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 

Storytelling: A Bridge to Creativity and Connection - Sunbeam School Ballia

Jai Hind, everyone,

This was my third session (though I could join only for the last 20–25 minutes), and once again, it was amazing—full of insights on reading techniques, explanation patterns, and the art of weaving stories through narration.

Today’s session reminded me that storytelling is more than just words—it’s a bridge between minds, turning ideas into experiences. When students share their visions, they don’t just imagine the future; they begin to shape it. Imagination fuels possibility, and stories breathe life into it. Our role is to listen, encourage, and believe in the power of their dreams.

Overall, the session was truly fruitful, offering many practical methods we can adopt in our own teaching.

Thank you, and Jai Hind.

Regards,

Vishakha Singh

Educator

Jai Hind, everyone,

Every Sunday’s session leaves me inspired, and today was no different. The techniques shared for reading, explaining, and narrating stories opened up new ways to engage learners. It proved that storytelling goes beyond speaking—it builds connections, sparks creativity, and helps shape young minds for the future.

Truly, it was a rewarding session with plenty of ideas to bring into the classroom.

Pooja Pandey

Educator

Meet and Greet with Kartik Bajoria

https://www.youtube.com/KartikBajoria

Play on YouTube

My Good School, 16th June 2025

Karthik's Passion and Mental Wellness

The meeting began with introductions and a discussion about last week's activities. Karthik, a guest speaker, was introduced and shared his background, including his work in advertising, film, and television, as well as his transition to teaching and his mental wellness initiative, Driveway Devi. The group watched a TED Talk by Karthik from 2016, which discussed finding one's passion and following it. The session concluded with plans to engage in a Q&A session after the talk.

Embracing Uniqueness and True Passions

Kartik shared three pivotal moments in his life where he learned to embrace his uniqueness and passions. At boarding school, he initially felt out of place but found his true self through music, winning a competition and gaining the acceptance of his peers. He later realised his mismatch with a business-focused college course and switched to English honours, finding fulfilment in writing. Despite a successful career in media, he ultimately discovered his true calling in teaching and writing, moving back to Jaipur to pursue these passions.

Embracing Passions and Unique Paths

Jugjiv discussed the importance of embracing one's uniqueness and passions to lead a fulfilling life, urging others to acknowledge and take pride in their natural leanings. Kartik shared insights on pursuing passions despite parental concerns, highlighting the changing landscape of careers and the role of technology in democratising talent exposure. He advised seeking unbiased feedback and maintaining realistic expectations about one's goals. Rishona asked questions about the perception of stress among younger generations and how to cope with the fear of change, to which Kartik responded, emphasising the importance of self-awareness and resilience.

Developing Resilience and Discernment

Kartik discussed the importance of developing a thick skin. He shared personal experiences of being judged for his music choices, emphasising the need to be aware of one's tendency to be overbearing when offering support to someone experiencing mental health challenges. He advised tailoring the approach based on the individual's personality. Kartik also explained the difference between judgment and opinion, and highlighted the importance of discerning between normal sadness and depression by considering factors such as duration and intensity of symptoms.

Balancing Work and Smart Work

Kartik discussed the importance of combining hard work and smart thinking in today's world, using examples from his teaching experience. He explained how he initially encouraged students to use the internet for research but later banned devices due to the over-reliance on AI tools like ChatGPT, which he felt was not promoting genuine intellectual effort. Kartik emphasised the need for students to use technology wisely, combining it with their own critical thinking and personal insights. The session concluded with Kartik sharing tips on overcoming stage fright, such as knowing one's material well and taking a moment to centre oneself before speaking.

Animal Learning and Behaviour Insights

Brinda led a reading session on animal upbringing, sharing insights from "The Inner Life of Animals" about how animals, like humans, learn and adapt to their environments. She discussed her experience with a small herd of goats, highlighting how their behaviour improved after they had kids and learned from their mothers. Brinda also explained how insects, mice, and larger mammals, such as wolves and deer, learn survival skills from their elders, challenging the notion that animal behaviour is purely instinctive.

Animal Education vs Human Schooling

The discussion focused on comparing animal education and human schooling, with Brinda explaining that while animals don't attend formal schools, they are trained by their parents through natural instincts and discipline. The class discussed how animals, particularly mammals and birds, prepare their young for independence, with Brinda sharing personal experiences about goat rearing and how mothers gradually wean their offspring. The conversation concluded with Brinda suggesting that the class read Gerald Durrell's books for further insights into animal behaviour, particularly regarding how animals handle the transition of young ones leaving their parents.

Bees and Fawn Life Stories

Brinda discussed the life cycle of bees, focusing on the role of drones and the process of removing them from the hive as winter approaches. She also shared a story about a fawn that was mistakenly taken in by humans, highlighting the different ways mother love can be expressed among mammals and the potential dangers faced by fawns in modern times.

European Wildcat Conservation Discussion

Brinda discussed the European wildcat, highlighting its conservation success and distinguishing features, noting that positive identification requires genetic testing. She explained that while wildcats and domestic cats can interbreed, wildcats are generally more aggressive and unsuitable for domestication, leading to a discussion about the challenges of keeping wild animals as pets. The session concluded with Manisha requesting participants to share reflections about their pets and maintain respect for speakers in future sessions.

Next steps

• Students: Practice staying muted during online sessions and raising hands before speaking
• Students: Share pictures and stories about their pets and observations of pet behaviour before the next Sunday session
• Manisha: Publish shared pet pictures and stories from students
• Students: Submit reflections on the session through writing, doodling, or other creative ways
• Brinda: Prepare Gerald Durrell's "My Family and Other Animals" for future reading sessions

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God & Belief - Samriddhi Banerjee

Guru Nanak Ji believes in one God but I believe that God provides a framework for understanding the world and our place within it. It provides a sense of purpose and meaning in life. The belief in one God can teach a person to believe in your own self and make a better world for themselves. 

Samridhhi Banerjee

Grade-IV 

Sunbeam Hostel Lahartara

My visit to SchoolEducation.com - Tenzin Jambey

After visiting the website, I found that the focus on the development of the thinking abilities of the students is the priority of My Good School, and it also focuses on the improvement of reading, writing and speaking skills of children. 

My Good School gives us a platform for sound learning, and its teaching is among the top schools. Instead, it teaches many life lessons and excellent morals, which would be helpful to till our last breath. 

On the website there is a picture of a book named My Good School which is a great book written by Sandeep Sir the book tells about the ways of making a good school better, a place where everyone can enjoy the teachings and learning. 

I think My Good School is teaching us many many lessons and gives messages that would prove productive in our future.

Tenzin Jambey

Pestalozzi Children’s Village India

Thank you dear teachers! - Rishona Chopra

Thank you so much to all the teachers of the world and especially to Mrs Geetika Chopra (Mother), Ms Apoorva, Ms Anju, Ms Monisha, Ms Sayanatnee Mishra, Ms Sunita Mehta, Ms Sukhpreet Kaur, Ms Naina, Ms Neha, Ms Tanya, Ms Deepika, Ms Divya, Ms Jyotsna, Ms Nibbrati, Ms Geetanjali, Ms Sonali, Ms Payal, Mr Sandeep, Mr Jugjiv, Mr Manoj, Mr Anoop, Mr Kartikey and Mr Satyam!

Dear gurus,

I am forever thankful to you, not just for teaching me different subjects but for being my perfect friend and supporting me. Thank you for teaching me the excellent subject of values. All of you have a significant meaning in my life. No matter what, I can never forget you because you made me what I am today and will always continue to inspire me. Thank you very much! 

For my dear mother,
I have nothing to say except that I love you very much! You are my bedrock mentor, and you mean everything to me. Thank you for being a strict and firm mother and yet being such a wonderful friend!

Thank you, dear frentor!!

Rishona Chopra
Grade VI
Gyanshree School

Why Reading Aloud Never Gets Old - Edutopia

Research shows that reading aloud to your students—even long after they're reading independently—benefits learners of all ages.

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© 2021 George Lucas Educational Foundation

Value for August is Patience

In August, we celebrate Patience; please share your thoughts with us, comment below or send a blog post by email to LF@ebd.in.

We need to build the future of learning at school on 22 values: Appreciation, Caring, Cooperation, Courage, Freedom, Friendship, Happiness, Honesty, Hope, Humility, Love, Patience, Peace, Quality, Respect, Responsibility, Simplicity, Thoughtfulness, Tolerance, Trust, Understanding & Unity. The teachers collaborate and work in groups to discover how the values come alive. Individuals take stock of their values and how they wish to lead their life. This program will inspire you by using examples of where the values are already being used by children and adults in schools and share practical tools to stimulate discussion and philosophical debate. #JoyOfLearning

Joy Of Learning (JOL) is based on The Little Book of Values: Educating Children to Become Thinking, Responsible and Caring Citizens by Julie Duckworth and Ian Gilbert, which explores twenty-two values that can be taught through schools. 

My Good School
Where Passion Meets Education
www.MyGoodSchool.IN

Totto-chan - Aadya Sharma

Aadya Sharma

III-C

Gyanshree school

Joy Of Learning only on Vurbl

Revolutionary Audio Platform Vurbl Secures Exclusive Audio Content Deals with National and Local Non-Profit Organizations.

“For the first time, non-profit organizations will be able to publish their audio archives in a way that can be discovered by audiences that care about their cause,” said Audra Gold, Founder and CEO of Vurbl. “Video centric platforms like YouTube were previously the only available free option for these non-profits to upload and share their audio content. As a result, much of their incredible archival audio content has been sitting in storage, not accessible to anyone because there was nowhere to put it where it could be found and consumed at scale. By making this audio available on their exclusive Vurbl stations, these non-profits now have unprecedented access to listeners all around the world.”

Vurbl appoints Sandeep Dutt as the Ambassador for Teaching and Learning. As a School Improvement Coach, my focus is on school transformation, emphasising culture as a service. Over 30 years of experience empowered thousands of teachers and touched the lives of near a million children.

You will love the stories shared by our happy teachers and passionate educators.

https://vurbl.com/station/learning-forward/