Reading: The Path to Curious and Critical Thinkers - Sunbeam School, Varuna

 

Nurturing Empathy Through Stories - Sunbeam School, Mau

I am delighted to share that I recently participated in the My Good School Webinar.

The session highlighted the importance of developing a love for books and language from the early years. As a Nursery teacher, I realised that introducing children to stories, rhymes, and picture books helps build their vocabulary, listening skills, imagination, and confidence. These early reading experiences lay a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Shalini Tandon

Today's reading session was deeply engaging and made me reflect on the emotional world of children. Brinda Ma'am guided us beautifully, encouraging us to look beyond the storyline and understand the deeper emotions behind the characters.

Jugjiv Sir's discussion reminded me that stories become meaningful when we explore the characters' thoughts, feelings, and conflicts rather than simply reading the words.

The Hindi story "बिल्ली की आँख", read by Manisha Ma'am, left me with many questions. Binya's transformation from a human into a cat and her desire to take revenge on her teacher are symbolic of the deep hurt, anger, and helplessness a child can carry when they feel misunderstood or humiliated. While her actions cannot be justified, the story reminds us that a teacher's words and behaviour leave a lasting impact on a child's mind. A child who feels unheard or is repeatedly hurt may begin to react in unexpected ways.

As teachers, this story encourages us to be patient, sensitive, and mindful of our interactions with every learner. Discipline is important, but it should always go hand in hand with empathy and respect. Sometimes, a few kind words, patient listening, and understanding can heal emotions far more effectively than punishment.

Today's session strengthened my belief that the true role of a teacher is not only to teach but also to nurture, guide, and protect the emotional well-being of every child.

Sangeeta Singh

Academic Head (VI–VIII)

शामली में ठहरा वक्त और अन्य कहानियां, शिक्षक के दृष्टिकोण से चिंतन

1. बिन्या की कहानी हमें सिखाती है कि हर बच्चे के व्यवहार के पीछे कोई न कोई भावनात्मक कारण होता है। शिक्षक का दायित्व केवल पढ़ाना नहीं, बल्कि बच्चे की भावनाओं को समझना भी है।

2. किसी भी बच्चे का सार्वजनिक रूप से अपमान उसके आत्मविश्वास को आहत कर सकता है। एक संवेदनशील शिक्षक ऐसा वातावरण बनाता है, जहाँ हर बच्चा सम्मान और सुरक्षा का अनुभव करे।

3. बिन्या का आत्मसम्मान और साहस हमें याद दिलाता है कि कठिन परिस्थितियाँ भी बच्चों की प्रतिभा और क्षमता को सीमित नहीं कर सकतीं। सही मार्गदर्शन उन्हें आगे बढ़ने का आत्मबल देता है।

एक शिक्षक के रूप में हमें इन बातों का ध्यान अवश्य रखना चाहिए:

• आत्मसम्मान बनाए रखें, लेकिन विनम्रता भी न छोड़ें।

• अपनी भावनाएँ शांत और सकारात्मक तरीके से व्यक्त करें।

• प्रत्येक बच्चे की पृष्ठभूमि का सम्मान करें और किसी की तुलना न करें।

• बच्चों में सहानुभूति, धैर्य और दूसरों के सम्मान का भाव विकसित करें।

• यह संदेश दें कि सच्ची सफलता आत्मविश्वास, साहस और अच्छे चरित्र से मिलती है।

डॉ. अंदलीब ज़हेरा
अकेडमिक हेड

As a teacher, from this reading of the story of "My Family and Other Animals" by Brinda ma'am, I learned that students understand literature more deeply when they are encouraged to listen carefully, observe the characters' emotions, and discuss the meaning behind the events. I also realised that creating a classroom environment where students feel comfortable sharing their interpretations helps build confidence, critical thinking, and communication skills. This webinar has inspired me to make my own teaching more engaging by connecting reading activities with reflection, discussion, and real-life experiences so that students develop not only language proficiency but also a genuine appreciation for literature.

Reading the story "What You Are Looking For Is In The Library" by Jugjiv Sir made me reflect deeply as a teacher. The conversation between Seitaro and Hiroya shows how dreams from school days often get challenged by society’s idea of “success.” Even though Seitaro wasn’t published and Hiroya’s art was called “too bizarre,” both of them still held on to what they loved. As a teacher, I was reminded that our classrooms should be spaces where we don’t laugh at different dreams like Nishiya did, but instead encourage students to keep trying. Seitaro’s words, _“There’s no guarantee of certainty,”_ taught me that we can’t promise children a perfect, secure path, but we can teach them resilience, self-belief, and respect for every journey. This story made me realise that teaching is not just about academics and jobs, but also about helping children protect their passions while understanding how to face real life.

Reading this  story of  "Shamli Mein Thahra Waqt" by Manisha Ma'am  made me realise as a teacher that we often overlook quiet children who seem “different.” Binya’s connection with nature and her silence showed me that every child has an inner world we must respect. The tragic end of the “Madam” also reminded me that our words as teachers carry power. I learned that our job is not just to teach academics, but to create a safe, empathetic space where every child feels seen, heard, and valued.

Rekha Sharma, Teacher