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.

    
    

    FATHOM-AI-generated content, please read with care.

Curiosity, Habits, and Learning: Reflections from the Good School Session - Sunbeam School Ballia

In today’s reading session with Brinda Ma’am, we read the chapter “A Treasure of Spiders” from My Family and Other Animals. The chapter beautifully shows how curiosity and close observation of nature can turn even small discoveries into exciting learning experiences. Listening to the discussion made me appreciate how passion and patience can help us understand the world around us more deeply.

Along with the reading, Maira shared her review of the book Atomic Habits. Her explanation about how small habits can lead to big changes really caught my attention and motivated me to read the book myself. It made me realise that improving ourselves does not always require big actions; even small and consistent efforts can make a difference. Further, Jugjiv Sir spoke about the importance of physical movement and the development of good daily habits. His words reminded me that discipline, healthy routines, and staying active are essential for both our mind and body.

Overall, today’s session was not just about reading a chapter, but about learning how curiosity, habits, and physical well-being together shape a better lifestyle and a stronger personality.
Akanksha Rai

Today I attended the Good School session. First, Brinda Ma’am had a brief discussion about superstitions, during which many students shared various superstitions they had heard about. After that, the session with Manisha Ma’am began. It started with Maira’s book review of Atomic Habits. I have already read this book, and I think it is amazing.

Then Manisha Ma’am conducted a short quiz based on reading reflections. After that, she told a very interesting story about a school surrounded by a deep forest. The story was very engaging and enjoyable.

Overall, the session was amazing and very interesting.
Ishika Singh

Learning Through Curiosity and Reflection - PYDS Learning Academy

 

MGS Reflection 

Students participated in an engaging Good School session that combined reading, discussion, and reflection. The session encouraged students to observe nature closely and understand how curiosity and patience can turn small discoveries into meaningful learning experiences. Students also shared different superstitions they had heard, which made the discussion lively and interactive. The session also included a thoughtful book review highlighting how small, consistent habits can lead to positive changes in life. A short quiz and an interesting story added to the excitement and kept everyone actively involved. Overall, the session inspired students to value curiosity, develop good habits, and maintain a healthy and disciplined lifestyle.

Exploring Nature and Beliefs: Reflections on “Sweet Spring” My Godd School Session- Lotus Petal Foundation

Today’s session was very educational and engaging. We read Chapter 6, “Sweet Spring”, from Gerald Durrell’s book, focusing on the meeting of Theodore Stefanides, his second important teacher after George.

Today’s session mainly focused on the following:

1. We discovered the fascinating trapdoor spider (Teniza) and learned how it creates silk-lined burrows with camouflage doors to catch its prey.

2. We understood that Theodore’s character is calm, patient, and knowledgeable. He treated young Gerald with respect and spoke to him as an equal despite the age difference.

Also, Bindra Ma’am asked us all to collect some superstitions:

1. Sneezing twice before leaving the house is considered bad luck.

2. An itchy left palm signifies losing money, while an itchy right palm means you will receive money.

3. Crows cawing near a house is believed to indicate that guests will arrive soon.

Special thanks go to all the teachers who gave us their precious time. I am grateful for today’s session and am looking forward to the next one.
Yuvraj Negi – Grade 5

Today’s session was very engaging. Today we dived into Chapter 6, “Sweet Spring”, from Gerald Durrell’s book and met Theodore Stefanides, Gerald’s teacher.

Highlights:

1. We discovered the interesting trapdoor spider (Teniza) and its amazing silk-lined burrows.

2. Theodore’s calm, patient, and knowledgeable nature was inspiring. He treated Gerald like an equal.

Bindra Ma’am also asked us to collect some superstitions, which made the session more interesting.

Examples include:

• Sneezing twice before leaving the house is considered bad luck.

• An itchy left palm means losing money, while an itchy right palm means gaining money.

• Crows cawing near the house means guests may arrive.

A big thank you to all the teachers for organising the session. I am grateful for today’s class and look forward to the next one.
Thank you.
Disha, 5A

Today’s session was truly amazing and full of excitement. We explored Chapter 6, “Sweet Spring”, from the book My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell. In this chapter, we met the wonderful teacher Theodore Stefanides, who guided Gerald with patience and kindness. His calm nature and deep knowledge were truly inspiring. What made him special was the way he treated Gerald like an equal and encouraged his curiosity about nature.

One of the most fascinating things we learned about was the trapdoor spider (Teniza). It was incredible to discover how it builds a silk-lined burrow with a hidden trapdoor and patiently waits for its prey. Nature is truly full of wonders.

Another interesting part of the session was when Bindra Ma’am asked us to share different superstitions we know. That made the discussion enjoyable. Some examples were:

• Sneezing twice means bad luck.

• An itchy left palm means losing money, while an itchy right palm means getting money.

• When crows start cawing, it means guests might be arriving.

Overall, the session was engaging, fun, and full of learning. A big thank you to all our teachers for making the class lively and enjoyable. I am truly grateful for today’s session and already excited for the next one.
Thank you.
Aditya Yadav – 5/C 

"Sunday School" concept, emphasising curiosity and creativity without exams

My Good School Mar 8, 10:20 am, 1 hr 42 min

The discussion centred on the impact of exam-focused education systems, highlighting the stress and reduced instructional time they cause. Brinda and Jugjiv Singh shared experiences of residential school environments and the benefits of continuous assessment. The conversation shifted to the "Sunday School" concept, emphasizing curiosity and creativity without exams. They read a chapter from "The Treasure of the Spiders," discussing Gerald's interactions with Theodore, a biologist, and his fascination with trapdoor spiders. The session concluded with a quiz on reading habits and a presentation on "Atomic Habits," stressing the importance of small, consistent changes for building good habits. Manisha read a chapter in Hindi from Ruskin Bond’s The Whistling Schoolboy.