Learning Beyond the Classroom: Reflections on Proposal Writing and Life Lessons - Sunbeam School, Ballia

The session I attended today focused on teaching how to write an effective proposal to a person or an organisation. Through the concepts explained by Kartik Sir, I understood the importance of context, tone, word choice, and clarity in framing a strong proposal. I learned that a proposal should clearly present its advantages and possible disadvantages while maintaining a professional and respectful tone. One key takeaway was to avoid making unrealistic promises and not present ourselves as inferior to the organisation. The session also encouraged me to think from the perspective of the other party, helping me anticipate possible concerns and address them in advance.

Through the reading session by Jugjiv Sir, I learned valuable life lessons about personality, passion, and self-belief. It highlighted how a person’s personality reflects their profession and relationships. From the example of Yasuhara, I understood how one can find happiness in simple interactions and personal passions, even without fulfilling conventional desires like travel. The session also emphasized having courage in one’s convictions, which means trusting our beliefs and taking risks with confidence. Another important lesson was to turn 'don'ts' into goals and not wait for the perfect moment to begin, but instead take initiative and trust our instincts.

Akanksha Rai

The first session with Kartik Bajoria was really inspiring. He explained how to write a good proposal using simple and clear language. The best part was learning about the collaboration with Penguin Random House, where students can share their book ideas and even get a chance to publish them while keeping their work safe. He also talked about AI and writing, which made the session even more interesting.

The second session with Jugjiv Sir was very engaging. He discussed the book “What You Are Looking for Is in the Library” and asked us many thought-provoking questions like why trees grow tall, whether plants can talk, and why some people talk to plants. It made me think in a different way, and I really enjoyed the session.

Deenshah Najam 

In today's wonderful session, firstly, Manisha Khanna Ma'am introduced Mr Kartik, a person who always motivates students and takes the initiative to talk about communication skills.

He told us about effective proposal writing to a person or an organisation. According to me, the main motto of Sir was to teach us about proposal writing, context, clarity in writing a proposal, tone, word choice, etc. This session was truly knowledgeable and informative.

The next session with Jugjiv Singh Sir was truly informative, where Sir read a storybook called “What You Are Looking for Is in the Library.” It was really an interesting book, and Sir also explained it very nicely.

I am really thankful to all the mentors of My Good School Alliance for taking this initiative and giving us this amazing opportunity to improve our vocabulary and our English speaking skills.

Closing the session, Manisha Ma'am told us more about the Good School class as some students were new.

Thank you,

Talat Bano

GSA Calendar April 2026

 My Good School

April 5, 2026

Book Reading - What You Are Looking For Is in the Library
Book Reading - दी व्हिसलिंग स्कूलबॉय और अन्य कहानियाँ                                  

April 12, 2026

The YES workshop on Mental Health with Kartik Bajoria. We aim to inspire young minds, helping them navigate their dreams and aspirations as they embrace their goals.

Book Reading- What You Are Looking For Is in the Library

April 19, 2026

Book Reading - My Family and Other Animals
Book Reading - शामली में ठहरा वक़्त और अन्य कहानियाँ               

April 26, 2026

Book Reading - My Family and Other Animals
Book Reading - शामली में ठहरा वक़्त और अन्य कहानियाँ

The Teachers Academy

Learning Forward Saturday
In the Professional Learning Program (PLP) with Sandeep Dutt and Brinda Ghosh, we are reading ‘Wanted Back Bencher Last Ranker Teacher’ by Kavita Ghosh.

Sandeep Dutt’s Masterclass 
Every Saturday at 5:30 PM: We are reading The Courage To Be Happy by Fumitake Koga and Ichiro Kishimi, a dialogue between a young teacher and a philosopher.

GSA Meetings and Events

My Good School Retreat 

April 10th -14th, 2026, at Mayoor School, Jaipur. Find out more at www.inYouth.in

Brewing Knowledge Fridays

Join us at The English Book Depot to celebrate Literature, Art, and Culture! Enjoy our cosy Book Cafe and connect with a community of book lovers, authors, and educators through in-person visits or via Zoom. #BrewingKnowledge

• April 10, 2026 -  Bhairavi Jani - Knowledge Partner, My Good School Retreat and author of Highway To Swades.
• April 17, 2026 - Priyadarshini, author of The Guardians of the Forest, The Myth of the Wild Boar & Thulir’s Stroll.
• April 24, 2026  -  Anubha Rawat, author of Vignettes from My Childhood & Scrolls of Teaching Penned by Students.

GSA Squad 

We review programs and plan for the coming week at 5:30 PM every Monday on Zoom - GSA Coordinators, Volunteers, and Mentors. #JoyOfGiving 

Subscribe to our Good Schools of India Weekly, published every Monday at 7:00 www.GSI.in

How to start your reading journey?

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A post shared by Gyan Anant Vidyalaya (@gyan_anant_vidyalaya)

Starting the Journey: For beginners, he recommends simply having books around to create an emotional connection, rather than forcing them to read.

This video features a conversation about fostering a love for reading, hosted at Gyan Anant Vidyalaya. Dutt emphasises that the best way to get children involved in reading is for teachers to be seen reading themselves. Gyan Anant Vidyalaya is a Special Project of the Good Schools Alliance.

My Good School, 29th March 2026

Sunday morning with Karkit Bajoria

To learn proposal writing and discuss book reading with Kartik Bajoria and Jugjiv Singh.

Key Takeaways

• Frame requests as opportunities: Present your need as a valuable opportunity for the recipient, not a subservient request.

• Use a 5-part structure: A proposal should include Context, Proposition, Recipient Advantages, Preemptive Solutions, and a “Big Idea” conclusion.

• Predict and solve problems upfront: Address potential recipient concerns directly in the proposal to demonstrate foresight and save time.

• Adopt a “parallel career” mindset: Turn negative self-talk (“I can’t”) into a concrete goal (“I will”) to overcome inertia and pursue dreams.

Topics

Proposal Writing Strategy

• Core Principle: Convert requests into opportunities for the recipient.

• Key Elements:

  • Context: Provide relevant background to justify the request.

  • Proposition: State the request clearly and concisely.

  • Recipient Advantages: Detail 2–3 unique benefits for the recipient.

  • Preemptive Solutions: Address potential problems before they are raised.

  • Big Idea: Frame the proposal as part of a larger, meaningful movement.

• Practical Tips:

  • Tone: Communicate on equal terms; avoid subservient language.

  • Language: Use cautious phrasing (“great likelihood”) instead of promises, as emails are legal documents.

  • Format: Use simple salutations (“Dear Sir/Ma’am”) and sign-offs (“Regards”).

Case Study: Tennis Academy Proposal

• Scenario: Propose a 10-day coaching camp to the Mahesh Bhupati Tennis Academy.

• Brainstormed Ideas:

  • Context: New school courts, rising student interest, and local players succeeding on the international stage.

  • Recipient Advantages: Access new markets (e.g., smaller towns) and recruit future talent.

  • Preemptive Solutions:

    • Concern: Low student turnout → Solution: Invite other local schools.

    • Concern: Poor infrastructure → Solution: Highlight recently built, world-class courts.

    • Concern: High resource investment → Solution: Offer school faculty to assist coaches.

Book Reading: “What You’re Looking For is in the Library”

• Plot: Ryo, an accounts clerk, dreams of opening an antique shop but lacks the courage.

• Key Learnings from Yasuhara (bookshop owner):

  • Parallel Careers: A second job provides mental fulfilment, making the primary job less burdensome.

  • Courage of Conviction: Act on your beliefs, even when difficult.

  • “Turn the Don’t into a Goal”: Reframe negative self-talk into a concrete objective.

  • Start Now: Don’t wait for the “right time”; connections and opportunities arise from action.

Next Steps

• All Participants:

  • Write a reflection on the session’s takeaways.

  • Send reflections to Manisha Khanna for publication on the website.

  • Research: How much of a plant’s mass is in its roots?

• Manisha Khanna:

  • Publish submitted reflections on the website.

• Kartik:

• Lead an in-person session at the April 10-14 My Good School Retreat.

• 
  FATHOM AI-generated summary, read with care.

Reflections on Reading, Relationships, and Human Behaviour - Sunbeam School Ballia

In today’s session, we read a part from What You Are Looking for Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama. The chapter introduced Mr Nasuda, a colourful and confident businessman who manages different ventures in his own unique way. The story then focused on Ryo, who became worried after an incident with the president’s daughter at his office. Because of this tension, he later argued with his girlfriend Hina and criticised the things that made her happy online. During the discussion, Jugjiv Sir and the participants talked about what we would have done if we were in Ryo’s place. It made me realise how stress from one situation can easily affect our behaviour with the people close to us.

In the Hindi session, we read The Whistling Schoolboy by Ruskin Bond, which had a lighter and humorous tone. The story described a teacher who suddenly disappeared, leading everyone to believe that a leopard might have taken him away. However, when he returned, he refused to admit this and simply said that his pyjama had torn because it was hanging somewhere. When a curious child asked how it happened, the teacher became annoyed and avoided explaining it. This story highlighted the natural curiosity of children and how adults sometimes try to hide embarrassing situations. Together, both readings gave an interesting view of human behaviour in different situations.

Akanksha Rai

In today’s reading session, with Jugjiv Sir and Manisha Ma’am, we read the story What You Are Looking for Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama. I learned that work stress can affect a person’s emotions and relationships. Ryo’s behaviour shows that when someone is worried or under pressure, they may react badly and unintentionally hurt people close to them. His frustration from the office affected the way he spoke to Hina at home. This made me realise that in such situations, it is important to stay calm, think before reacting, and communicate properly instead of letting stress affect others.

The reading also showed how one person’s mood can influence the people around them. Ryo’s stress from work turned into irritation at home and led to an argument with Hina. During the session, Jugjiv Sir and other students discussed how such situations happen in real life too. Thinking about what we would do in Ryo’s place made the discussion more interesting and helped us understand the lesson better.

Later, Manisha Ma’am showed us a picture through which we learned about indoor and outdoor education. We understood that education in an open environment helps in the overall development of a child's mind, body, and character. Therefore, learning in nature is more meaningful and enjoyable for students. While reading the story, we also discussed stress eating. Stress eating may give temporary comfort, but healthy activities like exercise, talking to someone, or relaxing are better ways to manage stress. The story ended ironically.

Roshni Bhagat

In today’s session, we first shared our own written reflections and then interacted with Mr Jugjiv Singh Sir and his thoughtful ideas. He read the story What You Are Looking for Is in the Library. It was an amazing and knowledgeable story, and we read it with great interest. One thing that I like most about the Good School Alliance is that every participant, along with all the members, participates enthusiastically and gives their best to make this class informative.

Many students were new to this wonderful session and were not familiar with the class. Manisha Ma’am explained a lot about the class to them. In the other session, we had Manisha Ma’am, who always takes the initiative for Hindi reading. We started with her quiz and then read a story by Ruskin Bond. This was also a very interesting and informative session.

I thank every member of the Good School Alliance for taking the initiative for this reading class.

Thank you.

Talat Bano

My Good School 15th March 2026

Sunday School 

To discuss student reflections and read from two books, focusing on character decisions.

Key Takeaways

• The Power of Reflection: Reading student reflections on past sessions (e.g., Kartik’s review writing) demonstrated how writing solidifies learning and inspires others (e.g., interest in Atomic Habits).

• Principle vs. Pragmatism: A 10-yen expense dispute in What You’re Looking For... highlighted a conflict between Ryo’s strict adherence to principle and Ms Yoshitaka’s pragmatic view of a minor error.

• Managing Stress: Ryo’s failure to communicate his work stress to Hina led to a personal conflict. The group discussed strategies for separating professional and personal life, such as making a plan to tackle problems.

• School Environment: A discussion on The Whistling School Boy concluded that a mix of indoor and outdoor learning is ideal for holistic development, combining academic focus with nature-based exploration.

Topics

Reflection Review & Program Overview

• Student reflections from previous sessions were read to illustrate the program’s value in reinforcing learning and improving written communication.

• Key Themes:

  • Curiosity and observation in nature.

  • The impact of small, consistent habits (Atomic Habits).

  • Essential elements of review writing.

  • Communication skills (body language, listening, confidence).

• Program Pillars: Reading, Reflection, and Relationship Building.

• YES Program: Monthly Youth Engaging Society sessions on communication skills.

  • Next sessions: March 29 and April 12.

Book 1: What You’re Looking For Is in the Library

• Context: Ryo, an accounts clerk, dreams of opening an antique shop but feels stuck in a job he dislikes.

• Conflict 1: Principle vs. Pragmatism

  • Ryo found a 10-yen discrepancy on an expense report.

  • Ms Yoshitaka dismissed it as an "easy” amount not worth the trouble.

  • Ryo insisted on accuracy, regardless of the sum.

  • Outcome: Ms Yoshitaka filed a false power-harassment complaint, threatening RRyo’s job.

• Conflict 2: Professional Stress Affects Personal Life

  • Ryo, overwhelmed by the complaint, failed to communicate his stress to Hina.

  • He lashed out at her for her successful online shop, dismissing it as a “hobby.”

  • Outcome: Hina left, leaving Ryo feeling “so low.”

• Group Discussion → Managing Stress

  • Problem: Carrying work stress home.

  • Solutions:

    • Talk to a trusted person (e.g., Hina).

    • Divert the mind temporarily to allow logic to take over.

    • Make a concrete plan to tackle the issue.

    • Focus on the present moment.

Book 2: The Whistling School Boy and Anir Kahania

• Context: A school in a remote, hilly village.

• Discussion → Ideal School Environment

  • Question: Should school be indoors or outdoors?

  • Conclusion: A mix of both is ideal for holistic development.

    • Indoors: Academic focus, protection from weather, and technology.

    • Outdoors: Connection to nature, fresh air, exploration, fun.

• Plot Summary:

  • The village is abuzz with news of a leopard sighting.

  • A teacher, Shri Man Mani, goes missing, causing panic.

  • Resolution: Shri Man Mani returns, having simply gotten lost. The “leopard attack” was a false assumption, a key example of irony.

  • Subplot: Shri Man Mani is stressed by a new, younger teacher (Tania Romola) being assigned to a senior class. This stress manifests as forgetfulness and “stress eating.”

  • Climax: On the walk home, the children are warned by the postman to hurry because of the leopard. This fear causes Sonu to forget his foot pain, highlighting the power of external threats to override personal discomfort.

Next Steps

• All Students:

  • Write and submit reflections on today’s session.

  • Consider presenting a book review or a creative work (drawing or interview) in a future session.

• PYDS Students:

  • Send a group photo to Manisha Khanna.

• Jugjiv Singh:

  • Continue reading What You’re Looking For Is in the Library next week.

• Manisha Khanna:

  • Continue reading The Whistling School Boy and Anir Kahania next week.

    
    

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