nancy. They appreciated the depth and emotion conveyed in these posts, especially Anjali's "Life from the Eyes of Trees" and Nancy's "Meeting Birth Parents." Sandeep also highlighted the importance of loving books and oneself, drawing from his own experiences with raising a chick. The group also discussed the concept of love across species, with Sandeep sharing his experience of raising a chick and the strong bond that formed between them. The conversation ended with Sandeep encouraging everyone to share their bookshelves or books by their side. Animal Bonding and Internship Opportunities Sandeep shared his personal experiences with animals, highlighting the bond he formed with a stray puppy named Doggie. He also discussed the challenges of raising bottle-fed chicks and the importance of understanding animal emotions. Sandeep then introduced the concept of selective breeding and its impact on animal behavior, using the example of French Bulldogs. He also discussed the potential for animals to form voluntary relationships with humans, citing the example of a curious reindeer herd in Lapland. Sandeep concluded by announcing the availability of various positions for interns at My Good School, including School Captain, Podcast Station Manager, and Joy of Giving Ambassador. He encouraged everyone to apply and emphasized the importance of reflection and creativity in their work.

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