Humans differ from animals primarily in advanced cognitive abilities, language, culture, morality, and the use of complex tools, allowing for abstract thought, creativity, and societal development.
Name - Anjali
Grade - 9th Rose
Jhamkudevi Sen Sec School
Selfless Mother's love
A mother's love can not be expressed in words. A mother loves her kids more than anything else in the world. Never wants anything in return from her kids. The finest and purest form of love if anyone can get is the love of one's mother. Also, a child learns more from the hardships his mother has faced in her life. The mother is the only one in the world who ever takes care of her kids. She never thinks of losing them in front of her eyes.
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Sunday School No. 163
Guru Nanak Docuseries-
1. What was your takeaway from the session today?
2. What were the key points in the episode?
3. Wisdom, Right Knowledge, and Intellect- How can you connect with these?
- From Hidden Life Of Animals - 1. Did the story connect with you today, and why? 2. Find out about- a. biological automatons b. Leipzig and what it is famous for? c. magnetic resonance imaging 3. What is instinct according to you? 4. How can we compare animal emotions with human emotions? 5. How are humans different from animals?
Key Takeaways
The documentary series on Guru Nanak's travels highlights the interconnectedness of different philosophies and cultures across India.
Recent school visits, especially to Doon School, provided valuable learning experiences for students and teachers from rural areas.
There's an emphasis on regular reflections and sharing of learnings among the community members.
The group uses various WhatsApp groups and online platforms to facilitate communication and learning.
Guru Nanak Documentary Discussion
Explored Guru Nanak's travels through Assam, Nagaland, Bangladesh, and West Bengal.
Highlighted similarities between Guru Nanak's philosophy and local traditions in these regions.
Discussed the concept of oneness and the universality of emotions across species.
Recent The Doon School Visit
Students from Arthur Foot Academy visited Doon School, marking their first trip to an urban area.
The visit highlighted the disparity in exposure between rural and urban students.
Emphasized the importance of such experiences in broadening students' perspectives.
Reflection Practices
Encouraged regular reflections from all participants, including teachers and students.
Discussed various platforms for sharing reflections, including WhatsApp groups and online diaries.
Stressed the importance of consistent engagement and sharing of thoughts.
Community Structure and Communication
Explained the purpose and use of different WhatsApp groups:
My Good School: For general discussions and reflections
Teachers Academy: For teacher-specific content
Impact Team: For assessment and evaluation
Joy of Giving: Focused on Arthur Foot Academy project
Book Discussion
Reviewed chapters from a book discussing animal emotions and instincts.
Drew parallels between animal and human behaviors, emphasizing the universality of emotions.
Next Steps
Participants to send reflections on recent experiences, including the Doon School visit.
Continue regular engagement in various WhatsApp groups and online platforms.
Implement learnings from recent experiences in respective educational settings.
Improve the technical setup for future online meetings based on today's experience with new equipment.
Action Items
Create reflection piece with probing questions from The Doon School visit. Add to Joy of Learning Diaries.
Write/send reflection on The Doon School visit to Manisha. Post in My Good School WhatsApp grp.
Write/send reflection on Doon School visit to Manisha. Post in My Good School WhatsApp grp.
Post announcements for upcoming sessions in My Good School WhatsApp grp.
Students and teacher may create a school newsletter incorporating Joy of Learning content.
These are some suggestions. We're looking forward to your excellent and thoughtful reflections, which you can email to mk@learningforward.org.in
In case you missed the session today, reply the video:
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?
