This topic deserves much more attention and should be promoted in every school, as it helps students stay focused on their goals while fostering self-awareness and resilience.
Sunbeam Suncity
This topic deserves much more attention and should be promoted in every school, as it helps students stay focused on their goals while fostering self-awareness and resilience.
Jai Hind to all,
We began by exploring how the weather affects our mood, just like it did for Carl and Schascha. It’s interesting how a gloomy day can really get under your skin, but then a simple pleasure—like the ice cream Carl and Schascha shared—can completely turn things around. It shows how even small moments of joy can lift our spirits.
The incident where Simon pushed Schascha definitely sparked some conversation. We discussed various reasons why a boy might do something like that. Carl’s interpretation—that Simon might actually like Schascha—offered a sweet, if slightly mischievous, perspective. It makes you wonder if kids sometimes use playful teasing as a way to hide their true feelings.
Just when we were completely immersed in Carl and Schascha's world, we took a fascinating detour into the differences between American and British English spellings. It was a great reminder of how language has its own interesting variations, even within the same language.
What touched me most was the unexpected bond between Carl and Schascha, a curious 9-year-old girl. Their growing friendship brings warmth into Carl’s quiet life and highlights how intergenerational relationships can lead to healing, purpose, and joy.
The story reminds us that even small acts of kindness—like delivering books—can make people feel seen and valued. It also teaches us that age is never a barrier to discovering new meaning in life. Whether through books, friendships, or community, this novel proves that hope and renewal are always possible.
Key Takeaways
Topics
Book Discussion: "The Door-to-Door Bookstore"
Personal Growth and Resilience
Reflection vs. Note-taking
Internship Program
Additional Learning Opportunities
Next Steps
"The one who stops trying is the real loser."
जीवन में निराशा आना स्वाभाविक है, लेकिन उसी निराशा में डूबे रहना सही नहीं है। जब भी हम किसी काम में असफल होते हैं या कोई उम्मीद टूटती है, तो मन निराश हो जाता है। उस समय हमें याद रखना चाहिए कि हर रात के बाद सुबह जरूर आती है। महान लोग भी अपने जीवन में कई बार असफल हुए हैं, लेकिन उन्होंने हार नहीं मानी। अगर वे निराश होकर बैठ जाते, तो आज दुनिया उन्हें याद नहीं करती। हमें अपनी गलतियों से सीखकर आगे बढ़ना चाहिए। हर असफलता हमें कुछ न कुछ सीखकर जाती है, इसलिए जीवन में कभी हार नहीं माननी चाहिए, क्योंकि कोशिश करने वालों की कभी हार नहीं होती। ईश्वर ने हमें इतनी ताकत दी है कि हम हर मुश्किल का सामना कर सकें। अगर मन में विश्वास और धैर्य है, तो मंजिल दूर नहीं। इसलिए मैं यह सोचती हूं कि चाहे कितनी भी कठिनाई आए, निराश नहीं होना चाहिए, क्योंकि सच्ची जीत वहीं है जो कठिनाइयों को पार करने के बाद मिलती है।
"Little steps you take, big changes they make. The one who never quits, in golden pages sits."
रीना देवी
"इसलिए निराश होने के बजाय खुद को और बेहतर बनाने का संकल्प लें। जीवन के हर मोड़ पर सीखें, आगे बढ़ें, कभी हार न मानें।"
कभी-कभी हम ज़िंदगी से इतने हार जाते हैं कि लगता है अब कुछ खत्म हो गया और जैसे ज़िंदगी थम सी गई हो। फिर वही कहावत याद आ जाती है, "अंधेरी रात के बाद सुबह, और दुःख के बाद सुख जरूर आता है।" लेकिन इसके लिए हमें अपने अंदर एक आशा की किरण को जगाए रखना पड़ता है और हिम्मत नहीं हारनी होती है। फिर तो मुश्किलें जरूर होती हैं, लेकिन नामुमकिन कुछ भी नहीं है।
"Good times come to those who work even in bad times." 🙂
ललिता पाल
जीवन में कठिनाइयाँ आती हैं, लेकिन हमें कभी हार नहीं माननी चाहिए। हमें खुद पर विश्वास रखना चाहिए और आगे बढ़ते रहना चाहिए। जीवन एक यात्रा है जिसमें कभी सफलता मिलती है और कभी असफलता। लेकिन जब हम असफल होते हैं या हमारी मेहनत का तुरंत फल नहीं मिलता, तो हम निराश हो जाते हैं। यह निराशा हमें अंदर से कमजोर बना सकती है, लेकिन अगर हम चाहें, तो इसी निराशा को अपनी ताकत बना सकते हैं।
निराश नहीं होना का मतलब है हमें हर परिस्थिति में उम्मीद बनाए रखनी चाहिए। हालात जैसे भी हों, अगर हम धैर्य रखें और प्रयास करते रहें, तो सफलता जरूर मिलती है। हर असफलता हमें कुछ सिखाती है और हर ठोकर हमें मजबूत बनाती है।
Those who never give up are the ones who succeed in the end.
Disappointment does not stop us; it inspires us to move ahead.
साक्षी खन्ना
स्वाति
'Failure is not the end, it's a new beginning.'
I also found it fascinating how our culture can shape the way we respond to things, even something as simple as food. One part that stood out to me was the example about deworming horses—it showed how the same word can mean completely different things depending on the context.
Overall, I feel more comfortable now discussing these topics and know it’s okay to ask questions or seek help when I need it.
Good morning & Jai Hind,
The session on puberty and the changes that occur during it was both informative and eye-opening. It provided a safe space to learn and discuss the physical, emotional, and social changes that occur during this crucial stage of development. Understanding these changes helps reduce confusion and fear, especially as many young people experience them for the first time.
One key takeaway was learning how puberty can affect friendships. As we grow and change, our interests, moods, and the way we relate to others can shift. Sometimes, friends might grow apart or misunderstand each other due to emotional ups and downs or different paces of development. However, learning about these changes can help us become more patient and understanding with our friends, strengthening those relationships instead of losing them.
The session also helped highlight the importance of emotions during puberty. Emotions can become stronger or more unpredictable due to hormonal changes. Learning to recognize and manage emotions, especially through open communication and self-care, is crucial for maintaining mental well-being. It was helpful to know that feeling overwhelmed or confused at times is completely normal.
I also explored the meaning of happy emotions, such as joy, excitement, and contentment. These emotions are important because they help us build positive relationships, motivate us to achieve goals, and give us a sense of purpose and connection. Understanding that it’s okay to experience a range of emotions, including happy and difficult ones, can make this stage of life easier to handle.
Overall, the session was valuable in helping us understand ourselves and each other better during puberty. It reminded us that we are not alone in our experiences and that emotional and social support are essential during this time of growth.
Today's session was really informative.
The resource person, Ms. Shikha Agnihotri, began by explaining what puberty is – a stage of physical and emotional development where children transition into adulthood. Students were told about the emotional ups and downs they may face, such as mood swings, increased sensitivity, self-consciousness, and anxiety.
The session also covered how puberty affects behaviour. Children may start seeking more independence, feel peer pressure, or become more private and less communicative with parents or teachers. The facilitator encouraged open communication and reassured students that it’s okay to ask questions or feel confused during this stage.
Most importantly, the session focused on creating a safe and respectful environment where students could express their doubts and emotions freely. It emphasized that growing up is a journey, and with the right guidance and support, it can be a smooth and confident one.
Today's session on "Puberty and Its Impact on Emotions and Behaviour" was both engaging and informative.
The speaker beautifully explained that puberty is a natural phase of life during which children experience significant changes in their bodies, minds, and emotions. Due to hormonal shifts, they may sometimes feel angry, sad, confused, or shy without any clear reason. The session helped us understand that these changes are a normal part of growing up, and with proper guidance and support, this transition can be managed smoothly and positively.
I was especially glad to witness the enthusiastic involvement of the students throughout the session. It has certainly made it easier for me to approach this sensitive topic with more confidence and clarity in the classroom.
A heartfelt thank you to My Good School for inviting such insightful speakers to address relevant and timely issues.
The session on puberty was very informative and eye-opening. It helped me understand the changes that happen in our body and mind as we grow from children into teenagers. It also taught me the importance of involving an adult whenever we make any important decision.
Overall, the session helped me feel more confident and less awkward about this stage of life. It also taught me to be respectful and understanding toward others who are also going through these changes. I now see puberty not as something to be scared or ashamed of, but as a natural and important step in becoming a responsible and mature individual.
Discussion on puberty, growing up, and adolescence with high school students, led by Shikha Agnihotri from Right Side Story.
Puberty involves both physical and emotional changes that are beyond one's control; understanding these changes helps normalise the experience ("puberty is not a race")
Students shared insights on mood swings, emotional changes, and physical transformations during puberty, demonstrating awareness but also misconceptions
The session emphasised communication as a crucial strategy for managing challenging emotions and relationships during adolescence
Gender differences during puberty were discussed, including societal expectations and biological variations, with an emphasis on respect for all genders
Puberty is defined as a "software update" in the mind and body, signalling the transition from childhood.
Students recognised that puberty is influenced by genetics and occurs at different ages for different people.
Physical changes discussed included body odour, voice changes such as the Adam's apple in boys, and muscle development.
Brain "rewiring" during puberty leads to feelings of independence and new emotional experiences.
Girls and boys experience different physical changes, but both face hormonal shifts (testosterone vs. estrogen)
Students identified negative emotions experienced: anxiety, jealousy, frustration, irritation, depression.
Positive emotions noted: happiness from recognition, validation, success, and achievement.
Discussion of mood swings affecting both genders, not just girls, as commonly believed
Students expressed challenges with controlling emotions during puberty
Shikha emphasised that emotions during puberty are often temporary but intense, requiring patience
Students debated whether friendship affects puberty or puberty affects friendship
Trust issues in friendships were highlighted as a challenge during puberty
Advice given: when hurt by friends, communicate within 24 hours rather than avoiding the issue
Self-inflicted independence during puberty can strain relationships with parents and authority figures
Importance of finding trusted adults to discuss difficult decisions emphasised
Students noted increased focus on appearance during puberty (clothes, hygiene, physical features)
Discussion about boys becoming more conscious about their physical appearance (muscles, height)
Girls discussed increased attention to skincare, makeup, and fashion choices
The importance of hygiene is emphasised, especially regarding body odour, which increases during puberty
Both genders experience increased self-consciousness and concern about how others perceive them
The second half of the meeting featured a reading from "The Inner Life of Animals" focusing on taste in animals
Discussed how animals have different taste preferences than humans (example: crows eating seeds from horse excrement)
Explored how taste is adapted to different species' needs and evolutionary history
Reading skills were emphasised, including proper use of punctuation and expression while reading
Importance of regular reading beyond textbooks (15-20 minutes daily) was encouraged
Shikha proposed separate follow-up sessions for boys and girls to discuss puberty more openly
Future session on pronunciation and reading skills to be conducted by Brinda
After completing the current book, the group will read Gerald Durrell's works about animals
Students are encouraged to practice communication skills when dealing with emotional challenges
Students advised to develop reading habits beyond textbooks (15-20 minutes daily)
What I liked the most was how the teachers explained the topics — everything was clear and easy to understand. The question-and-answer part was also exciting. The teachers answered all our questions patiently and kindly. I enjoy the My Good School sessions on Sundays. They are very informative and well-organised.
Thank you!
My Good School
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