Lotus Petals Lessons from the Sunday School

Lotus Petals Whispers.pptx by Manisha Khanna

Check out the wonderful reflections about reading Carsten Henn's The Doon-to-Door Bookstore and our enlightening session with Amardeep Singh at the screening of Allegory—The Tapestry of Guru Nanak’s Travels.

Reflections Sunday the 22nd September 2024

My Name Is Cinnamon-
1. What is the significance of the Kohinoor diamond?
2. How is life at weekends different from weekdays?
3. What do you do when clothes fall off when you remove them from the clothesline?
4. What is discombobulate?
5. How do you feel when insignificant things blow up?
6. Why must you do a few chores at home or school? 

Hidden Life Of Trees -
1 Did the story connect with you today, and why?
2. Find out about
a. stoically
b. repertoire
c. impervious
d. proviso
3. Why do trees put on a thicker coat?
4. What do you mean by “as the tree battens down the hatches”?

Rishona: Reflections of the week

My Name Is Cinnamon- 
1. What was your takeaway from the session today? 
2. What was discussed in the chapter today?
3. Why is the protagonist's nickname "Cinnamon"?
4. What does discombobulate mean?
5. Experiences while playing scrabble
6. What did you do when your clothes fell off the line ?
7. My weekend - what makes it different? 
8. How can we normalize adoption? 
9. What is a zombie movie?
10. Never be ashamed of who you are

The Hidden Life Of Trees – 
1. Find out about anemones.
2. What is your takeaway from today’s session?
3. What happens when thicker coat is formed on leaves?
4. What do you mean by "hatches"? 
5. How do trees survive?
6. What is "repertoire"? 
 
These are some suggestions you can choose from. Looking forward to seeing your wonderful and thoughtful reflections! You can email your reflections at mk@learningforward.org.in

Otter AI adds

After the class at My Good School:

Sandeep Dutt discussed the Little Village School (near Dehradun, emphasizing its mission to inspire unselfishness and service. My Good School will host a retreat in November and aims to become a venue for future retreats. 

Jugjiv and Sandeep highlighted the importance of family relationships and the need for assertiveness. He also mentioned the adoption of Cinnamon and the family's efforts to normalise it. 

The conversation included tips for managing exam stress, such as breathing exercises and color-coded notes. The discussion also touched on the importance of adaptability, using trees as an example, and the need for behavioral and genetic variability to survive climate changes.

Listen to the podcast: www.LearningForwardPodcast.com

Interns Meeting and the forthcoming My Good School Reteat 2024

Based on the context provided:

1. Sandeep Dutt shard the excitment about the upcoming retreat at the Arthur Foot School (Little Village School). He sees it as an opportunity to support the Little Village School and further the mission of spreading the joy of learning that the Learning Forward Foundation is focused on.

2. Sandeep mentions that the Arthur Foot School will be the venue for the Retreat for years to come, as it is located near the Rajaji Sanctuary, which aligns with our vision of connecting education with the natural environment.

3. Sandeep encourages the attendees to visit the Arthur Foot Academy website to learn more about the retreat and the partnership between the Learning Forward Foundation and the Little Village School.

www.ArthurFootAcademy.org

4. In terms of contributing, Sandeep suggests that the attendees, including interns and school captains, can get involved by visiting the school, participating in activities, and finding ways to collaborate and support the Little Village School as part of the Good School Alliance community.

Overall, Sandeep seems enthusiastic about the retreat and the opportunity to work with the Little Village School, and he is looking for ways for the attendees to get involved and contribute to this initiative.

Check out the Live Recording courtesy Sunbeam School Varuna.

Reflections Sunday the 15th September 2024

Action Items:

• GSA Retreat from November 13th to November 16th at Khan Farm near Dehradun.
• Students to submit reflections to Manisha at mk@learningforward.org.in.
• Students to consider creating a school newsletter incorporating Joy of Learning content.
• Interns/ students may come forward and volunteer for The Teacher's Academy and Retreat in November.

The Guru Nanak Docuseries-

1. What is your opinion/experience about the significance of places shown in today's episode?
2. Draft a thank you letter/ message for Mr. Amardeep Singh.
3. What is the purpose of the prayer wheel?
4. Oneness in diversity- Comment.
5. Self-reflection and inner peace are more important than worldly treasures- Comment
6. Write a reflection on your belief in fate, destiny, or karma. Connect it with the people shown in today's episode.

The Hidden Life Of Trees -

1. Did the story connect with you today, and why?
2. Find out about-
    a. Fagus grandifolia
    b. Alps
    c. conquistadors
    d. Achilles' heels
5. Compare and contrast nature's blossoming with humans who try to stop it from spreading for their needs of housing and agriculture.

Students may create a school newsletter incorporating Joy of Learning content.

These are some suggestions. We're looking forward to your excellent and thoughtful reflections, which you can email to mk@learningforward.org.in.

Check out the Retreat 2023 Album

https://photos.retreat.2023

Krishna and Karna - Sunbeam Suncity School

 

An exquisite reflection of the boundless bravery of extraordinary individuals. Since this is a mental game, everyone should rise to the occasion and overcome their fear. You have to have faith in your abilities to do a certain task. If you alternate between focused and dispersed brain modes, it will function. Adhya Grade-8

Reflections - Sunday School 8th September 2024

Here are the key questions and answers from the meeting:

1. What were Newton's laws discussed? The group was unsure about the exact number of Newton's laws, with some saying three and others saying four. Sandeep Dutt summarised that the first law concerns inertia, the second law concerns force and momentum, and the third law concerns action and reaction.

2. Where do Birch trees grow, and what are their characteristics? Birch trees are pioneer species that increase in open spaces. They have adaptations like white bark that reflects sunlight and oil in the bark, making it burn well.

3. What is the "Pando" tree, and how does it grow? The Pando is a single quaking aspen tree that has spread underground and grown over 40,000 trunks covering over 100 acres. It is an example of a tree that uses its roots to expand and defend itself.

4. What challenges do trees face in urban environments like school campuses? The group discussed how trees in schools may face challenges like lack of space, competition for sunlight, and damage from human activity. They were encouraged to observe the trees around their schools and share their observations.

- From My name is Cinnamon - 

1. What is your takeaway from today's session?

2. Write a reflection on the book and characters

3. What, according to you, should be the reason for adoption?

4. What do you do between the class breaks?

5. Is it reasonable to be noisy during breaks? Why? Why not?

6. Do you like your nickname?

7. What is the importance of math in your day-to-day life? 

- From Hidden Life Of Trees -     

1. Did the story connect with you today, and why? 

2. Find out about-

a. Aurochs

b. Quaking Aspen

c. Pando

3. What is the difference between naturopathy medicine and allopathic medicine?

4. Where do the Birches grow?

5. Do you have any challenges in your school or neighbourhood? 

Students may create a school newsletter incorporating Joy of Learning content. These are some suggestions. We're looking forward to your excellent and thoughtful reflections, which you can email to mk@learningforward.org.in.

Based on the meeting transcript, the following key points were discussed at the intern meeting:

1. Video file sizes and challenges with sharing large video files.

2. The school calendar and upcoming events include the Allegory episode and a Good Schools India journal post.

3. Sharing reflections and messages for Teacher's Day.

4. Discuss the books "The Hidden Life of Trees" and "The Hidden Life of Animals", including animal adoption, tree defence mechanisms, and tree growth strategies.

5. Exploring Newton's laws and discussing a potential 4th law proposed by the students.

6. Reflect on why parents sometimes resort to physically punishing their children.

7. Discuss the challenges trees face in urban environments, like deforestation and lack of biodiversity.

8. Planning for an upcoming school retreat in November at the edge of the Rajaji sanctuary.

9. Encourage students to share their thoughts, reflections, and stories and potentially contribute to a newsletter or podcast.

The meeting covered various topics related to the school's reading program, student engagement, and plans for future activities.

The Man Who Saw Tomorrow details Shomie Das’s ideas about how education should be an experience that children enjoy and not one that has been thrust upon them. That entails a deep acknowledgement and respect for the child as a unique individual.

Guru - Shubhangi Kashyap

 GURU

The beacons of light illuminate our path. Guru Purnima offers us a chance to express our gratitude and reflect on the significant impact our Guru's guidance has had on our lives. 

A guru is more than just a teacher; they are a wellspring of inspiration and wisdom. They expand our horizons, shape our thoughts, and encourage us to chase our dreams. Their influence extends far beyond the classroom, enriching our lives in profound ways.

As we celebrate Guru Purnima, let us take a moment to appreciate their dedication and commitment. Let us also renew our commitment to applying the knowledge they’ve imparted to us and continue our journey of learning and growth.

Shubhangi Kashyap

Sunbeam Lahartara

Heaven - Shambhavi Nautiyal

What does "Heaven" mean to me!

Place regarded in various religions as the abode of God (or the gods) and the angels, and of the good after death, often traditionally depicted as being above the sky.

I feel that being able to create and live freely is a piece of heaven on earth. If the gods reside in our heads in the form of good and pious thoughts, then, it would first be heaven in our heads and then outside of it. Being able to lead a life of balance and peace, sing loudly in the car, eat my favourite treats, learn new things, and accept my life all mean heaven to me. 

They are my energy givers and I designate them as my ‘heavenliness’ by enforcing gratitude. Romanticising every bit of my life and thinking that I am the main character as well as the people in my life, means heaven to me. My life means heaven to me. Being in my own company and being able to navigate life myself, means heaven to me. The helpers are the angels and my karma is my god.

Shambhavi Nautiyal

Ahlcon Public School

Kabir and Guru Nanak - Sanvi Rai

Kabir and Guru Nanak, two great spiritual leaders and poets, have left behind a legacy of profound wisdom and teachings. 

One of Kabir's dohas that is close to my heart is-

 "ज्ञानी सों जानै जो अपनी ही बुद्धि। 

पारस परस समुंद में हो गहरी फूल छाई॥", 

which translates to "The wise one is one who knows his own mind; just like a flower that shines deep in the water of the ocean." 

From the teachings of Guru Nanak, a verse that resonates with me is- 

 

"ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਬਾਣੀ, ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਤੇ ਜਾਤਿਜਾਤਿ ",

which means "The Guru's Bani (teachings) transcends all social and cultural boundaries." These dohas are not only close to my heart but also reflect timeless wisdom and insights that are relevant to all aspects of life.

Sanvi Rai 

Sunbeam School, Bhagwanpur 

Righteousness - Sanvi Rai

Righteousness, in its deepest meaning, refers to a moral and ethical principle where an individual or entity acts in accordance with what is morally right and just. It involves upholding virtues such as honesty, integrity, fairness, and adherence to principles of justice and equity.

This concept often extends beyond mere legal compliance to encompass a sense of moral duty and responsibility towards others. Righteousness is rooted in a commitment to doing what is right, even in the face of adversity or temptation, and seeking justice and goodness for oneself and others.

"Righteousness in a deep sense refers to a strong moral or ethical quality that influences one's actions, decisions, and relationships with others. It involves a profound commitment to justice, honesty, integrity, and fairness, often rooted in personal values and beliefs."

Sanvi Rai

Sunbeam School, Bhagwanpur

My Guide Inside - Arfa Khan

MGI Reflection at My Good School 

What I took away from this session-

My Guide Inside is like a little voice, an inner wisdom that tells us what is good and wrong and how we feel. It is always in us; we must calm our brains and thoughts to know precisely what we want.

We don’t have to feel guilty for having a comfortable life—we should be happy to have the opportunity to help others with that! I felt the same guilt for quite a while. I thought that there were so many people dying and starving, and I was not able to help. 

Many people want to be like us, but we don’t reflect on it. But now I realise that maybe I will not be able to help everyone, and that’s okay because I can start from my community; that counts as help, too!

Our inner sunshine still exists, even if we have a terrible thought. Just because the sun has been covered by clouds doesn’t mean it has disappeared! The clouds will eventually leave, and it will be all sunny again. If we have a terrible thought, we should label it as just a thought and not pay heed to it. We are in control of our thoughts, and we can redirect them when we want.

Arfa Khan

Ahlcon Public School

My Guide Inside (MGI) Author Note:
MGI Online is for Indian school classrooms. MGI has 3 levels for: young kids, kids, and teens. Story-based MGI focuses on 3 Principles, Language Development, and 21 Century Competencies. MGI includes Hindi vocabulary and is ideal for Life Skills courses.
See: myguideinside.com

Taxila - Chitranshi Singh

Taxila (also called Takshashila or Takshasila) is an ancient city near Islamabad in present-day Pakistan. It holds significant historical and cultural importance:

Educational Center: Taxila was a renowned learning centre in ancient times, attracting students and scholars from various parts of the world, particularly during India's Maurya and Gupta periods (around the 6th century BCE to the 5th century CE).

Buddhist Center: It was an important Buddhist centre and played a pivotal role in spreading Buddhism across Asia. Many stupas, monasteries, and relics have been excavated from the site.

Crossroads of Civilizations: Taxila was strategically located on the trade routes that connected Central Asia with the Indian subcontinent. This geographical position facilitated cultural exchanges between different civilizations, including Persian, Greek, Central Asian, and Indian.

Archaeological Significance: The archaeological remains at Taxila provide valuable insights into the urban development, art, architecture, and daily life of ancient Indian civilization.

Chitranshi Singh

Sunbeam English School, Bhagwanpur

My Good School Calendar - July 2024

My Good School on Sundays - 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th
The Teacher's Academy on Saturdays - 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th.
Good Schools Alliance Monthly Meeting on fourth Saturday - 27 July 2024

2 JULY

Article - How to Conduct Staff Meetings

- Good Schools India Journal www.GSI.IN

7 JULY

• My Guide Inside Book Reading with Christa Campsall

• Meet & Greet with Sunil Malhotra

- Google Meet at My Good School

14 JULY

• Screening of Allegory: A Tapestry of Guru Nanak's Travels Episode 7, with Amardeep Singh

- Google Meet at My Good School

• JOL Diaries Newsletter

- Website www.JoyOfLearningDiaries.com

15 JULY

Podcast 3 Girls 1 Mic Episode - 14

- Good Schools India Journal www.GSI.IN

27 JULY

Podcast with Amardeep Singh Where Passion Meets Education

- Good Schools India Journal www.GSI.IN

We are glad to inform our community about our upcoming events in July. Author of YOGAi Sunil Malhotra, Author/Educator of My Guide Inside Christa Campsall, and founder of The Lost Heritage Amardeep Singh will join us in this power-packed month! The esteemed guests will read and share their experiences as passionate educators. We encourage you to join our Sunday School for rich and fruitful interactions. Remember to attend the monthly meetings.

In June, we invited ex-IAS officer Dr Sanjeev Chopra. He touched on life, culture, success, passion, and more. We invite esteemed and inspiring personalities to My Good School. I hope you join us in experiencing the joy of learning. 

Please visit our website www.schooleducation.com 

Email us at nk@learningforward.org.in. 

YouTube channel https://youtube.com/@MyGoodSchool 

Neetu Koranga

Manager 

Learning Forward India Foundation

When You Set Your Mind To Something - Reveda Bhatt

“Have you ever wondered why couldn’t you complete that work even when you tried hard?

That’s because maybe you didn’t try hard enough.”

When you ‘truly’ set your mind to something, have you ever noticed how the entire universe works accordingly and how it seems like everything around is favourable to you? The universe, it is a ball of energies, various blessings, vibes etc. 

Every emotion, every mood- it is an energy you send out into the universe. But, internally, when you set your mind to something and work towards achieving it, the universe sends in energies for you to either take in or deflect. 

In that moment, the decision is up to you for the key is in your hand. Analysing, if this is how the universe works, for each person, accordingly, is it that we directly connect to it? Or is it something else in us that does? 

Something like your mind, my mind. Yes! When you set your goal, all the paths towards it unlock for you to move forward. Only if you try hard. Only if you don’t give up. Only if you stay true. Only if you keep moving forward. Our mind has that power, it is something that you control, something that works accordingly for you. Obstacles you’ll face, sure-it’s life that makes you tougher. It’s your mind that makes you stronger. Long way ahead- Keep going. The universe is with you if you do it right.

Reveda Bhatt 

Beaver Dams - Arfa Khan

Illustration- Arfa Khan 

Beavers have incisors as strong and sharp as a chisel. They gnaw the bark of a tree (most of it) while the wind helps in taking down the rest. They use the bark and stones as the base of the dam and then pile up mud and sticks to finish it off. These dams play a vital role in cooling the forest down.

Arfa Khan

Grade 9

Ahlcon Public School

Thinking hastily and thinking wisely - Nishan Karki

It is human nature to think wisely and act in an absurd fashion.

― Anatole France

There is a big difference between thinking hastily and thinking wisely. Everyone in the world has a different way of thinking. Thinking depends upon experience, state of mind, situation, education, etc.

Firstly, let's talk about thinking hastily. Thinking hastily means thinking in a hurry without being very careful. Hasty thinking is not prevalent in our daily lives. We do not tend to think in a hurry while doing our daily work. We take time to think and make desirable decisions. Hasty thinking may ruin our decisions which will hamper our daily work and routine.

However, if we are stuck in a situation where we have to make split-second decisions, hasty thinking helps a lot.

Secondly, talking about thinking wisely. Thinking wisely means taking time to think carefully and make desirable decisions. Thinking wisely is prevalent in our daily lives, business environment, family, career, etc. This type of thinking helps us a lot throughout our lives to make sound decisions, tackle challenges and head to success. It is a very essential and necessary part of our lives. 

We have to think wisely to choose our career, future and family member's welfare. Entrepreneurs also have to think wisely and make sound decisions relating to their work and business. Wise thinking also helps them to compete with other businessmen.

On comparing these two, we come to the conclusion that thinking wisely is more important than thinking hastily. Thinking wisely is prevalent in our lives but thinking hastily occurs just at some point in our lives. Thinking wisely gives us a proper result or outcome. Thinking hastily leads to unsound decisions, errors and unintended consequences.

Nishan Karki

Pestalozzi Children's Village Society

What really matters? - Rishona Chopra

“As is a tale, so is life: not how long it is, but how good it is, is what matters.”

- Seneca 

Life is a precious thing. Perhaps, one of the most precious things on Earth. But what really matters in this life? Does it matter how long we live, or how we live? It's the tough question of Quantity or Quality. What matters more? But, what is the point of a long life if that life lacks quality? Lacks happiness, peace and content? If life has quality, then no matter how short, it does leave an impression and a good one. What's the point of a long life if it's full of sorrow? 

Life is like a book. Just like in a book, its quality matters. Its humour, mystery and uniqueness matter more than how big it is. It doesn't matter if a story is long, but if it has that quality, we turn back to read it again and again. 

Ultimately, we need to ensure that we live our lives to the fullest. This world is full of risks. Our life can take unexpected turns so we must live every moment. We struggle to live with content and happiness but a simple way is to look at all the good things in life. Let's count our blessings instead of focusing on the little wrong things. 

A moment without happiness is a moment wasted. And with a precious thing as life, we really can't afford to waste any. 

Rishona Chopra 
Grade VIII 
Gyanshree School

Leader - Arfa Khan

The leader should be chosen by their intellect, not by their looks- The partridge was the smallest in size yet it was chosen as the leader.

Self-realization and Respect- The animals realized that considering themselves superior is not going to work out and decided that there should be an authoritarian figure whom they will be willing to respect. 

Mutual agreement is necessary- The animals made a collective decision to choose the leader based on who the oldest was. Mutual agreement promotes harmony, fairness, and cooperation in various aspects of life.

Importance of leadership- Leadership provides guidance, vision, and direction to individuals and maintains order. Without it, there is a possibility of mishap. A true leader will work with the people to inspire and motivate them to achieve their full potential.

Arfa Khan

Grade 9

Ahlcon Public School

Solace in Books - Ishika Shrivastava

"Books" are that one constant companion throughout the whole life and "Reading" is that one habit which brings joyous colours to your life. 

People who understand the art of reading will always find peace in it because books aren't only for reading but can also act as a safe place for many people. 

The enhancement of vocabulary and good communication skills are some of the important skills that one can have which is actually a necessity in the real world, they can also make your point of view even larger and you get to understand people and your surroundings more properly and in an adequate manner. 

With clarity in mind and diverging eyes to the sites,

there you are with a gift of seeking out the beauty in the darkest of times 

with all the prowess in your hands,

embrace the shower of familiarity that has been long forgotten.

Here I am, resting my words by resonating that reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary 

Ishika Shrivastava

Grade-12 

Sunbeam Suncity School and Hostel

Refelctions & Questions - The Doon Girls School

Jataka Tales & The Hidden Life of Trees

How can trees create their own microclimate?

The author explains that trees create leafy humus that can store moisture, and their branches can slow winds and create calmer air within the forest. Over time, these conditions reduce evaporation and create moist soil with better water storage, allowing more trees to thrive.

 by (Sanskriti- VI)

In "The Peacock Wings," what I gather is that our life choices should prioritize goodness, embracing both the flaws and beauty of others.

by (Aadya- VI)

Woody Climate Control

When the annual leaffall of beech trees occurs, it creates an alkaline humus that has the capacity to store a significant amount of water.

by (Ibadat-VI)

The Key Endeavour of Jataka Tales - Sanvi Rai

The key endeavour of the Jataka tales is to teach people the value of a good life. Every jataka tale teaches the people the values of mankind and humanity in various aspects. The message conveyed by Buddha in these tales has great significance. 

From the story “The Fowler and the Quail” we can witness the power of unity and oneness the cooperation and the strength unity lies within is remarkably evident. Yes, the story did connect me today and taught a mesmerising lesson about being in a team and we should not split into factions which must destroy that union upon which our existence hangs. 

In essence, oneness is a feeling of interconnectedness and being spiritually related to one’s soul and heart. We gain the supreme power to see tranquillity and beauty around everyone and embedded in each soul. Religion is a complex system of beliefs and practices concerning the universe's existence, nature, and purpose. It typically involves devotion to a higher power. 

Sanvi Rai
Class 9
Sunbeam School, Bhagwanpur