That's a Wrap-up for 2024 at My Good School!

My Good School (12/29/2024)

Quick recap

The session for the 'My Good School' program aims to enhance students' 6 C's through reading and reflection and emphasises the importance of student-centric learning and personal and social development. Discussions also revolved around traditional Indian practices, assertiveness, the practice of dowry, and the benefits of reading and learning from various books. The conversation ended with plans for upcoming presentations and the introduction of the My Good School program for teachers.

Next steps

• Sunbeam Lehartara students to prepare and present their YES Workshop presentations at the last Sunday session in January.

• Century School students must attend at least 3 months of My Good School sessions before preparing presentations.

• Manisha to share the Amazon link for "The Inner Life of Animals" book.

• Ila will encourage her students to read "The Inner Life of Animals" and "My Name is Cinnamon" books.

• Ila will consider bringing a group of teachers to Dehradun for a live session at the Joy of Learning studio.

• Students should explore the My Good School website and consider applying for internships after attending 5-6 weeks of sessions.

• Teachers interested in certification should submit 11 assignments in the year through the Teachers Academy program.

• Ila will send her students' poems and stories to be published in the Joy of Learning Diaries.

• Sunbeam schools will prepare YES Workshop presentations for the last Sunday session in January.

• As discussed in the chapter, all participants must reflect on the differences between urban and rural life and observe during monsoon season.

Summary

Introducing 'My Good School' Program

Sandeep welcomed Rajani Singh from Sunbeam Ballia. Manisha introduced the meeting's purpose: to discuss the 'My Good School' program, which aims to enhance the students' 6 Cs.

Pedagogy, Reflection, and School Alliance

In the meeting, Manisha and Sandeep discussed the importance of reading and reflection in their pedagogy, focusing on critical and creative thinking. They introduced two books, "In a Life of Animals" and "The Inner Life," for the community to read and reflect on. Sandeep also announced the addition of new schools to their Good School Alliance, emphasising the importance of student-centric learning and personal and social development. He encouraged the participants to volunteer in various programs, including professional learning programs and the Teachers Academy. The conversation ended with Sandeep and Manisha preparing to read from the books and the participants' reflections on the joy of learning for the year.

Cinnamon's Emotional Breakfast Encounter

In the meeting, Jugjiv discussed the book's previous chapter, focusing on the emotional moment when Cinnamon met his birth mother and stepfather. The group then discussed the events of the next chapter, where Cinnamon and his family had breakfast together. The breakfast consisted of spicy food, which Cinnamon struggled to eat, and the family's reactions to the food were discussed. The conversation ended with discussing the gifts Cinnamon and his family exchanged.

Exploring Indian Traditions and Cuisine

In this discussion, Jugjiv shares insights on the health benefits of traditional Indian practices like yoga poses, squatting toilets, and eating on the floor. He believes these practices promote better posture, flexibility, and digestion. The group discusses regional specialities like the Shaniwar Wada palace in Pune and textiles like Banarasi silk and Paithani sarees. They also discuss famous local food items such as malai, kachori, and tomato chaat. Jugjiv highlights the move away from nature and towards processed foods and medication in modern city life. The group exchanges views on ways to reduce spiciness in food, with milk and salt being recommended over water.

Assertiveness and Effective Communication

Jugjiv led a discussion on assertiveness, defining it as communicating directly, honestly, and respectfully while standing firm on one's point of view. He emphasised the importance of assertiveness in achieving goals, improving communication, and building relationships. He also highlighted the journey to becoming assertive, starting with self-reflection and setting boundaries. The group discussed various ways to become more assertive, including affirmations, clear communication, and confidence in one's knowledge and decisions. The discussion also touched on the role of self-reflection and clear thought in assertiveness.

Dowry's Origins and Reading Techniques

Jugjiv discusses the practice of dowry, which originated in Greece and the Roman Empire and spread to other parts of the world, including Latin America, due to European migration. He explains that dowry is present in Brazil and other Latin American countries because Portuguese colonisers brought the custom there. Jugjiv and Sandeep also discuss improving reading and pronunciation skills by following along with the text and Jugjiv's narration. Additionally, Jugjiv reads a passage about Cinnamon's observations of village life and his conversation with Aditi about his late father.

Explorers, Games, and Cultural Differences

Sandeep asks students to list five great explorers and the countries they came from as a reflection activity. Students mention Vasco da Gama from Portugal, Christopher Columbus, Ferdinand Magellan, and the Sikh guru Nanak Dev Ji. Jugjiv explains the meaning of the phrase "stark warning". They discuss traditional Indian games like marbles, hopscotch, and "ice and water". Jugjiv reads excerpts from a novel describing a boy named Cinnamon visiting his tribal relatives in a village, observing their way of life, food, and local fruits like mahua. The chapter highlights the cultural differences between urban and rural lives.

Reflecting on Books and Retreat Experiences

The students and teachers reflect on the benefits of reading and learning from various books. Sandeep emphasises the importance of reflection, sharing thoughts, and presenting learning. He outlines a structure for the monthly meetings, including student presentations on the last Sunday. The students present their experiences from a retreat program organised by the Good School Alliance, including activities like art competitions, team building, visiting schools, exploring farms, and interacting with local communities. They discuss the key themes and lessons from books like "The Inner Life of Animals," "My Name is Cinnamon," the Jataka Tales, and "The Hidden Life of Trees," highlighting the importance of empathy, different perspectives, and connections with nature.

Reflection and Learning Opportunities

Shaurya explains the benefits of reflection, such as promoting active learning and enhancing understanding. He thanks the organisers for the opportunities provided through the program. Shubhangi and Anmol also thank the organisers for facilitating learning and growth experiences. Sandeep encourages participation beyond the classroom, reading good books and practising the joy of giving. He invites schools to send students for an upcoming retreat. Deepa suggests having students read aloud during sessions for English practice. Sandeep explains the rationale for having professional readers instead but welcomes students to speak during the sessions. Ila shares her plan to motivate students to read books during the holidays, and Sandeep recommends specific book titles.

Sandeep's Office and My Good School

In the meeting, ILA and Sandeep discussed the location of Sandeep's office in Dehradun and his work at the Joy of Learning Studio above the iconic 101-year-old bookstore The English Book Depot. ILA expressed interest in visiting the studio and was invited to attend a live session on January 8th. Sandeep also introduced ILA to the My Good School program, which focuses on reading, reflection, and relationships and offers a certified program for teachers. ILA was encouraged to apply for the program and submit assignments for certification. The conversation ended with Manisha announcing the next month's presentations and the upcoming Yes program.

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Retirement- The Last Phase of a Life

    Retirement- The Last Phase of a life

In this phase of life of retirement, we are not set to just enjoy our own selfishness by playing golf, partying, or travelling. Do these things, but remember that god has sent you into this beautiful world, in the most intelligent form of living, to do something for society as well. Do something for humanity and show empathy to the people who need it. 

Help someone who is struggling with some kind of addiction; you can help some kids who are not able to afford education; you can teach them; you can just go to an old age home and talk to the people there.

It's up to you to decide what mark you want to leave on this world in your last phase of life.

At last, I would like to mention a very beautiful quote by Oprah Winfrey: "Use me, God! Show me how to take who I am, who I want to be, and what I can do, and use it for a purpose greater than myself. "

Shaurya Chaturvedi
VIII-B
Sunbeam Hostel Lahartara

Life Lessons with Amardeep Singh - Tenzin Jambey

Tenzin Jambey of Pestalozzi Children’s Village India shares his reflections from the Sunday School on 24 December 2023, when we hosted a Meet and Greet with Amardeep Singh Rangar. Tenzin shares with us what being human is, how we yearn for peace, why money, perhaps the biggest sin for mankind, has made us lose our value system and much more. Please listen to his maiden podcast and share your love with him by posting your comments for the episode.

Importance of Taking Risk ! And many more - Sunbeam School Lahartara

Reflections from the Sunday School

Importance Of Taking Risks

Taking risks is important because it builds our knowledge. Taking risks is something that we all have to do in our lives. Sometimes, taking risks is essential; it builds our confidence and makes us better than if we never took them. Because it brings a good change and helps us learn. Taking risks is a core element of human life. Failure and mistakes are common when taking risks. We should not be afraid because we will realise instead and become successful men eventually.

"Great Success Always Comes at the Risk of Enormous Failure". Winston Churchill

Divyanshu Agarwal- IX D

Experiential Insights from the point of view of Guru Nanak Dev Ji

Practice self-service to humanity and treat everyone equally. Incorporate daily meditation and prayer into our routine, as Guru Nanak did.

"SEWA" engages in voluntary services to help those in need. For the past several decades, societies worldwide have examined the concept of equality, debating bias in the workplace, social arenas at home, and religion. According to Guru Nanak, life's purpose is to become a truthful being and enlighten others.

"Dwell in peace of the house of your own being, and the message of death will not be able to touch you."  

Shubhangi Kashyap - VIII B

Tata'sTata Stories

My good school is a place to learn good things and morals. For me, it is always exciting to attend the sessions of good schools. Tata Stories inspire me to do something unique in life. It gives me the passion to carry forward any work with sustainability and longevity. Like Sandeep sir said, age is just a number, and we should dream big and achieve big.

Samriddhi Banerjee- IVB

A dream is not something you see when you sleep; a dream doesn't let you sleep. Dreams, the nocturnal symphony of the mind, transport us to realms unknown. As we surrender to the embrace of sleep, the subconscious weaves tapestries of imagination and emotion. In this ethereal dance, the boundaries of reality blur, and the mind becomes a canvas for the surreal and fantastical. Dreams are the silent storytellers, narrating tales that defy logic and gravity, where the mundane transforms into the extraordinary. Each night, we embark on odysseys of the mind, encountering phantoms of the past and visions of the future.

Aryan Kumar - VII A

The common humanity look through the night - Reveda Bhatt

Picture Courtesy: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=458675426302602&set=a.458675399635938&locale=sk_SK

So, creeping up and about was the full moon in the night skies above the small town of Nashville. The wind blew hard and soft simultaneously, for there was no hard and fast rule. The crackling dried-up leaves swirled around in the dusty wind when they dropped on the curled-up hairs of the little girl. Out in the lonesome night was she, dressed in an elegant frilled frock with chubby cheeks and a pink tinge on the skin as if she were a Barbie! Barring her from the mist falling was her small umbrella. Her name was Eleanor. 

Now, Nashville had supposedly never been famous for a "Night Life," but seeing the little girl roam about the town in the starry night, residents drew down their curtains so that their children could not see her stroll around, as every toddler craves to; otherwise, they'd blabber, "Oh, Mama! Oh, Daddy! Can't we walk through the night!?"

The town had always been prone to theft and dacoits, so that was a significant reason for not allowing their children out at night. Oh! But there was our robust and fearless toddler out in the dark, for she was not like the others! Really! But as every strong person has a story, so does she. 

Having had a "good" life for approximately two years, which she hardly remembered, later comprised of her parents having problems with each other, days of arguments and violence, and as though that weren't enough, she was asked by each of them personally, "You sure do like me more for the other's not worth!" The child, up in confusion, looked at them with wonder-waiting eyes, for she wished for them to stop soon.

Well, they did, when one morning, when the girl was old enough, she woke up and saw her Mother's stuff gone, for she had stormed out and left the house at midnight, leaving her just a note, saying, "Mama loves you!" by her pillow. And just like that, she, who had been her Mom's part, had been left behind with just a note she carried everywhere. Even on that chilling night, it had been in her coat's inward safe spot. Let alone the father, for he, who was involved in drinking and making merry so much, that Eleanor had given up on him and ran through having nowhere to live but at least somewhere, away from her life otherwise. 

Now, probably, you know the reason why she "strolled" around. As for the fear of dacoits, nothing scared her; she had become fearless, seeing all she had seen, doing all she had done. But life has its ways of making the brave one feel better every night, for even she, who was fearless, had a heart like any other, which may be hard on the outside but was still that tender one on the inside. 

Well, that's what binds all of us together in life, Common Humanity!

Reveda Bhatt 
Grade X || The Aryan School

"All people have equal value" - Nishan Karki

                                 

Reflection from Sunday School

 

All lives have equal value. And so you say, 'Why do poor children die when other children don't? Why do some people have enough nutrition or reasonable toilets and other people don't?' So those basic needs that, through innovation, actually it's very affordable to bring them...to everyone.

~Bill Gates

Everyone in the world possesses many values. We, people, are the most intelligent beings created by God. God created us as social beings who can communicate, think, walk, eat, play and work by ourselves. God has provided us with many qualities like humanity, loyalty, kindness, honesty, compassion etc. We can look out for ourselves, do our work independently and do many more things. These qualities that we possess, make us unique, unlike animals and other creatures. They may possess some qualities, but not as many as we possess. Despite differences in region, birthplace, class, financial position, gender, age, caste, language and custom, people have equal values.

We may be rich, middle class or poor, but the value we possess are the same. We should use and show our values at the right time, place and situation. I have an example for this context- "There is a homeless guy, sitting on the side of a street. Two men were walking down the street, one poor and one wealthy. Despite being a wealthy man, he is rude and hard-hearted, unlike the poor, who is kind and generous. The rich man did not give attention to the homeless and walked away. But the poor man, in an instant, saw him and decided to help him. He went to a nearby shop and bought some food. He gave him food and a little money and spent time with him. The homeless guy thanked him. His eyes were all filled with tears."

This example shows that the poor guy has shown his value as a person and helped the homeless guy with some food and money. Thus we should use our values at the right time, place and situation. We should not hesitate to help someone in distress and difficulties because even a small help can change someone's life.

I believe that all lives have equal value. That all men and women are created equal. That everyone belongs. That everyone has rights, and everyone has the right to flourish. I believe that when people who are bound by the rules have no role in shaping the rules, moral blind spots become law, and the powerless bear the burden. ... I believe that entrenched social norms that shift society’s benefits to the powerful and its burdens to the powerless not only hurt the people pushed out but also always hurt the whole.

~Melinda Gates

 

Nishan Karki

Pestalozzi Children's Village, India

Being Human - Veda Varshita Marrivada

Being human is something which everyone cannot do. It depends on whether an individual is human, but what is being human? It means being a very generous human being. It is also a part of Humanity. Being human can also reflect on the character of a person. Donations, Charities, Adoptions, etc., come under the category of being human. A person requires a pure and kind heart to be human. Being human gives a feeling of satisfaction and happiness and teaches us to be good human beings.

The reality of the world hides in a mask where most people claim the good deeds and blame the bad deeds, but rare people are good humans from the inside. People show off their acts for the sake of status but not with good intentions. Humanity is becoming extinct, and many people hate each other. The percentage of cruelty in the world is at a high intensity.

Everyone should be treated fairly and equally. ALAS! I am still a child, but once I grow up, I shall donate money to old age homes and orphanages, give money to the poor and help anyone I see in trouble without hesitation. Also, I shall try my best to be a good human being as an honourable citizen of India, but my parents currently arrange food banks at orphanages and old age homes on our birthdays. Helping them gives us a feeling of happiness and joy. My parents always help others, inspiring and motivating me to do the same.

Helping others makes everyone happy. Humanity is an essential virtue which we should follow for a better world. Being human also applies to animals. Treating them fairly is necessary too. Many people torture animals such as horses, elephants, lions and other animals for entertainment.

In conclusion, everyone should do their best to be a good human being.

Veda Varishta Marrivada
Grade 5 Hyderabad Public School Begumpet

Listen to my reflection

War and Peace - Aria Gupta

We all can agree on one thing, which is that war is a horrible, horrible thing. It was a war that tore our country apart, which is how the Britishers were able to take advantage of us. It also takes the lives of innocent people, leaving their loved ones in immense pain.

If war has such negative consequences, then why does it still happen?

What’s even worse is that they try to cover up their greed and selfishness and say they’re doing this for the people or justice.

How can they say that they’re doing this for the people if they end up so traumatised and malnutrition after a war?

Instead, they should live peacefully and try to share resources; there is no denying that humanity is trying to achieve that. The United Nations has prevented many conflicts between Countries from arising. But humans should try harder to avoid war and encourage peace to live happily and peacefully without violence.

Aria Gupta
Grade VI
Gyanshree school

Being Human - Anvesha Rana

We are all human by birth, but that does not make a difference until we choose to be human. God has gifted us with the power of speech, the ability to harness raw materials and turn them into resources, the power to help other living entities and the capacity to develop a world of acceptance, but we have only taken the better out of our birth given right, never considering it to be a boon but an obvious fact. We never are grateful for being human simply because we don’t think we are human.

In this fast-paced world where everyone seems to be struggling for something, we have forgotten what being human means. We only cater to our needs, worry about our goals, focus on our problems, and only look at good things for us. As we forget to be human, we fail to be empathetic, compassionate and helpful; we might say that being independent is the need of the hour and that one should always look out for themselves, but then what is the difference between the predators and us out in the wild which only kill the weak and gullible to rule over, what will the world be if the innocent are further pressed down and walked upon.

Humanity comes to a still, and we forget our virtues as this world nurtures us into selfish and greedy individuals. It teaches us to bite the hand that feeds us and to not help but heap upon the frail ones. The sight of being human vanishes more every day, and although we have seen enough cruelty, we have also witnessed a few instances where love was present, where humanity was finally caught. Even if the bad is growing ever more and it feels that cruel people are stronger out there, never forget that only a little bit of humanity can extinguish a lot of evil deeds. Only a little bit of love can transform millions of hearts. The good is always more substantial than the bad; our positivity is so contagious that it can kill any negativity. 

Being human means not to profit out of someone’s weaknesses,

It means not to have eyes that see gain but that feel the pain,

It means to help without expectations and to love without getting it back, 

It means to be selfless and give more, more and more

When someone leaves a seat on the bus for an old lady or man, 

I understand what it is to be a human, 

When someone goes out of their way to help, 

I know what it is to be a human, 

When a child selflessly gives away their lunch to a friend who has none, 

I know what it is to be a human, 

When a teacher empathizes with a kid who has suffered a loss, 

I know what it is to be a human. 

Being a human is the greatest asset, 

We are human for a purpose and reason, 

Let us not trample upon the ones who hurt us, 

Forget and forgive is to be a human, 

To give more and expect less is to be a human, 

To offer a hand to others and walk together is to be a human,

To listen to the heart rather than the mind is to be a human,

We all are human by birth, but we must embrace it by nature.

Anvesha Rana

Grade 11 

Gyanshree School

Tolerance @ My Good School

My Good School Show Season 9 and Episode 14

Tolerance is the consequence of humanity. We are all formed of frailty and error; let us pardon reciprocally each other's folly - that is the first law of nature. Tolerance stands tall to the open testimony that change is the only constant. Like Bruce Lee said, "Be water, my friend" we are all confirmed only for change, and change begins with Tolerance.

Join Anvesha and Simar as they explore Tolerance and dive into this beautiful conversation where Shilpika, Yashraj and Rishona express their take on being tolerant.

Anvesha Rana and Simar Kaur - Hosts from Gyanshree School
Rishona Chopra and Yashraj Sharma - Guests from Gyanshree School
Shilpika Pandey - Guest from My Good School
Cover art by Arav Agarwal of FIS International School Thane.

Enjoy our shows on www.DilJeeto.com.
You will love the stories our students, teachers, and passionate educators share.
Please find out more about My Good School at www.MyGoodSchool.in.

When I Die - Reveda Bhatt

So, God gave me a new life to live, but, you know, let’s face it, I am not immortal, so I have to die one day. I know I’ll be walking toward the cliff one day and disappearing into the grieving, shallow darkness.

To those who think -Thinking about death is depressing, or maybe I am depressed. Ahh, that’s a straight-away no because thinking about what’s going to come one day is absolutely normal, be it a new start to life or a jump to death. In fact, thinking about it gives me a unique perspective on how to look at life - it’s just the beginning of the end. That may sound weird, but personally, it inspires me not to hold on to a moment looking for the lost one but to move on to see what the next brings. Plus, it’s all about perspective -if we hold on to one side, we might miss out on the fun on the other.

Plus, one thing I read recently- “Cycles exist because they are excruciating to break.” So, you see, this end called death exists because if it didn’t, either way, nobody wants to leave, keeping aside the matter of suic*de because something in them forces them to end this suffering once and for all, maybe because they never saw the brighter side of things. Don’t take any of it personally, please.

Now, about me - I want to serve humanity for a good reason, a good cause. And believe me when I say
that, “It will never change!”

Not going for materialistic things in excess. I want to give them away to the needy. In fact, a part of what we earn, we should give away because nothing is ours. Once we leave, it’ll just be the things belonging here-they don’t go with us.

I am sure, doing all that, after a moment, I’ll find myself walking toward the cliff I know has an end - Free falling.

“That’s why when I die, I want people to remember me for life I lived, not for the money I made.”

Then, vision widening lights off!

Reveda Bhatt
Grade 9
The Aryan School

Sudha Murty - Rishona Chopra

Sudha Murty was born in 1950 in Shiggaon in north Karnataka. She has written nine novels, four technical books, three travelogues, one short story collection, and two non-fiction pieces, including How I Taught My Grandmother to Read and Other Stories. 

Other books by her are - Grandma's Bag Of Stories, The Magic Of The Lost Temple, Grandparents Bag Of Stories, The Upside Down King, Gopi Diaries, The Man From The Egg, How The Sea Became Salty, How The Mango Got Its Magic, The Sage with two horns, The Magic Drum and many more.

Wise and Otherwise, initially published in English, is now available in several Indian languages—Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Gujarati, Oriya, Bengali and Kashmiri.

Wise and Otherwise is a book about heartwarming stories with a touch of reality. This book gives a clear account of her work and approach to it. An accomplished storyteller in Kannada, Sudha Murty wrote for the first time in English to inaugurate a fortnightly column in the New Sunday Express. She focused on her experiences, travels, and encounters with ordinary people with extraordinary minds.

From stories of honesty to humbleness, from humanity to rudeness. About a boy's honesty despite such poverty. Greediness despite richness. The opposites meet, and the harsh truth is shown. This book encounters real-life stories that leave a profound mark on our minds.

Rishona Chopra
Grade VI
Gyanshree School

Swami and Friends - Anvesha Rana

However badly Mani would have despised Rajam, he cannot bring the cruelty in his heart to hurt him. On being face-to-face, they apologize to each other and end up being great friends. What scared Mani the most was that if he hurt Rajam, Rajams' spirit would haunt and torture him, so it was best to be friends rather than foes. 

I am not afraid of ghosts or spirits, except at night, whenever I sleep and even if the door is slightly open, I feel as if someone is peeping in, so I permanently close my door before sleeping. Also, I find it really hard to sleep alone after watching a horror movie since the scenes are living in my mind, and I just can't bear to think that there will be a ghost standing there when I turn around!

Swami talks about odds and ends, ups and downs, to his one-of-a-kind grandmother, who just wants to tell him how wonderful his grandfather was. The constant bickering between the two is very usual to others. For me, a conversation with my grandmother is fun. We talk about her times, like how school was then, how the uniform was and how strict the teachers were. She loves to talk about knitting, which is also her favourite activity and then my grandmother likes to ask me about myself. Also, she always cooks my favourite meals whenever I visit her. 

Swami, Rajam and Mani are good friends, but they were impertinent to a fellow helper, and this also ended up in Rajam being offended, but that was alright as it was Rajams' fault in the first place since he was trying to show off. There is a mark difference between show, and show-off; we show everything from our books to clothes to gifts, but we also show off a colossal amount of things like a new watch or some expensive clothes. To show off is to exaggerate the object more than its actual value, and to show is to make others see what you have in its truest and purest form. 

Anvesha Rana, 

Grade 10-B, 

Gyanshree School

Humility - just like a tall bamboo!

Please note how simply a humble bamboo tree 

teaches Humility to humanity.

Comic Strip Team @ My Good School

Please meet the comic strip team for this month:  Rishona, Anvesha, Simar, Arav and Gaurangi. Thanks to all the interns, they have worked hard to create comic strips on Humility. 
Arushi Goswami, a teacher at Gyanshree School, is our guide for the project.

Like Crumpled Paper - Rishona Chopra

Humanity is now like Crumpled Paper.

Let's just say - wholly ruined. But if you look at this crumpled paper, doesn't it look a little beautiful? 

All we need is hope to change humanity.

Some look at the crumpled paper like a waste, but I look at it like beauty. This means that we can change society into something beautiful with hope and positive thoughts!

Rishona Chopra 
Grade VI 
Gyanshree School