Totto-chan: The Little Girl At The Window - Rishona Chopra

Totto-chan, you're great, 

You're someone with who I can relate,

You are kind,

You help the blind.

You are sweet,

You acted like you were meat!

You have amazing skills,

You bravely climb hills.

You wanted to be a ticket seller,

But you could even be a storyteller!

You want to be a spy and a musician,

You truly have a great ambition.

You're talkative and have so much to tell,

You're a great rebel.

I wish I were a bit more like you!

And that's true!

The school you go in,

It's so great, Where can I begin?

A unique school it is,

A bright shine it has,

No rules for studying or going in the pool,

It was truly so cool!

The headmaster was a musician,

And he had great ambitions!

He wanted students to learn with passion and fun,

He let the play in the gardens and run!

I wish I too went to this school,

There truly would be no strict rules!

They let students learn at their pace,

So that they learnt with grace.

They visited a hot spring at such a young age,

It kept them so engaged.

It is such a unique place,

It was something to embrace!

It was such a wonderful journey to be with you,

At first, you were new,

And  now everybody knows about you,

I wish I could be more like you!

Your school inspired me to embrace mine,

You are truly so kind!
I feel I could read about you again and again,
It'll remind me of the days when I was ten.
I love you, my friend,
Our friendship has no end!

Rishona Chopra
Grade VI
Gyanshree School

"I want to be a spy" - Rishona Chopra

Our passion comes from within; it doesn't matter if we are not good at it. As long as we are interested in it, it's perfect for us. Being a spy is formidable, but as long as it is your passion, you'll be able to master it quickly.

For Tai -chan, I think he doesn't understand respecting one's imagination but is more serious and practical. I think Totto-chan is perfect to be a spy; I hope she becomes a spy when she grows up!

Reading Totto-chan, even I want to become a spy, but my true passion is to become a doctor!

Totto-chan the girl who wants to become a spy,
Even rejected, she won't cry,
She's finding a passion,
I am sure she has one,
She can be whatever she wants,
She could even own restaurants!
I am sure she could be a spy,
At least she could try,
Looking at her, 
I, too, want to be a spy!

Rishona Chopra
Grade VI
Gyanshree School

Totto-chan's World - Anvesha Rana

Totto-chan was oozing with inquisitiveness; she always wanted to know this or that; she squeaked at the sight of anything new and liked it immediately. Similarly, when she saw the Health Bark, Tottochan wanted it for herself and her family, and after taking money from the Headmaster, she bought the health bark. The man selling the Health Bark was a fraudster who used tricks to sell the simple, ordinary bark by claiming it to have magical properties. Still, little Totto-Chan couldn't see the reality for the only thing that mattered to her was that her family, rocky and all her friends were fit as a fiddle, thanks to the miraculous bark. 

Another time a new student joined Tomoe; he was from America and hardly knew anything about Japan; he was Miyazaki. All the children at Tomoe helped Miyazaki to learn the Japanese way of life, and in turn, Miyazaki became like an English tutor for all of them. The amount of learning that can take place between people from diverse cultures is portrayed through the means of a few words.

Once Totto-Chan was also going to be a part of the school amateur drama, she was supposed to play Yoshitsune, but Totto-Chan didn't like her character very much because Yoshitsune was only supposed to be beaten. Still, Totto-Chan couldn't wait to retaliate when someone hit her, even if it was for a play! So, Totto-Chan was not a part of the first, and the last time an amateur drama took place at Tomoe Gakuen. 

Each year on an annual day at my school, I am part of the dance; since an early time, dance has been an art that attracted me the most, and I immensely enjoy it. My favourite dance was when we performed a classical item. 

The best part about Tomoe is that the students are let free; they are allowed free of discipline, stringent rules, and free of strict teachers. Sternness can only kill the imagination, but freeness can ignite it further. The Headmaster lets the students write music notes with chalk on the polished floor by keeping in mind that they will be the ones scouring the floor after their musical transition. This way, everyone learns to take responsibility for their actions. 

This was so far from Life at Tomoe Gakuen, a small school blended with love and values, making Totto-chan's small world complete. 

Anvesha Rana,

Grade 10-B,

Gyanshree School

Amateur Drama - Rishona Chopra

Presenting a play truly takes effort. After all that practice, you need lots of confidence. 

I love acting and trust me, I get really nervous. I tell my parents to sit in a corner if I am acting so they can't see me! After the show, I am really confident and happy. The most embarrassing (well, sort of) role was when I had to act as a man. I didn't like the part, but I did like it a little - It was a mix of feelings. There was also this role I loved- When I had to do the voicing of Dorothy. I liked it, but I was so nervous that I had to practice after school too!

The audition is the worst part - You have to perform in front of students from other classes, and then you don't know whether you will be selected. At some point, I wish I were selected and then feel I wish I wasn't!

Totto-chan was very sure about what she wanted; her path was clear in front of her. I wish I were like her - having the courage to decide on a play herself. I just wish I could see her play!

A play, a show
It's something that slowly grows.
A little confidence,
Each character has to have a difference.
Something unique,
Maybe antique
The twist in the script,
Perhaps as old as a manuscript!
The acting,
And all the running!
The effort counts,
And the fun spreads all around!

Rishona Chopra
Grade VI
Gyanshree School

The Fourth Type Of Army - Reveda Bhatt

We’ve all heard about the three forces - Air Force, guarding via sky. Navy, protecting through waters and Army, defending our land.

But did you know there’s a fourth?

Yeah, there is! It’s the COASTGUARD which makes up the fourth force, though you may think that as it is related to waters, it might come under Navy; no, it’s different.

I had no idea until this summer when we visited South India. On the internet, we were going through the places we could visit when my father told us that we’d visit the Indian Coastguard cruise; I, having no damn clue about what Coastguard is, just jumped, excited, hearing the word ‘cruise.’ The day soon arrived, and at noon, we were on the ship with its captain; well, the ship was docked, so it didn’t sail, but being on board a vessel itself is different, so I didn’t mind about the sailing part. The ship was ICGS RANI ABBAKKA, a patrolling ship of the Indian Coastguard.

We entered the ship with its captain, saw all its interior mechanisms, and came to know its functions and how it goes for patrolling all around India’s coastline, we had a conversation with its captain in their meeting room, and that’s when he told and explained to us that they make up the fourth force of our country, though not quite well known. Still, they play an essential role in our security too!

India has a coastline of about 7500 kilometres, which is mainly guarded by them, the ship we went on sets out to check all’s fine and that nobody’s trying to attack our coastline.

So, basically, people, whatever might happen, and whatever we may do, we need four of them to keep us safe, they risk their lives for us, but there’s one thing they demand: your belief in them!

Reveda Bhatt 
Grade 9
The Aryan School

"Shabby Old School" - Rishona Chopra

Embracing your school is quite important. Whatever school you go into must have something special about it. Like Tomoe, it gives you the freedom to choose, and the teachers are pretty understanding. Loving your school and standing up for it is excellent quality. 

I love my school! Its teachers are pretty fun and understanding. Gyanshree is a volcano of opportunities, and I am honoured to be in this school. For me, my school is heaven. Whenever I enter it, I feel like this was the best day ever. Going offline from online was a pleasure, meeting my earlier teachers during dispersal and knowing they hadn't forgotten me. 

Gyanshree School is a wonderful school, 
Inside out, it's a wonderful school!
Gyanshree makes me feel proud,
It makes me confident in a crowd,
Its teachers are great,
It's the best school in the whole state!

Thinking about Gyanshree, I had almost forgotten about the school that helped me find my passion: My Good School!

My Good School is a wonderful school,
Inside out, it's a wonderful school!
I learnt all the values needed,
After going to My Good School, we all succeeded!
There are several things you can do,
Each thing is new!
Rishona Chopra
Grade VI
Gyanshree School

You're Really A Good Girl - Rishona Chopra

 

" You're Really A Good Girl," said the headmaster to Totto-chan and the better part is that Totto-chan agreed with him; now that's what I call - self-esteem and self-love. 

It was not that she wasn't a good girl; she was a really good girl. She was kind and helpful, but always curious took the better of her. It always got her into trouble! I wonder what a marvellous friend she would be!  

Telling a young child that he/she is a good girl/ boy is really good. It means to say that - Some people may not think we are good, but your character is not bad. It has an excellent great deal, and I know that. Maybe someone makes us believe we are not great, but when we have one person who tells us that he believes in us and likes us, doesn't it feel great even if it is your friend. These words instil self-confidence in us, which is very important.

So, today let's give ourselves a message that we are great girls and boys!

 

Totto-chan, you're great,
You're someone with who I can relate,
You are kind,
You help the blind.
You are sweet,
You acted like you were meat!
You have amazing skills,
You bravely climb hills.

You wanted to be a ticket seller,
But you could even be a storyteller!
You want to be a spy and a musician,
You truly have a great ambition.

You're talkative and have so much to tell,
You're a great rebel.
I wish I were a bit more like you!
And that's true!

Rishona Chopra
Grade VI
Gyanshree School

My Library - Angad Bedi

The tallest of 'em all!

Angad Bedi
Pathways School, Noida

My Library - Rishona Chopra

This is my unique treasure!

I love this treasure,
It gives me pleasure.
It may be long or short,
It's a book resort!

With a great collection,
Each book is an exception.
I love books,
We both have fun and have good looks!

 

Rishona Chopra

Grade VI

Gyanshree School

Talking With Your Hands - Rishona Chopra

The deaf and dumb use sign language to communicate; that is, they communicate through their actions- through their hands. Sign language is a beautiful language; I think schools should start educating students, or better, students learn it themselves! You can just learn the basics like - thank you, how are you? Sorry, please, my name is and so on. To say my name is.. - "my "in American Sign Language (ASL), form a flat hand and touch your chest twice. To perform the sign "name ", stick out your index and middle finger of both hands.

Once, I went to a bookstore and saw one of their workers was speaking in sign language, I couldn't understand it, but it was great to see that he was communicating with someone who could say but knew sign language too. Just because one might not be able to speak, they still need someone to share their feelings with, just like we do.

Never let a thought shrivel and die
For want of a way to say it
For English is a wonderful game
And all of you can play it
All you do is match the words
To the brightest thoughts in your head
So that they come out clear and true
And handsomely groomed and fed-
For many of the loveliest things
Have never yet been said
Words are the food and dress of thought
They give it its body and swing
And everyone's longing today to hear
Some fresh and beautiful things:
But only words can free a thought
From its prison behind your eyes
Maybe your mind is holding now
A marvellous new surprise 
- Mary O' Nell

This poem is called "The Wonderful Words" by Mary O' Nell and tells about how we need a way to express ourselves because our mind holds a marvellous new surprise. For those who can't speak or hear, sign language enables them to see these great surprises their mind holds!

Rishona Chopra
Grade VI
Gyanshree School

We Were Only Playing - Rishona Chopra

Playing is probably the best thing about childhood. I love playing, going out in the sun and running and having lots of fun; that is childhood. Here's a thing about playing - you don't need toys to play with. All you need is a friend, and that friend can be you.   

Making games to play with yourself is the art of playing. When I am bored, I make some slime and squish it with some chemicals and do experiments or while studying, I act as if I am a teacher and teach all concepts to imaginary children and sometimes to my parents too! 

Totto-chan had a pet. A pet comes with a lot of responsibility, but you always have a partner to share your feelings with. I sometimes wish I had a quiet puppy, but I am not ready to take the responsibility, and I think that if we keep a pet, we shouldn't keep it in a cage and bring it with its sibling or mother, so we don't separate the pet from their family.

The innocence of a child is all about their selfless compassion - In Japan, they call it - Omoiyari, a section of Ikigai. In the chapter, even though Totto-chan was bitten by Rocky, she cared even more and ensured he wouldn't be scolded.

Selfless compassion was mastered by Totto-chan at such a young age. But as we grow, we often start to think more about ourselves and not about others, but I bet when Totto-chan grows up, she will have mastered Omoiyari!

Rishona Chopra
Grade VI
Gyanshree School

Can You See Osaka? - Rishona Chopra

The picture shows how Totto-chan's uncle used to pick her up and ask her if she could see Osaka. It was her dream place. She was much more excited when she got to know Takahashi - a young boy in her school who came from Osaka. Now tell me something. Can You See Osaka?

Rishona Chopra

Grade VI

Gyanshree School

Totto-chan and me - Rishona Chopra

This is the Venn diagram I created for Totto-chan and me.

Rishona Chopra
Grade VI

Gyanshree School

Hot Springs - Rishona Chopra

A hot spring is a spring of naturally hot water, typically heated by subterranean volcanic activity. The Blue Lagoon (Iceland) is the most famous hot spring in the world. Yes, there are hot springs in India - such as Manikaran.

Having trips to hot springs is a fascinating thing. You can do several things like -
- Relaxation
- Swim
Most of all, you have a natural spa with just you around!

I have never been to a hot spring before, but I wish I could have a trip to a hot spring. Maybe our school could take us to a hot spring!

Rishona Chopra
Grade VI
Gyanshree School

Eurythmics - Rishona Chopra

Eurythmics is the art of rhythmic education. We can listen to a song, but very few can relate to the beats and rhythm. Once you do that, mastering dance and music is like taking candy from a baby with hard work and dedication.

Rhythmic education makes the body and mind equally developed in harmony and peace.

At Tomoe, the headmaster has added Eurythmics as a subject in his school. He teaches students to change their body steps with the beats. It increases focus too.

When I was learning the piano, my piano teacher sang a song, and I had to play the beats with one key. Now, I understand he was teaching me Eurythmics. I am grateful to him for teaching me what I know today.

Having eyes but not seeing beauty; having ears, but no hearing music; having minds but not perceiving truth; having heart that are never moved and therefore never set on fire are the things to fear of.

Children could be taught to hear and feel music in their minds rather than just with their ears; how to make them feel music as a thing of movement rather than a dull, lifeless subject; how to awaken a child’s sensitivity.

Rishona Chopra

Grade VI

Gyanshree School

The Bravery Test - Rishona Chopra

Being brave is simply overcoming your fears. It can be your fear of the dark or of a dog or ghosts or shadows by just doing it. If you are scared, you will fall if you climb a tree, then don't do it, but if you want to overcome your fear, just do it.

In the previous chapter, The Great Adventure, Totto-chan and Yasuaki-chan showed great courage. It took a lot of effort to climb a tree, but they did not give up and continued trying. In the end, climbed the tree and had lots of fun!

Totto-chan overcomes her fear of ghosts. Of course, you don't have to meet ghosts, but just through thoughts, you can overcome your fear. She soon was happy in her fear too! She thought that if we are scared of ghosts, ghosts are afraid of us too!

Rishona Chopra
Grade VI
Gyanshree School

Totto Chan's mother - Rishona Chopra

   

I am Totto-chan's Mom
The illustration also by Rishona Chopra

Totto-chan's mother is a sweet, compassionate woman who is a lovely parent. She is patient and kind and loves her daughter Totto-chan. Totto-chan had been expelled from school. If it was any other mother, she would have grounded her or punished her or given her a long lecture, but Totto-chan 's mother didn't even let her know that she was expelled and just took her to a new school!

Compassion and understanding make a mother. Even if she had scolded her daughter, it would have been for the best, but after all, Totto-chan didn't do anything wrong either. She could also have scolded the teacher, but she understood her feelings and reacted accordingly and did not take decisions in haste.

She is a sweet mother,
She loves her daughter and couldn't want another!

She is kind and sweet,
Patient and neat,

She loves her daughter dearly,
She treats her like a fairy!

Rishona Chopra
Grade VI
Gyanshree School

The Report Card - Rishona Chopra

Viewing the Report Card is a typical day full of emotions. Some feel happy, while others feel anxious. 
For me, it is an exciting day! I actually don't care what I get as long as I try my best. Once my report card came, my mother wasn't at home, so I quickly opened the report card and read it. Even though my mother didn't like seeing the report card all by myself, I still did it as I was extremely excited.

After all those months of fun and learning, the report card shows what you dill all year round and a reward that showcases your effort. Often we say that if we did well, we get a bar of chocolate and other gifts, but we don't realize the report card is the most significant gift!

Rishona Chopra
Grade VI
Gyanshree School

Sea Food and Land Food - Rudransh Awasthi

This was the picture when the headmaster was asking Totto-chan about sea food and land food. She also learned that Denbu is a sea food.

Name: Rudransh Awasthi
Grade: 6A
Billabong High International School, Thane

Going to a new school from home - Reveda Bhatt

Reveda Bhatt
Class 9, The Aryan School
reveda0311@gmail.com