Showing posts with label reading. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reading. Show all posts

Sunday, 6 July 2025

My Good School, Sunday the 6th July 2025

Weekly "My Good School" session focused on reading, reflection, and personal growth for students.

Key Takeaways

  1. Discussed the importance of resilience and a positive mindset when facing challenges, using Steve Jobs' life story as an example
  2. Explored the value of reflection vs. note-taking for deeper learning and personal growth
  3. Introduced internship opportunities for students to gain practical business experience
  4. Emphasised the importance of focused reading and listening for developing intelligence and leadership skills

Topics

Book Discussion: "The Door-to-Door Bookstore"

  • Continued reading Chapter 5, focusing on characters Carl and Schascha
  • Explored themes of friendship, misunderstandings, and helping others overcome challenges
  • Discussed how Carl and Mrs Longstocking devised a plan to help Hercules learn to read

Personal Growth and Resilience

  • Examined Steve Jobs' life story as an example of overcoming setbacks and persevering
  • Discussed the concept of "blessing in disguise" - how apparent setbacks can lead to positive outcomes
  • Encouraged students to develop a growth mindset and view challenges as opportunities for learning

Reflection vs. Note-taking

  • Explained the difference between taking notes (recording information) and reflection (processing and applying information)
  • Encouraged students to practice reflection to deepen their understanding and personal growth
  • Introduced the Joy of Learning Diaries as a platform for sharing reflections

Internship Program

  • Announced internship opportunities for students to gain practical business experience
  • Explained the program structure: weekly meetings, hands-on projects, exposure to business operations
  • Discussed fees and scholarship options for eligible schools

Additional Learning Opportunities

  • Introduced "Brewing Knowledge" Friday evening book reading sessions
  • Highlighted the importance of focused reading and listening for developing intelligence

Next Steps

  • Students are encouraged to write reflections on the session and share them on the Joy of Learning Diaries.
  • Interested students should explore the internship application process on schooleducation.com
  • Participants are invited to join Friday evening "Brewing Knowledge" sessions for additional reading practice.
  • Next week's session will follow a similar format, combining reading and reflection. 

Monday, 23 June 2025

Learning Life Lessons with My Good School - Viraaj Rai

 
In this session, we learned about loyalty. We understood that animals are often more loyal than humans. Another important lesson was that every person has at least one exceptional talent. We also learned about the importance of reading. Reading helps us gain knowledge that can be useful in the future.

What I liked the most was how the teachers explained the topics — everything was clear and easy to understand. The question-and-answer part was also exciting. The teachers answered all our questions patiently and kindly. I enjoy the My Good School sessions on Sundays. They are very informative and well-organised.

I liked this session a lot.

Thank you!

Viraaj Rai
Class: 5th B
Sunbeam Ballia

Sunday, 22 June 2025

Joy of Learning Calendar July 2025

My Good School

6th  July 2025
Book Reading- The Door-To-Door Bookstore
Book Readingक्या आपका बच्चा दुनिया का सामना करने के लिए तैयार है?

13th July 2025
Book Reading- The Inner Life of animals
Book Readingक्या आपका बच्चा दुनिया का सामना करने के लिए तैयार है?

20th  July 2025
Amardeep Singh Screening of Episode 19 निमृत प्रभाव (विनम्रता की छाप) 
Book Reading- 
The Inner Life of animals


27th   July 2025
We aim to inspire young minds, helping them navigate while embracing their dreams and aspirations.
The YES workshop with Shikha Agnihotri, founder of The Right Side Story
Book Readingक्या आपका बच्चा दुनिया का सामना करने के लिए तैयार है?

The Teacher's Academy

Brewing Knowledge Fridays at 5.30 PM: Book Reading with Sandeep Dutt:
  • What Did You Ask At School Today: A Handbook Of Child Learning; and 
  • The Book of Rumi 105 Stories And Fables That Illumine Delight And Inform

Saturday Masterclass Webinar at 5:30 PMProductive Failure - Design for and turn your failures into meaningful learning experiences

GSA Squad Meetings

At 5:30 PM every Monday on Zoom - GSA Coordinators, Volunteers and Mentors. #JoyOfGiving Review programs and plan for the coming week.

Good Schools of India

Are you signed up for the Good Schools of India Weekly yet? Don't miss out on valuable insights—published every Monday at 7:00 AM! #JoyOfLearning Subscribe at: www.GSI.in

My Good School, Sunday the 22nd June 2025

Sunday school session focused on reading, reflection, and discussion of "The Door-to-Door Bookstore" by Carsten Henn and Is Your Child To Face The World? by Dr Anupam Sibal (Hindi edition)

Key Takeaways

  • Emphasized importance of reading, listening, and reflection for personal growth and learning
  • Discussed themes of perseverance and not giving up in the face of challenges
  • Explored how reading and listening complement each other to improve communication skills
  • Encouraged participants to write reflections and engage actively in discussions

Book Discussion: "The Door-to-Door Bookstore"

  • Continued reading Chapter 4, focusing on Carl's evolving relationship with Schascha
  • Explored themes of sadness, intuition, and the power of human connection
  • Discussed Carl's changing perspective on Schascha, from avoidance to missing her company
  • Analyzed the character of "the reader" and his hesitation to share his writing despite its quality

Importance of Reading and Listening

Manisha Presented slides on benefits of reading and listening:
  • Enhances language skills, vocabulary, and grammar
  • Improves overall literacy and comprehension
  • Introduces new concepts and enhances critical thinking
  • Complements each other for better communication

Reflection on "Never Give Up" Story

  • Shared inspiring stories of medical breakthroughs and patient resilience:
    • Stephen Hawking's life with ALS
    • Lorenzo Odone's parents' fight against ALD
    • Jodi Miller's hemispherectomy for Rasmussen's encephalitis
  • Emphasized the importance of perseverance in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges

Participant Engagement

  • Encouraged participants to unmute and share thoughts
  • Discussed the importance of expressing emotions and not hiding feelings
  • Addressed concerns about shyness and difficulties in self-expression

Next Steps

  • Participants to write and submit reflections on the session
  • Encouraged various formats for reflections: writing, drawing, voice notes, or videos
  • Next week's session to continue book reading and feature a guest from "Right Side Story"
  • Participants to come prepared for more interactive discussions and reflections

Sunday, 27 April 2025

Celebrating World Book Day


The Valencian writer Vicente Clavel Andrés came up with the idea for World Book Day to honour the famous author Miguel de Cervantes (known for Don Quixote), whose birthday is April 23.

 

Students from Dehradun Hills Academy recently embarked on an exciting adventure at The English Book Depot! They had the incredible opportunity to host a podcast with the captivating Sandeep Dutt. During this engaging discussion, they delved into the world of books, exploring the joys of reading, the thrill of learning, and the fascinating history of this 100-plus-year-old bookstore. Don't miss out on Part 1 of this enthralling podcast, now live on their YouTube Channel in celebration of World Book Day!

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, 19 January 2025

My Good School, Sunday 19th January 2025

Session No. 172

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:

  1. 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:

    • Continuous online learning is needed to stay adaptable and acquire new skills.
    • Online Reputation Management to effectively showcase their abilities and secure opportunities.
    • Mastering the "4 C's"—Critical thinking, Creativity, Communication, and Collaboration—is key to success in human-centred roles, even as AI evolves.
  2. 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:

    • Firewall, Antivirus, Strong Passwords: Basic tools for securing devices and personal information.
    • Trust with Caution, Confidence, Avoidance, and Reporting: Guidelines for online interactions while avoiding cyberbullying and antisocial behaviour.
    • Never Share Physical Location Online: Encouraging students to protect their privacy.
    • Be Cautious of AI-generated content: Always verify the credibility and source of information found online, as AI-generated content can sometimes be misleading.
  3. 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.

Book Reading

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.

Sunday, 29 December 2024

That's a Wrap-up for 2024 at My Good School!

My Good School (12/29/2024)

Quick recap

The session for the 'My Good School' program aims to enhance students' 6 C's through reading and reflection and emphasises the importance of student-centric learning and personal and social development. Discussions also revolved around traditional Indian practices, assertiveness, the practice of dowry, and the benefits of reading and learning from various books. The conversation ended with plans for upcoming presentations and the introduction of the My Good School program for teachers.

Next steps

• Sunbeam Lehartara students to prepare and present their YES Workshop presentations at the last Sunday session in January.

• Century School students must attend at least 3 months of My Good School sessions before preparing presentations.

• Manisha to share the Amazon link for "The Inner Life of Animals" book.

• Ila will encourage her students to read "The Inner Life of Animals" and "My Name is Cinnamon" books.

• Ila will consider bringing a group of teachers to Dehradun for a live session at the Joy of Learning studio.

• Students should explore the My Good School website and consider applying for internships after attending 5-6 weeks of sessions.

• Teachers interested in certification should submit 11 assignments in the year through the Teachers Academy program.

• Ila will send her students' poems and stories to be published in the Joy of Learning Diaries.

• Sunbeam schools will prepare YES Workshop presentations for the last Sunday session in January.

• As discussed in the chapter, all participants must reflect on the differences between urban and rural life and observe during monsoon season.

Summary

Introducing 'My Good School' Program

Sandeep welcomed Rajani Singh from Sunbeam Ballia. Manisha introduced the meeting's purpose: to discuss the 'My Good School' program, which aims to enhance the students' 6 Cs.

Pedagogy, Reflection, and School Alliance

In the meeting, Manisha and Sandeep discussed the importance of reading and reflection in their pedagogy, focusing on critical and creative thinking. They introduced two books, "In a Life of Animals" and "The Inner Life," for the community to read and reflect on. Sandeep also announced the addition of new schools to their Good School Alliance, emphasising the importance of student-centric learning and personal and social development. He encouraged the participants to volunteer in various programs, including professional learning programs and the Teachers Academy. The conversation ended with Sandeep and Manisha preparing to read from the books and the participants' reflections on the joy of learning for the year.

Cinnamon's Emotional Breakfast Encounter

In the meeting, Jugjiv discussed the book's previous chapter, focusing on the emotional moment when Cinnamon met his birth mother and stepfather. The group then discussed the events of the next chapter, where Cinnamon and his family had breakfast together. The breakfast consisted of spicy food, which Cinnamon struggled to eat, and the family's reactions to the food were discussed. The conversation ended with discussing the gifts Cinnamon and his family exchanged.

Exploring Indian Traditions and Cuisine

In this discussion, Jugjiv shares insights on the health benefits of traditional Indian practices like yoga poses, squatting toilets, and eating on the floor. He believes these practices promote better posture, flexibility, and digestion. The group discusses regional specialities like the Shaniwar Wada palace in Pune and textiles like Banarasi silk and Paithani sarees. They also discuss famous local food items such as malai, kachori, and tomato chaat. Jugjiv highlights the move away from nature and towards processed foods and medication in modern city life. The group exchanges views on ways to reduce spiciness in food, with milk and salt being recommended over water.

Assertiveness and Effective Communication

Jugjiv led a discussion on assertiveness, defining it as communicating directly, honestly, and respectfully while standing firm on one's point of view. He emphasised the importance of assertiveness in achieving goals, improving communication, and building relationships. He also highlighted the journey to becoming assertive, starting with self-reflection and setting boundaries. The group discussed various ways to become more assertive, including affirmations, clear communication, and confidence in one's knowledge and decisions. The discussion also touched on the role of self-reflection and clear thought in assertiveness.

Dowry's Origins and Reading Techniques

Jugjiv discusses the practice of dowry, which originated in Greece and the Roman Empire and spread to other parts of the world, including Latin America, due to European migration. He explains that dowry is present in Brazil and other Latin American countries because Portuguese colonisers brought the custom there. Jugjiv and Sandeep also discuss improving reading and pronunciation skills by following along with the text and Jugjiv's narration. Additionally, Jugjiv reads a passage about Cinnamon's observations of village life and his conversation with Aditi about his late father.

Explorers, Games, and Cultural Differences

Sandeep asks students to list five great explorers and the countries they came from as a reflection activity. Students mention Vasco da Gama from Portugal, Christopher Columbus, Ferdinand Magellan, and the Sikh guru Nanak Dev Ji. Jugjiv explains the meaning of the phrase "stark warning". They discuss traditional Indian games like marbles, hopscotch, and "ice and water". Jugjiv reads excerpts from a novel describing a boy named Cinnamon visiting his tribal relatives in a village, observing their way of life, food, and local fruits like mahua. The chapter highlights the cultural differences between urban and rural lives.

Reflecting on Books and Retreat Experiences

The students and teachers reflect on the benefits of reading and learning from various books. Sandeep emphasises the importance of reflection, sharing thoughts, and presenting learning. He outlines a structure for the monthly meetings, including student presentations on the last Sunday. The students present their experiences from a retreat program organised by the Good School Alliance, including activities like art competitions, team building, visiting schools, exploring farms, and interacting with local communities. They discuss the key themes and lessons from books like "The Inner Life of Animals," "My Name is Cinnamon," the Jataka Tales, and "The Hidden Life of Trees," highlighting the importance of empathy, different perspectives, and connections with nature.

Reflection and Learning Opportunities

Shaurya explains the benefits of reflection, such as promoting active learning and enhancing understanding. He thanks the organisers for the opportunities provided through the program. Shubhangi and Anmol also thank the organisers for facilitating learning and growth experiences. Sandeep encourages participation beyond the classroom, reading good books and practising the joy of giving. He invites schools to send students for an upcoming retreat. Deepa suggests having students read aloud during sessions for English practice. Sandeep explains the rationale for having professional readers instead but welcomes students to speak during the sessions. Ila shares her plan to motivate students to read books during the holidays, and Sandeep recommends specific book titles.

Sandeep's Office and My Good School

In the meeting, ILA and Sandeep discussed the location of Sandeep's office in Dehradun and his work at the Joy of Learning Studio above the iconic 101-year-old bookstore The English Book Depot. ILA expressed interest in visiting the studio and was invited to attend a live session on January 8th. Sandeep also introduced ILA to the My Good School program, which focuses on reading, reflection, and relationships and offers a certified program for teachers. ILA was encouraged to apply for the program and submit assignments for certification. The conversation ended with Manisha announcing the next month's presentations and the upcoming Yes program.

AI-generated content may be inaccurate or misleading. Always check for accuracy.

Wednesday, 27 November 2024

GSA Calendar December 2024


My Good School every Sunday

1st December 
Lina Ashar
Dreamtime Learning
- My Name Is Cinnamon reading by Jugjiv Singh

8th December
Amardeep Singh
Screening of Episode 12
Allegory: A Tapestry of Guru Nanak's Travels
- The Inner Life Of Animals - reading by Sandeep Dutt

Sunbeam Schools #JoyOfLearning
Varanasi YES Workshop for students and Joy Of Giving for teachers from 12th December to 16th December.

15th December

My Name Is Cinnamon - Jugjiv Singh
The Inner Life Of Animals - Sandeep Dutt

22nd December
Meeting with Anika Singh of VOYCE, a Social Artist.
The Inner Life Of Animals - Sandeep Dutt

28th December 
The Impact Team Meeting at 7:00 pm
WhatsApp Group Call

29th December
My Name Is Cinnamon - Jugjiv Singh
The Inner Life Of Animals - Sandeep Dutt
Reflections for 2024 - learning outcomes from the YES Workshops at Varanasi.

Good Schools India Journal
2nd December
Reading for a Living
Sandeep Dutt
15th December
2 Girls 1 Mic - Oshi and Simar 
27th December 
Where Passion Meets Education

The Teacher's Academy
Masterclass every Saturday at 5:30 pm
7th, 14th, 21st and 28th December

Book reading:
Shomie Das, The Man Who Saw Tomorrow
Masterclass by Sandeep Dutt

Monday, 18 November 2024

JDS School - My Good School Retreat 2024

DAY 1
Joy of Giving
The Retreat began with a walk on Khan farm, where we explored more about birds, plants, and animals. We also went to Arthur Foot Academy. There, we celebrated Children's Day, which included dances and speeches from Khan sir and our special guests, Mr. Amit Sachdeva, Mr. Sandeep Dutt, and Mr. Assad. Then, we helped AFA children with some stationery, decorated their class board with handmade flowers, and found real happiness in giving. The evening session was completed with our reading session.
Parnaz Singh
Grade-7th

DAY 2
Joy Of Learning 
First, we went for a jungle walk, saw different kinds of trees and tree houses, and enjoyed ourselves a lot in the lap of nature. In the presentation session,  all the schools help to explore and learn more about service, skills, sports, and study by representing the timetable and calendar of their school. Then we attended the GSA meeting, where we studied the inner life of animals and learned more about facing the world's challenges with Sandeep sir. In the evening, we explored the treasure hunt. And the memories were made more robust by dancing and enjoying the retreat to its fullest.
Prabhveer Kaur
Grade-7th

Day 3
Joy Of Exploring
On 16th November, we visited The Doon School, one of the best schools in India. We had many more beautiful experiences in the design and technology lab. There, we saw students of the Doon School making different types of metal and wood things. We also learned a lot about the art and creativity of the Doon School students. We went to music school, where we.

We Explored different types of musical Instruments. We also went to the library of the Doon school. That was a wonderful and exciting experience for all of us. The greetings of the Doon school staff were very warm. Finally, we visited the office of My Good School, which Sandeep sir very well maintained. Also, we got a chance to see the Bookshop, where we bought books to enhance our knowledge. Last but not least, it was a wonderful experience for all of us.
Harpreet Kaur
Grade-7th

Sunday, 10 November 2024

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.

Reflections Since 2021