I also found it fascinating how our culture can shape the way we respond to things, even something as simple as food. One part that stood out to me was the example about deworming horses—it showed how the same word can mean completely different things depending on the context.
Overall, I feel more comfortable now discussing these topics and know it’s okay to ask questions or seek help when I need it.
Good morning & Jai Hind,
The session on puberty and the changes that occur during it was both informative and eye-opening. It provided a safe space to learn and discuss the physical, emotional, and social changes that occur during this crucial stage of development. Understanding these changes helps reduce confusion and fear, especially as many young people experience them for the first time.
One key takeaway was learning how puberty can affect friendships. As we grow and change, our interests, moods, and the way we relate to others can shift. Sometimes, friends might grow apart or misunderstand each other due to emotional ups and downs or different paces of development. However, learning about these changes can help us become more patient and understanding with our friends, strengthening those relationships instead of losing them.
The session also helped highlight the importance of emotions during puberty. Emotions can become stronger or more unpredictable due to hormonal changes. Learning to recognize and manage emotions, especially through open communication and self-care, is crucial for maintaining mental well-being. It was helpful to know that feeling overwhelmed or confused at times is completely normal.
I also explored the meaning of happy emotions, such as joy, excitement, and contentment. These emotions are important because they help us build positive relationships, motivate us to achieve goals, and give us a sense of purpose and connection. Understanding that it’s okay to experience a range of emotions, including happy and difficult ones, can make this stage of life easier to handle.
Overall, the session was valuable in helping us understand ourselves and each other better during puberty. It reminded us that we are not alone in our experiences and that emotional and social support are essential during this time of growth.
Today's session was really informative.
The resource person, Ms. Shikha Agnihotri, began by explaining what puberty is – a stage of physical and emotional development where children transition into adulthood. Students were told about the emotional ups and downs they may face, such as mood swings, increased sensitivity, self-consciousness, and anxiety.
The session also covered how puberty affects behaviour. Children may start seeking more independence, feel peer pressure, or become more private and less communicative with parents or teachers. The facilitator encouraged open communication and reassured students that it’s okay to ask questions or feel confused during this stage.
Most importantly, the session focused on creating a safe and respectful environment where students could express their doubts and emotions freely. It emphasized that growing up is a journey, and with the right guidance and support, it can be a smooth and confident one.
Today's session on "Puberty and Its Impact on Emotions and Behaviour" was both engaging and informative.
The speaker beautifully explained that puberty is a natural phase of life during which children experience significant changes in their bodies, minds, and emotions. Due to hormonal shifts, they may sometimes feel angry, sad, confused, or shy without any clear reason. The session helped us understand that these changes are a normal part of growing up, and with proper guidance and support, this transition can be managed smoothly and positively.
Discussion on puberty, growing up, and adolescence with high school students, led by Shikha Agnihotri from Right Side Story.
Puberty involves both physical and emotional changes that are beyond one's control; understanding these changes helps normalise the experience ("puberty is not a race")
Students shared insights on mood swings, emotional changes, and physical transformations during puberty, demonstrating awareness but also misconceptions
The session emphasised communication as a crucial strategy for managing challenging emotions and relationships during adolescence
Gender differences during puberty were discussed, including societal expectations and biological variations, with an emphasis on respect for all genders
Puberty is defined as a "software update" in the mind and body, signalling the transition from childhood.
Students recognised that puberty is influenced by genetics and occurs at different ages for different people.
Physical changes discussed included body odour, voice changes such as the Adam's apple in boys, and muscle development.
Brain "rewiring" during puberty leads to feelings of independence and new emotional experiences.
Girls and boys experience different physical changes, but both face hormonal shifts (testosterone vs. estrogen)
Students identified negative emotions experienced: anxiety, jealousy, frustration, irritation, depression.
Positive emotions noted: happiness from recognition, validation, success, and achievement.
Discussion of mood swings affecting both genders, not just girls, as commonly believed
Students expressed challenges with controlling emotions during puberty
Shikha emphasised that emotions during puberty are often temporary but intense, requiring patience
Students debated whether friendship affects puberty or puberty affects friendship
Trust issues in friendships were highlighted as a challenge during puberty
Advice given: when hurt by friends, communicate within 24 hours rather than avoiding the issue
Self-inflicted independence during puberty can strain relationships with parents and authority figures
Importance of finding trusted adults to discuss difficult decisions emphasised
Students noted increased focus on appearance during puberty (clothes, hygiene, physical features)
Discussion about boys becoming more conscious about their physical appearance (muscles, height)
Girls discussed increased attention to skincare, makeup, and fashion choices
The importance of hygiene is emphasised, especially regarding body odour, which increases during puberty
Both genders experience increased self-consciousness and concern about how others perceive them
The second half of the meeting featured a reading from "The Inner Life of Animals" focusing on taste in animals
Discussed how animals have different taste preferences than humans (example: crows eating seeds from horse excrement)
Explored how taste is adapted to different species' needs and evolutionary history
Reading skills were emphasised, including proper use of punctuation and expression while reading
Importance of regular reading beyond textbooks (15-20 minutes daily) was encouraged
Shikha proposed separate follow-up sessions for boys and girls to discuss puberty more openly
Future session on pronunciation and reading skills to be conducted by Brinda
After completing the current book, the group will read Gerald Durrell's works about animals
Students are encouraged to practice communication skills when dealing with emotional challenges
Students advised to develop reading habits beyond textbooks (15-20 minutes daily)
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
Book Reading: "The Hidden Life of Animals"
Chapters: Hidden Agendas & Simple Sums:
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?
Mr Raghu Pandey, the founder of iMature.in, led an insightful session focused on preparing students for the future in the context of AI readiness, internet maturity, and digital citizenship.
Key Points from Mr. Raghu's Session:
AI Readiness & Future Careers:
Mr. Raghu discussed how AI will disrupt traditional career paths and job structures. He explained the importance of students developing essential skills to thrive in an AI-powered world, including:
Online Safety and Internet Maturity (FAST CAR Method):
Mr Raghu stressed the importance of students practising internet maturity and adhering to online safety practices. The FAST CAR method for online safety was highlighted:
Digital Citizenship Skills:
Mr. Raghu emphasized the importance of developing digital citizenship skills, including responsible, ethical, and safe use of technology. He discussed how these skills are essential for navigating the digital world and balancing emotional and moral growth in an AI-driven society.
In conclusion, Mr Raghu's insights provided a clear roadmap for ensuring students are ready for the future and well-prepared to responsibly navigate digital citizenship's challenges.
Chapter 14, "Misal Pao," from My Name is Cinnamon by Vikas Joshi
What skills does Cinnamon demonstrate while interacting with others in the chapter, and how do these skills help him navigate his relationships?
This question encourages us to reflect on Cinnamon's communication, empathy, and adaptability as he interacts with those around him.
How do the characters in this chapter use practical skills to express themselves or contribute to their family and community?
This question explores how specific skills, such as cooking, can represent personal expression and connect individuals to their culture or traditions.
In what ways does the chapter illustrate the difference between academic skills and life skills, and why might both be important for personal growth?
This question considers the value of academic achievements and life skills (such as social interaction, resilience, and emotional intelligence) and reflects on their balance.
How does Cinnamon’s perspective on the value of skills evolve throughout this chapter, and what does this reveal about his character development?
This question invites us to reflect on Cinnamon’s growth and how he came to understand the importance of various skills—both practical and personal—on his journey toward self-discovery.
- From My Guide Inside-
1. We can make healthy decisions and make and keep healthy friendships. Create and submit a reflection!To discuss social-emotional learning concepts and read a chapter from "My Name is Cinnamon", followed by updates on the upcoming My Good School retreat.
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The Interns of My Good School produce podcasts with élan. Listen to heartwarming stories about schools, schooling and their passion for education. Check out the Learning Forward Podcast on Spotify, Apple, Google, or your favourite podcast application.
In Season 13, Episode 5 of Learning Forward, Vineet KKN 'Panchhi' converses with Anvesha Rana and Saikiran Sahu, leaving a lasting impression on listeners with his unconventional introduction. While most guests are introduced by their educational qualifications, Vineet urged audiences to focus on his passions instead. From cars and bikes to travel and communication, music, outdoor films, voice acting, writing, leadership coaching, and Urdu poetry, Vineet is a dynamic individual with diverse interests. He describes himself as a "rolling stone" and has pursued his passions relentlessly. From being a teenage musician in a band to a filmmaker, communication expert, and Urdu poet, Vineet has done it all. He is also the founder of The Jai Hind Project and Word of Mouth Media. By showcasing his unique perspective, Vineet's approach inspires viewers to embrace and pursue their passions with the same dedication and commitment.
Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.
