Reflections - My Good School Retreat 15th November 2024

My Good School Retreat 2024 - November 15

To conduct a My Good School retreat session focused on discussing animal behavior and emotions through the book "The Inner Life of Animals" by Peter Wohlleben.

Key Takeaways

• The group explored the concept of animal emotions, particularly maternal love, through the first chapter of the book
• Participants learned about squirrel behavior, including their nesting habits, food caching, and interactions with other animals
• The discussion highlighted how human perceptions of animals are often influenced by emotions rather than objective observation
• The session emphasized that maternal love is not exclusive to humans and exists across species, though with variations in its expression and development

Topics

Book Introduction and Context

• The group is reading "The Inner Life of Animals" by Peter Wohlleben
• The book explores animal emotions and behaviors, challenging assumptions about human uniqueness
• The author uses scientific research and personal observations to illustrate animal experiences

Squirrel Behavior and Survival

• Squirrels demonstrate maternal care by carrying babies on their necks
• They build nests (dreys) in trees, using soft materials for comfort
• Squirrels cache food for winter, but often forget locations, leading to natural tree planting
• Their survival strategies include spiral descent to avoid predators like hawks

Animal Emotions and Human Perceptions

• The group discussed how humans categorize animals based on appearance and perceived usefulness
• Squirrels were used as an example of how perceptions can shift (e.g., from cute to predatory)
• The discussion emphasized that animals act primarily for survival, not to be "good" or "bad"

Maternal Love Across Species

• The chapter explored whether maternal love is innate or learned
• Hormones like oxytocin play a role in bonding for both humans and animals
• Human capacity for learned love (e.g., adoption) was contrasted with more instinctive animal behaviors
• Examples of interspecies bonding were mentioned (e.g., cats caring for human infants)

Next Steps

• Participants encouraged to watch related movies/documentaries (e.g., Born Free, Lion King)
• Research Jane Goodall's work with chimpanzees for further insights on animal behavior.
• Reconvene at 5:30 PM for the Teacher's Academy session to continue book discussion.
• Local retreat participants to engage in a treasure hunt during the break.

Think it over

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

2. Find out about- 

a. dreys

b. nests of animals

3. How do animals prepare their nest? Which material is required by the animals to make their nest?

4. Winter, however, is more devastating than any predator. Who does the writer refer to ?

5. What will happen if there will be no food chain?

6. What is selfless mother's love according to you?

Reflection Sunday 10th November 2024

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. Importance of reflection and clear thought 

6. When you write a poem how do you feel? 

7. How do you think Cinnamon would feel if he met his birth parents

8. Between the head and the heart

- From The Hidden Life Of Trees –  

1. Why is the chapter named "Not just a commodity?"

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

3. What did you learn from this book?

4. Do trees have a life of their own? How can humans learn to respect that? 

5. Life from the eyes of trees

6. Taking care of trees and nature with dignity

7. We aren't a part of nature, we are nature

8. Lessons from this book

"I think writing a poem is oddly fulfilling and a unique art itself. Its unique how we're able to express our thoughts about something in a set of lines. I think it brings us to think deeper about what we're writing because we aren't just writing a paragraph but writing about our feelings and ideas about something in a few lines, choosing the right words at every step. And when you're done writing that poem, there's a sense of fulfillment when you read it again because it just opens a new perspective about it. 

I don't write blogs that often now but when I'm bored at home, I take out a paper and pen and write poems because it truly is something that's so unique." - Rishona Chopra

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

My Good School 10th Nov 2024

Reading My Name Is Cinnamon - complete the chapter 8; and complete reading the book "The Hidden Life of Trees" by Peter Wohlleben, as well as plan for an upcoming retreat and initiate an "Impact Study" project.

Key Takeaways

• Trees are highly interconnected through underground fungal networks, forming a "Wood-Wide Web" that allows them to communicate and support each other. 

• Helping children like Cinnamon from the book deal with difficult emotions requires providing a supportive environment, encouraging reflection, and engaging them in enjoyable activities. 

• The upcoming retreat will involve spending time in a forest, connecting with underprivileged children, and continuing the group reading experience. 

• The "Impact Study" project aims to assess how the Teacher's Academy program is developing students' 21st century skills like critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. 

• Practices like writing poems, maintaining reading logs, and reflecting on readings can enhance personal growth and reading comprehension. 

Topics

Reading and Discussing "The Hidden Life of Trees"

• The group continued reading and discussing chapters from the book, exploring how trees communicate and support each other through underground fungal networks. 

• The discussion focused on understanding Cinnamon's emotional journey and ways to help him deal with his feelings in a healthy manner. 

Upcoming Retreat

• The group discussed the plans for an upcoming retreat, where participants will spend time in a forest, connect with underprivileged children, and continue their group reading experience. 

• The retreat will also involve a visit to the "My Good School" studio and a city tour. 

"Impact Study" Project

• The group initiated an "Impact Study" project to assess the impact of the Teacher's Academy program on the development of students' 21st century skills. 

• The project will involve gathering feedback from teachers and students, and analyzing data to understand the program's effectiveness.

 

Next Steps

• Gurdeep will connect with Kunal to obtain the data from the previous impact study and use it as a starting point for the new project. 

• The group will work together to develop a set of questions to gather feedback from teachers and students on a monthly basis. 

• The findings from the impact study will be shared and discussed in future meetings, and the next meeting will be on the 24th of November 2024.

The Inner Life Of Animals

Reading for The Retreat 2024

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 

-------------- 

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

Reflections for the week - Sunday 4th August 2024

GSA Members are attending the Global Ed Fest

- From My Guide Inside- 

1. What was your takeaway from the session today? 

2. Life is a figment of your imagination. 

3. I used to believe; now I am...

4. Reflect on this quote: "You have the gift of thought to use as you choose. Imagine that!"

      -Describe something you remember making up. Use these sentence starters: 

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

Note: MGI Online is a school well-being curriculum which aligns with, for example, Life Skills classes

- From Jataka Tales -     

1. Find out about Jetavana.

2. What are the three calamities of your life? How will you help yourself?

3. Which dream of yours did not let you sleep?

4. What lessons can we take away from the story today?  

5. What does it feel like when your dreams come true?

- From The Hidden Life Of Trees – 

1. Find out about anemones.

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

3. Why is there a battle for every light of sunshine in the forest?

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
Feel free to call Ma'am Manisha Khanna for help, you fill find the number on the top right of the page.

Reflection of the week – Sunday, 28th July 2024

- From Jataka Tales - 

1. Significance of Guru Purnima

2. Why do you believe having relationships gives you security in life?

3. Research on Silk cotton Trees.

4. What learnings can we take away from the story today?   

5. What does it feel like to be covered and protected?

6. What is the value of a brother in one's life?

- From Hidden Life Of Trees -     

1. What do you understand by "The Sick Tree"?

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

3. What learnings can we take away from the story today?   

4. Find out about- Phytoncides

5. Where is Leningrad? 

6. How can Lametta be useful during Christmas?

7. Who are comrades in the chapter, and how do comrades help you? 

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

Think it over
Based on the discussion, we must answer the question, " Why do children disrupt classes?"

Smart Summary

The conversation revolved around various themes, including the importance of brotherhood, navigating the digital age, inner strength, and three defence mechanisms. 

Speakers emphasized the need for respect, order, and education in society and the importance of utilizing digital power responsibly and ethically. 

We discussed trees' resilience and vulnerability to environmental changes and injuries, highlighting their adaptability and potential to heal sicknesses.

The conversation covered various topics and perspectives, focusing on the importance of inner strength, education, and responsible technology use.

12.00 pm
Interns Meeting: Form groups to work on four projects - Blogs, Podcasts, newsletters and Fundraising.

From the Jatakas discussed, we can take the following key lessons:

• The value of brotherhood and relationships, as seen in the woman's choice to save her brother over her husband or son

• The importance of compassion and treating all beings, even animals, with respect, as demonstrated by the Bodhisattva who saved the prince, snake, rat, and parrot

• The dangers of ingratitude and selfishness, as shown by the ungrateful prince who plotted against his benefactor

• The need to balance growth and defence, as trees must do to maintain their health and longevity

We can cultivate a more harmonious and just society by applying these lessons of brotherhood, compassion, and respect for all life.

Food For Thought

To continue encouraging thoughtful reflection and knowledge sharing in future sessions, we can:

• Provide more opportunities for participants to share their personal reflections and insights on the stories and lessons discussed

• Encourage participants to make connections between the stories and their own lives or experiences

• Facilitate discussions that allow participants to explore different perspectives and deepen their understanding

• Incorporate more interactive activities like group discussions or creative projects to engage participants and foster collaborative learning

• Invite participants to bring their books, poems, or other materials to share with the group.

• Emphasize the importance of active listening and respectful dialogue to create a safe and inclusive knowledge-sharing environment

By focusing on these strategies, we can continue cultivating a culture of thoughtful reflection and meaningful knowledge exchange in future sessions. YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@mygoodschool