Thursday, 29 August 2024

Note-taking and Reflections - What is the difference?

Notes Vs Reflections

Recording your thoughts and spreading your insights are unique tasks, each with its intentions and outcomes.

Note-taking: - Involves recording information, ideas, or insights from a lesson, lecture, or reading.

  • Focuses on capturing facts, concepts, and details.
  • Helps with memory retention, review, and reference.
  • Often done individually.

Sharing reflections: - Involves sharing thoughts, opinions, or insights about what has been learned.

  • Focuses on making connections, analysing, and evaluating information.
  • Encourages critical thinking, synthesis, and application.
  • Often done collaboratively or publicly, such as in a discussion or blog post.

While note-taking is primarily about capturing information, sharing reflections is about processing, interpreting, and sharing perspectives. 


Sharing reflections

#JoyOfLearning

Help us ignite the #JoyOfLearning! We are dedicated to empowering passionate educators, teachers, and students by equipping them with the essential skills of reading, reflection, and fostering strong relationships. Your candid reflections are invaluable and contribute to the cultivation of a culture rooted in trust and continuous learning. Embrace the #HappyTeachers movement and witness the positive impact it will have on your own professional image. Let's spread the joy of learning together!

Students Reflections - Sunbeam School Lahartara



"We do not learn from experience...we learn from reflecting on experience." John Dewey 

#JoyOfLearning

Monday, 26 August 2024

Street Kids - Sunday Reading 25th August 2024

Urban trees are the street kids of the forest. And some are growing in locations that make the name an even better fit—right on the street.

- The Hidden Life Of Trees, Peter Wohelleben


Trees growing in the confines of buildings and concrete surfaces
See the trees on the roof top!

Sunday, 25 August 2024

My Good School on Sunday 25th Aug 2025 - AI Generated Notes


 AI Generated Summary, read with caution and E.&.O.E.


Jugjiv and Sandeep introduced a new book, "My Name is Cinnamon," by Vikas Prakash Joshi. The book tells the story of a young boy's quest to find his biological parents. Jugjiv shared the author's background, highlighting his successful writing career and numerous awards.


Discussing 'The Word From the Author' by Vikas Joshi

Jugjiv led a discussion about the book "The Word from the Author" by Vikas Joshi, with Manisha reading the "Word from the Author" section. The group also included RP Sir, the chairman of Learning Forward India, Sandeep, the founder, and Manisha, the Principal. Jugjiv structured the discussion to alternate between reading the book, asking questions, and reading again. Vikas shared his writing journey, stating that writing was part of his identity, not a compulsion or ambition. The group also learned about Vikas's challenges in publishing his book.


Book Reading and Character Introduction

Jugjiv introduced the book's theme, emphasising the author's intent to reflect the reader's experience and offer a glimpse into other worlds. Vikas Prakash then began reading from the book, starting with the introduction and continuing into chapter one. The reading focused on the main character, Cinnamon, and his experiences as a goalkeeper in a school football championship. The narrative was filled with details that evoked a sense of excitement and tension, culminating in Cinnamon's crucial penalty kick.


Cinnamon's Story: Adopted Child's Achievements and Dreams

Vikas Prakash narrated a story about Cinnamon, an adopted child who loved sports and cinema. Cinnamon's parents, Ma and Baba, were proud of their son's achievements, and they celebrated his success as if he were their biological child. The story also touched on Cinnamon's dream of becoming an Indian football player and winning the World Cup. The chapter ended with Cinnamon receiving a giant fruit instead of a chocolate bar to reward his performance.


Vikas Prakash's Book Reading and Writing Inspiration

Vikas Prakash read the first chapter of his book, "Cinnamon," in front of an audience that included students and teachers. Rajinder, a schoolteacher, praised Vikas' writing and encouraged students to start writing at a young age, citing famous writers who began writing in school. Vikas explained that "Cinnamon" was inspired by his childhood love for reading and his teacher's insistence on correct pronunciation. He also shared that his own life experiences heavily influenced the plot of his book and that the advice of a more experienced writer led him to write about his unique experiences in his first book. Yashraj and Jugjiv listened to his story and reflected on their own experiences, and Vikas emphasised that his book fills a gap in the market for children's books in India.


The Boy Who Grew Up" Book Discussion

Vikas Prakash introduced his new children's book, "The Boy Who Grew Up", which explores themes of adoption, identity, and self-discovery through a humorous and engaging story. He intended to impart positive values to children while tackling serious topics. When asked about the key messages he wanted children to take away from the book, Vikas emphasised the importance of not making assumptions based on initial behaviour and not limiting oneself based on past experiences or mindsets. He also revealed his writing approach, which involves starting with a general idea and allowing the story to unfold as he writes, discovering new elements.


Creating Characters and Overcoming Rejection

Vikas Prakash discussed the process of creating characters for his book, emphasising the importance of making them realistic and relatable. He also shared his experience of rejection from publishers, which he described as a standard and expected part of the writing process. Shubhangi asked about the title of his book, which was initially rejected by publishers but is now being translated into six languages. Manisha asked about the most challenging chapters to write, and Vikas identified two chapters at the end of the book as particularly difficult.


Vikas Prakash's Child Adoption Journey and Writing Process Vikas Prakash shared the emotional challenges he faced while writing about a child's adoption journey, highlighting the complex relationships involved. He revealed that his motivation for writing the book was a childhood dream and a desire to share the story inside him despite the pandemic's challenges. The initial draft took a few months, but reworking and making changes based on publisher feedback took around 6-9 months, totalling 1-1.5 years. The team expressed their gratitude towards Vikas Prakash for his time and insights, and RP emphasised the importance of broadening one's perspective through travel and meeting people from different backgrounds.



Reading the Chapter Street Kids

Challenges in Urban Tree Growth and Care

The discussion centred around the challenges trees face, particularly those planted in urban environments. The speaker highlighted how trees in parks, often not native to the area, struggle to grow in urbanisation's harsh conditions, including compacted soil, lack of open space, and constant human interference. The speaker also noted how the mechanical process of planting and maintaining trees, such as pruning roots, can negatively impact their growth and health. The discussion underscored the need for a more nurturing and supportive approach to tree care and maintenance.


Urban Tree Growth and Maintenance

The speaker discussed the growth and maintenance of trees, using redwoods as an example. They highlighted the contrast between the natural development of old-growth forests and the managed growth of urban trees. The speaker noted that urban trees often suffer from over-pruning, leading to fungal infections and stunted growth. They also pointed out that the compacted soil and restricted growth on the roadside make it challenging for urban trees to thrive. The speaker emphasised the need for a more natural approach to tree care to allow them to grow and develop properly.


Urban Trees and the Challenges They Face

Learning discussed the plight of trees in urban areas, highlighting the challenges they face due to limited space and human interference. The discussion focused on how trees' roots often grow into underground pipes, causing blockages and damage and how this can lead to trees being cut down due to their intrusion. Learning also shared an extensive study by Rohr University that found trees were attracted to loose soil, not extra nutrients, which often led to them growing into pipes. Jugjiv confirmed that he had seen trees growing into concrete in his multi-story condo, and Manisha was asked to reflect on why trees fall. Learning encouraged the team to share pictures and stories of trees affected by urbanisation to raise awareness of this issue.


Urban Trees and Their Stressors

Learning discussed the harsh conditions urban trees face, including the urban microlight climate, heat from asphalt and concrete, and pollution from exhaust fumes and salt. These factors cause stress to the trees, leading to premature death. The oak processionary, a rare species, has become a pest due to the attractive conditions of urban environments. However, trees of the same species planted in rows can communicate and support each other, offering a small consolation. Learning emphasised the need for reflection on the life of a tree in the city and the challenges it faces.


Book Reflections and Group Communication

The group discussed various topics, including a reflection on the book The Hidden Life of Trees and its similarities with Cinnamon. They also discussed the process of writing reflections and how to submit them. Manisha, the facilitator, encouraged everyone to share their takeaways from the book and to write their reflections, which would then be published on the blog. The group also discussed the use of a shared whiteboard for brainstorming and the importance of communication within the group.


AI-generated content.

Please excuse our addressing all participants by first names. This is not intentional, and AI is not good at showing respect and emotions yet. You may discover inadvertent errors. Please do excuse us.

Relections for the week - Sunday 25th August 2024

Summary: 
In brief we Discussion about Vikas Joshi's latest book, "My Name is Cinnamon," and discuss its themes of adoption, identity, and self-discovery in brief. Next, we highlighted the need for a more caring and supportive approach to tree care and upkeep while talking about the difficulties that urban trees endure. 

From My name is Cinnamon -
1. What is your takeaway from the author's session and book discussion?
2. Write a reflection on the book and characters
3. Is it proper to give names (like lambu, motu, etc) to your teachers or friends?
4. Why was Cinnamon trying to find his biological parents?
5. Write about the emotional challenge one might face when he comes to know that he/she is adopted.

- From Hidden Life Of Trees -
1. Did the story connect with you today, and why?
2. Find out about-
a. loutish behaviors
b. brazenly decadent
c. doped-up bodybuilders
3. Create podcasts or drawings about the plight of urban trees
4. Why does a good tree fall? What could be the impact of falling off a good tree?
5. Imagine being a tree in the city and write how it feels.
6. How do trees communicate with each other through "scent mail"?

These are some suggestions. We're looking forward to your excellent and thoughtful reflections, which you can email to mk@learningforward.org.in

Session summary for My Good School (08/25/2024)

We celebrated Independence Day by Yashraj giving his spirited speech. 

In the session we opened a new book, "My Name is Cinnamon," written by Vikas Joshi, and reflecting on its themes of adoption, identity, and self-discovery. 

We discussed the challenges faced by trees in urban environments, emphasising the need for a more nurturing and supportive approach to tree care and maintenance. 


We shared personal experiences and interests, and encouraged everyone to reflect on the book and share their thoughts.


Next steps

• Students could write a reflection on the book and characters.

• Students to write reflections on their takeaways from the author session and book discussion.

• Students to consider creating podcasts or drawings about the plight of urban trees.

• Manisha to publish student reflections on the Joy of Learning Diaries blog.

• The next chapter "Burnout" in The Hidden Life of Trees for the next session.

• Students to imagine being a tree in the city and write about how it feels.

• Jugjiv to read the next chapter of My Name is Cinnamon in the next session.

• Sandeep to continue reading The Hidden Life of Trees in the next session.

• Students to consider creating a school newsletter incorporating Joy of Learning, as we will not produce a common newsletter for all the schools.


Thursday, 22 August 2024

My Name Is Cinnamon - Vikas Prakash Joshi


Meet the author on Sunday the 25th of August 2024

Both a captivating chronicle and an endeavour of remarkable depth and ambition, My Name Is Cinnamon provides a richly textured narrative of a boy trying to find his roots and place in the world. On each part of his journey, he encounters new people, new cuisines, and new adventures as he learns a lot about himself and the world around him.

While being a light-hearted and heart-warming read, the book also covers some difficult themes that are rarely explored in ­children’s and young adult literature. It is a deeply moving testament to the unceasing desire to know oneself, the unrelenting pull of familial bonds, and the power of hope, sacrifice, and love.

With his perceptive observations, vivid descriptions, and an authentic voice, the author, Vikas Prakash Joshi, weaves an immersive plot with fully realised environments and characters that are sure to stay with you for a long time. Above all, My Name Is Cinnamon is about finding your own people and accepting who you are.

‘In 
My Name Is Cinnamon, Vikas Joshi brings to life the lively tale of Cinnamon, a young boy living with his adoptive parents, who sets out to meet his birth parents in an impoverished tribal area. This emotionally sensitive topic is explored with felicity and humour, reminding us of the immense joys and painful travails of childhood. It’s a moving and uplifting book, and I wish Vikas Prakash Joshi all the best for his future writing success.’
―Dr Shashi Tharoor, Politician, writer, and former international diplomat

Kindle and Paperback editions available.

Vikas Prakash Joshi is an-award winning writer, editor, translator, podcaster, public speaker, novelist, amateur cook and occasional journalist in Pune, India. His first book for children, My Name Is Cinnamon (Hay House India), was published in November 2022 , and it has been lauded all over the world, in over 30+ countries, endorsed by many top Indian writers, and received 7 publishing offers. Story Ink, a Mumbai-based production company, has also acquired the book for screen adaptation. It was illustrated by the well known and award winning illustrator for children's books Niloufer Wadia. It has received 5 recognitions already: A3F Literary Award for Fiction 2023, Asian Literary Society Award for Best Debut Fiction,Asian Literary Society Certificate of Excellence in Fiction, Skipping Stones Magazine Honour List for International Books 2023, Longlisted and Shortlisted for Valley of Words Awards for Young Adult Fiction 2023. It was also chosen among 60 selected books by Indian authors for kids and YA by Hyderabad-based Beyond the Box organization, an organisation working in the field of literature.

We will read aloud from next week; please get your copy and join us at My Good School.





Tuesday, 20 August 2024

The Guru Nanak Documentaries Episode 8- Advika

Reflecting on the screening of Allegory: A Tapestry of Guru Nanak's Travels on Sunday the 18th of August 2024.

Today's episode of "The Guru Nanak Documentaries" taught us what our rituals were about. They were merely not for external use or washing in a holy river; they meant cleansing yourself of your sins, wrongdoings, and bad karma. 

This session was deep and spiritual and raised awareness of how our thoughts and ideologies have changed over the years. People bathe in the Ganges, thinking it will detox them. They shall attain salvation, but in reality, as Guru Nanak Ji said, our self-reflection, acting upon our sins, and rectifying what we did wrong and who we hurt is true detoxing and will lead you to salvation, not some mere external activities that are futile in the end. 

The reality is that people nowadays travel miles to go to Varanasi and other spiritual places to reach God, purify their souls, come back to their homes, and repeat the same toxic life. What is the point of even going to these places when we do nothing to act upon ourselves? 

True devotion never lies in just bathing in rivers. It lies within the soul. Purity, correcting what we do, and making ourselves better people, while helping others. Love God, love yourself, and make yourself into a better person.

This is true devotion. 

Advika Khanna 
Gyanshree School

Reflection on Superstition - Sunbeam Suncity

A wonderful Reflection by the students of Sunbeam Suncity Varanasi # Joy of Learning


Sunbeam Suncity Varanasi

Sunday, 18 August 2024

Relections for the week - Sunday 18th August 2024

- From The Guru Nanak Docuseries-  
1. What did you learn from the episode today?
2. How aware are we about our own religion and cultures?
3. Does true devotion lie in bathing in "holy rivers" or is it something deeper?
4. Why do you think the chapter is named "Adhikaar"?
5. What is religion and its true meaning?
6. What makes one "pure"?


More food for thought, notes shared by Akshar Bhasin from JMPS:

1. Questioning the futility of religious rituals and practices which are often performed blindly and without looking into the depth and intent behind them.

2. ⁠Aiming at the purification and cleansing of the inner soul and being rather than simply bathing the physical self in the Ganges and considering one pure.

3. Questioning the society’s olden practice of keeping a women confined and labelling her as impure during mensurational cycle.

4. ⁠Pondering about how a  man is often bestowed with the title of ‘pandit’ (wise one) just because of his ability to recite holy texts and mantras without actually realising depth and intent behind them and acting according to the righteous way of life.

5. ⁠Understanding and embracing the truth of religion and it’s teachings rather than blindly worshiping deities and praising their teachings. 

6. ⁠Understanding how enlightenment can be attained not by cremating someone at a holy site like Varanasi  but by following the correct path and embracing wisdom.

7. ⁠Can one, instead of embracing a religion professed by others, find his own path and way in life ?


- From The Hidden Life Of Trees – 
1. What is your takeaway from today's session?
2. Why is there a battle for every light of sunshine in the forest?

3. How do forest species adapt in their need for sun and resouces to grow from the environment?


Check out the GSI Journal and listen to the latest podsact from Sunbeam School Timeless Tales. You will find the podcos on the right column and are most welcome to visit the Good Schools India Journal webiste: https://www.gsi.in/.


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

Saturday, 17 August 2024

Sunbeam Varuna #JoyOfLearning

 We love ❤️ Sunday School


We are reading
Jataka Tales by Francis & Thomas
The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben

Friday, 16 August 2024

My India - Yashraj Sharma

 Independence Day Celebrations

Yashraj Sharma is the Head Boy High School at Gyanshree School Noida. He has been with us at My Good School for three years and helped set up the Astronomy Program as the Slooh Intern for GSA.

Monday, 12 August 2024

Reflections from Sunbeam Lahartara

Sunbeam School and Hostel Lahartara in Varanasi share #JoyOfLearning in their maiden newsletter!

Sunday School 11th August 2024

Sunday School by Sandeep Dutt

Jugjiv Singh is the narrator at the My Good School sessions for reading, reflection, and relationships #JoyOfLearning.

Read on Substack
We share our #JoyOfLearning at our Sunday School; enjoy the My Good School session recording on 11th August 2024. Check it out: excerpt of The Great Dreams - Jataka Tales, our current read. Jugjiv Singh is our anchor and coach for the Sunday morning Zoom Sessions. His reading and conversations are legendary. 

Let There Be Light - Sanvi Rai

Anemones 
 Anemones, also known as windflowers, are flowering plants in the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). They thrive in temperate and subtropical regions across the world, except for Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica, and the Middle East. These plants exhibit a consistent structure in rainforests due to competition for sunlight. When a large tree falls, creating a gap in the canopy, small trees rapidly grow to fill the space. Over time, they compete for sunlight, resulting in a predictable size structure across the tropical rainforest.
 Battle for sunlight in the forest 
 Rainforests have a consistent pattern of tree sizes due to competition for sunlight. After a tall tree falls, sunlight reaches the forest floor, allowing small trees to grow rapidly. As their crowns fill the gap, some trees are left in the shade, leading to this characteristic size structure observed globally in rainforests. 

 Sanvi Rai
 Sunbeam School
BHAGWANPUR


Memphis Tigers - Akshar Bhasin

Cover photo: Akshar Bhasin with the Memphis Tiger

It's wonderous, really, how quickly a moment captured and stored away in a phone, when seen years later, can induce a rather long yet delightful walk down memory lane. One can think of memories like a spider web basking in the sparkling droplets of early morning monsoon dew. If he chooses, he can take a stroll down a string of the web, passing through those little dew drops of memories, but even when he reaches the end of that string, there is yet another one that commences. So on and so forth, memories connect and merge into each other, combining to create the 'past' of each individual. But, eventually and inevitably, as those dew drops are bound to vanish when when the sun comes up, we, too, forget these moments as time moves on.

But, today, as fate wills it (in my case a wonderful educator and friend did too), I shall reach into the unfathomably vast web of memory, and choose to stroll through one of those strings of web. Now, as I fade away from the present, moments and images flood into the screen of the mind and a movie begins to play.

The year is 2016 and I'm residing in the U.S.A, in the state of Tennessee. To be more precise, I was living in the University of Memphis campus area. I'm enjoying life though. Teachers see me as a 9 year old incorrigible Indian headache, but, frankly, I'm not aware about the strenuous concepts of societal expectations or self image or what-do-people-think-of-me. Or maybe I was but I was but just didn't care.

I was too annoying to be befriended by anyone at school, but I really never felt lonely. The company of books doesn't really ever let one feel alone. And gratefully, I had the Benjamin L. Hooks Memphis central library to refill my shelf with 25 different books each week. I could honestly go on about that piece of paradise for hours on the end but, I suppose that string of web is for another day.

- Akshar Bhasin is a student at Jodhamal Public School, he loves to read and this is his reflection for The Great Dreams from Jataka Tales.

Sunday, 11 August 2024

Reflections for the week - Sunday 11th August 2024

The conversation revolved around the interpretation of dreams, the consequences of unjust leadership, and the importance of addressing environmental issues and teen mental health. 


Speakers shared their insights on the meaning of various animals in dreams, the moral decay and lack of unity in society, and the impact of social media on teenagers. They emphasized the need for just and capable leadership, individual and collective responsibility, and building connections and support systems to manage stress and promote mental well-being.

Please feel free to share thoughts on any subject that came to your mind in the Sunday School session or at any other point of time. It may be something that is bothering you or it may be something you have read about or done some research on or something that fascinates you.

  • What lessons can we take away from the story from Jataka Tales (The Great Dreams) today? 
  • What do our dreams signify?
  • Which part of the night do we dream in?
  • What signs of Climate Change do I see around me?
  • Who has responsibility for controlling Climate Change?
  • What can I do to control Climate Change?
  • Is morality on the decline today?
  • How to deal with school stress?
  • How to deal with stress that comes from social media?
  • Is it easy to talk to adults? How to talk to adults?
  • Zai Whitaker, who was she, share her work, life and books.
  • Dr Salim Al i- The Birdman of India
 Send your reflections to Manisha Ma’am at MK@LearningForward.org.in
For support and joining the Blogging Team, send your request to LF@EBD.IN, kindlyn share your preferred email ID, School and Class.

Reflections Since 2021