Colors In Nature - Simrat Kaur

Colours in nature often serve specific functions that have evolved. For example, the vibrant colours of flowers attract pollinators such as bees, birds, and butterflies, ensuring the reproductive success of plant species. Similarly, some trees change colour in autumn as part of a process that helps them conserve energy for the winter months. Trees and plants may use colour to signal various states or conditions. For example, the changing colours of leaves can indicate nutrient shifts within the tree or environmental changes. 

Wohlleben discusses how trees "communicate" with each other through their root systems and even via their outward appearance, like changing leaf colour in response to stress. Colours can also serve as a means of protection. For example, certain trees and plants have evolved colours that help them blend into their environment, avoiding herbivores. Conversely, bright colours in some plants may warn potential predators that they are toxic or inedible. 

The book's broader message is that colours are not merely aesthetic but have evolved to fulfil ecological functions that maintain the balance and harmony of nature. The natural world's vibrancy reflects life's complexity and the interdependence of all living things.

Simrat Kaur
Class 9th
Sunbeam English School Bhagwanpur

Little Arfa at The Railway Museum

Throughout my childhood, my parents used to take me to different exquisite places every Sunday. I have visited several museums in my life, but the most memorable one was The Railway Museum. I remember going to the railway museum twice or thrice in my life. It was that time before puberty when the world seemed bright and merry.

My first memory was riding the Jolly train with my parents, wearing my favorite pink sunglasses while enjoying a Lottie choco pie. I was obsessed with Lottie choco pie then, and it was a great coincidence that we both came into being in 2010. After the ride, we went to see the control station of a train. I was fascinated by the amount of levers and buttons there. 

Being a train driver must have been so cool! Then, we went to see the exhibits that were inside. On the way there, we came across a snake charmer with his dancing cobra. When the charmer played his pungi the snake slithered out of its jute bag and began dancing in a back-and-forth motion like it would attack us at any moment. I was so scared that we quickly moved on, so we couldn’t witness the whole performance. When we reached the exhibits, I saw all the parts of the trains and the different types of trains that ran in India. There were so many that I could easily say there were over a hundred. There were also miniature models of some trains. I looked at those tiny dummy trains wondering what the miniature people must be thinking seeing a giant with big, curious eyes spectating them in awe. 

Finally, it was time to leave. I remember that while leaving, I bought a big Shaka lakaboom-boom pencil which, I think, has a special place. It resides in every Indian’s heart

and has been a part of many people’s childhood.

Arfa Khan
Grade 9
Ahlcon Public School

Reflections Sunday The 20th October

Sunday School No. 159

- From My Name Is Cinnamon- 1. What was your takeaway from the session today? 2. What were the key points in the chapter? 3. Life In Kolkata 4. When have you ever "hidden" something from your elders? What are the things you don't tell them and why? 5. Importance of reflection and clear thoughts. 6. Write about Kolkata trams. 7. Why does the sun rise earlier in Kolkata? 8. What museums have you visited? 9. What does self-reflection mean to you? - From The Hidden Life Of Trees – 1. Why is the world full of color? 2. What is your takeaway from today’s session? 3. How does every material absorb light? 4. Why do you feel relaxed and peaceful in forests and nature? 5. Mechanism of a "sunblock" 6. What would happen if the leaves of trees were black? "The forest is transfused with a subdued green light that just happens to have a relaxing effect on the human psyche." 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

Key Highlights of the Session:

    

         Book Reading Activity:

• The session began with the reading of selected books, aimed at developing students' reading habits, and comprehension skills, and fostering a love for literature. Students actively participated in the discussion around the stories, highlighting important life lessons and moral values.

• This activity helped students improve their critical thinking and encouraged them to draw connections between the stories and their personal experiences.

• Discussion on Note-Taking vs. Reflection:

• A significant part of the session was dedicated to explaining the difference between note-taking and reflection:

• Note-taking was described as the process of jotting down important information during a lesson or reading, capturing facts and key points.

• Reflection was presented as a deeper process where students look back at what they have learned, think critically, and form personal insights. Reflection helps in solidifying knowledge and fostering self-awareness.

• Students and teachers were encouraged to balance both practices, as note-taking ensures accuracy, while reflection promotes meaningful learning.

• Retreat Plan and Registration:

• The session also covered important details regarding the upcoming Retreat Plan. The retreat is designed to promote personal growth, collaboration, and self-reflection for students and staff alike.

• The reasons for joining the retreat were discussed, emphasizing the benefits of stepping outside the regular school routine to engage in fun, educational activities that promote teamwork, leadership, and creative problem-solving.

• The last date for retreat registration was announced as 30th October, and students were reminded to complete the registration process before the deadline.

Conclusion:
The Sunday School Reading Session was a successful blend of reading, critical discussion, and important announcements. By engaging in book reading and understanding the importance of both note-taking and reflection, students are better equipped to process and retain information in a meaningful way. The session also served as an excellent platform to brief parents and students on the upcoming retreat and its potential benefits.
 
Next Steps:

• Students were reminded to complete the retreat registration by 30th October.

• Students are encouraged to continue practicing both note-taking and reflective learning in their day-to-day studies.