JDS School Reflections Sunday 11th November 2024

Life from the eyes of trees

Through the eyes of trees, life is slow and timeless. They witness seasons, creatures, and changes in the world around them, feeling each sunrise and sunset. Rooted in place, they grow steadily, adapting quietly, watching humans rush by. Trees endure, connected to the earth, resilient, and part of a story far beyond a single lifetime.

Name- Anjali Bishnoi

Grade- 9th Rose

Jhamkudevi Sen Sec School

How would Cinnamon feel if he meet his birth parents?

At the time of meeting his birth parents, Cinnamon would have been filled with a lot of emotions and at the same time having a lot of questions about their identities. This would have been a very emotional meeting. Also Cinnamon will start feeling a sense of completion after meeting his birth parents as he will get the answers to all the questions he has had within him for a long time and the feeling of loneliness and depression he was tolerating may also diminished by meeting his birth parents and may start feeling soothing.

Name - Nancy 

Grade- 9th Rose

Jhamkudevi Sen Sec School

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.

Reflection Sunday The 3rd November 2024

- From My Guide Inside

1. MGI Book II Wheels of Learning Keep on Turning

Come on along:
Learn to recognize your state of mind. Know it by the feeling you are in.
When you focus attention, you will be aware of changes in your feelings.
This means you are naturally listening to your guide inside.
Helpful insights improve your feelings and natural motivation.

2. What do you think? Let’s talk about it…
“Sometimes it was only their thoughts that were making them unhappy and if they could understand…it would help make them feel well.” (Dear Liza)
How is this story like something you know?
Think of a time that you noticed your wheels of learning really turning.

3. Twinkle knows…
Sometimes it is only your thoughts that make you unhappy.
My guide inside helps me decide!
It is best to let the mind clear when you are confused.
Happiness is inside every one of us and keeps popping up.
Trust common sense.
Learning is easier when you feel joy in life.
     …Now you know, too!

4. Learn Power Words.

Make a story using these powerful words
confused-not clear
decision-a choice
grateful-feeling thanks
ignore-do nothing
welcoming-kind

5. Review Points of MGI Book II.
Explain how much you have discovered about yourself!
   
Your guide inside is always present. (aka, wisdom, intuition)
Thought is a gift and we have the choice of which thoughts to act on.
Insights help us know ourselves and understand our world.
   
Understanding thought and using insights makes life fun.   

Note: MGI Online is a school well-being curriculum that aligns with our work at My Good School and helps us focus on life skills.

- From My Name Is Cinnamon-

1. What was your takeaway from today's session?
2. Is it good to hide from everyone to gain attention?
3. How will you help your friend who feels insecure?
4. Explain the aftermath of criticism.
5 Which was the best birthday gift you have received so far?
6. Which cuisine you would love to eat and why?
7. What will you do to help your parents if they are having a financial crisis?. 

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 Takeaways

• Cinnamon struggles with his identity as an adopted child when faced with not getting a new bike due to financial constraints.
• The importance of critical thinking and examining one's thoughts objectively was highlighted.
• Friends play a crucial role in providing honest feedback and support during challenging times.
• Gratitude and reflection were emphasized as tools for personal growth and perspective.

Topics

Story Discussion: Cinnamon's Bike Request

• Cinnamon misinterpreted his parents' response to his bike request, assuming he would get it despite financial constraints.
• The story explores the impact of assumptions and communication gaps between children and parents.
• Participants discussed the importance of clear communication and managing expectations.

Adoption and Identity

• Cinnamon's struggle with his adopted status intensified when he couldn't get the bike he wanted.
• The story highlights how external factors (like not getting a desired item) can trigger deeper identity issues.
• Participants explored Cinnamon's emotional journey and the importance of addressing adoption-related feelings openly.

Financial Literacy and Empathy

• The story introduces concepts of financial constraints and cost-cutting measures within families.
• Participants discussed the importance of children understanding family financial situations.
• Empathy towards parents' financial decisions was highlighted as a key learning point.

Friendship and Peer Influence

• The role of friends like Pally (offering honest feedback) and Sundar (negative influence) was analysed.
• Participants discussed the importance of choosing friends wisely and handling negative peer interactions.

Emotional Regulation and Critical Thinking

• Cinnamon's spiral into negative thoughts was examined as a cautionary tale.
• The importance of stepping back and examining thoughts objectively was emphasised.
• Gratitude was suggested as a tool for maintaining perspective during challenging times.

Next Steps

• Participants are encouraged to write reflections on the story and share them.
• Students should prepare for the upcoming retreat, which promises fun activities and surprises.
• Continue reading the next chapters of "My Name is Cinnamon" for further discussion.
• Apply lessons learned about critical thinking and gratitude in daily life.