Learning Through Stories: Small Efforts, Big Impact- Lotus Petal Foundation

Reflections – 18th January

It was very engaging storytelling, and using narratives is an extremely powerful communication tool, no matter what you want to communicate.

Elements of a narrative:

• Character

• Situation / Action

• Realisation

We should describe a situation first and then move towards the result. We can change the order, but we should decide it ourselves. Describe the three elements and then play around with them. It may seem as if I am over-analysing it, but all these components are very organically present in storytelling.

Disha, Grade 5

Today I learned that we should praise effort, not just intelligence. When teachers say, “You tried hard,” it makes us want to learn more. Working together with classmates also helps us understand better. I liked the idea that learning is more important than marks.

 Aditya Yadav, Grade 5

I understood that making mistakes is okay because it helps us learn. When we focus on understanding instead of competition, we feel more confident. Group work teaches us how to help others and share ideas.

 Shaurya Pratap Singh, Grade 5

The session taught me that effort is more important than being smart. When teachers encourage us, we feel brave enough to try difficult questions. I also learned that projects and activities help us learn better than tests.

 Adarsh, Grade 5

I learned that everyone can improve if they keep practising. Studying with friends and helping each other is better than competing. Real-life activities and portfolios make learning interesting and fun.

 Neha, Grade 5

Today I learned that teachers should guide us and not only give marks. When we work in teams, we learn faster. I liked that assessments should help us understand our mistakes and improve.

Vansh, Grade 5

Reflections – 25th January 2026

I watched the video and learned many new things about school learning. The teacher was explaining the lesson in a very clear way. The students were answering questions and participating in the class. I understood that we should pay attention when the teacher is teaching. The classroom looked neat and organised. I liked how confident the students were while speaking. This video taught me to be active in class. I will try to listen carefully and complete my work on time.

Disha, Grade 5

The video was very interesting and helpful for me. I saw students reading and thinking about the lesson. The teacher was guiding them and helping them understand the topic. I learned that studying daily is important for exams. The students were sitting properly and listening carefully. It showed that discipline is important in school. I want to follow the rules and be a good student. This video inspired me to study more.

Aditya Yadav, Grade 5

I liked the video because it showed a real classroom. The teacher was asking questions and the students were giving answers. It helped me understand how to think before answering. The students were very attentive and focused. I learned that learning becomes fun when we participate. The classroom environment was very positive. I felt happy watching the students learn. I will try to be more active in my class.

Shaurya Pratap Singh, Grade 5

The video taught me many good habits for school. The students were listening carefully to the teacher. The teacher explained the lesson step by step. I learned that planning and regular study are important. The students were disciplined and sitting quietly. It showed teamwork and cooperation in the class. I want to improve my listening and speaking skills. This video motivated me to become a better learner.

Adarsh, Grade 5

I enjoyed watching the video because it showed how students learn together. The teacher was encouraging students to answer questions. The students were confident and not afraid to speak. I learned that teachers help us understand difficult topics. The classroom looked clean and organised. It taught me to respect my teacher and classmates. I want to study sincerely and participate more in class.

Neha, Grade 5

The video showed that learning is important and fun. The teacher was explaining the lesson very nicely. Students were reading and sharing their answers. I learned that we should complete our work regularly. The students were disciplined and focused. It showed how teachers support students. I felt inspired to improve my studies. I will try to be attentive and responsible in class.

Vansh, Grade 5

Reflections – 1st February 2026

In Sunday School, we learned about the importance of small things through a story about a one-rupee coin. We read blog posts and shared our thoughts with classmates. The story taught us how small steps can bring big changes in life. We also had a quiz about money and its value. I learned that money has both practical and emotional value. The session helped me understand happiness and success. It was a very interesting and meaningful session.
Yuvraj Negi, Grade 5

Today’s session was very interesting and informative. We discussed a story about a journey and how a person changes with small efforts. The teachers helped us understand the value of one rupee and why every small thing matters. We also participated in a quiz, which was fun and learning-based. I learned that happiness needs effort and positive thinking. The session inspired me to improve myself every day.
Aditya Yadav, Class 5

In the session, we learned about value, gratitude, and happiness. The story about the one-rupee coin taught us that even small things are important. We read and shared our ideas in class. The quiz helped us understand money and its importance. I learned that success comes from small and regular efforts. The session was enjoyable and very useful for us.
Neha, Grade 5A

The Sunday School session was very engaging. We listened to a story that showed how small changes can make a big difference. We discussed the importance of one rupee and how it can help people. The quiz made the session interactive and fun. I learned that we should be thankful and work hard for our goals. This session helped me think differently about happiness and success.
Vansh, Grade 5C

I learned many new things in the session about money, happiness, and personal growth. The story taught us that even small steps are important in life. The quiz helped us understand the value of money. We also shared our thoughts and listened to others. I learned that success needs effort and patience. The session was very interesting and inspiring.
Neha, Grade 5

In today’s session, we discussed a story about a one-rupee coin and its importance. We learned how small actions can create big changes. The teachers guided us and explained the meaning of the story. The quiz helped us learn in a fun way. I understood that happiness comes from gratitude and hard work. The session was very meaningful for me.
Disha, Grade 5

The Secrets Of The Highly Efficient - Yashraj Sharma

Well, hello, dear reader! Before you start reading, there's one request I'd like to make to you. This is a big article, but trust me if you read it. It will be worth the time.

At some point in our lives, I'm sure we've all procrastinated. Sometimes, when your lazy side just takes over you and instead of knowing that right now is the perfect time to do some task, that lazy version of yourself just seems to take the steering wheel of your mind. We start doing things that we would define as "stupid" when we think about it; I mean, we all know that it's not wrong if I say that the first thing you do is go and check the fridge to see if something has magically appeared in there which wasn't there 10 minutes ago when you checked it for the same reason. 

You must be wondering what you are even reading, which is completely unrelated to the title you read, before opening this article in the first place.

So, I read a book called Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins. Many of you might have yet to hear about this book or even this author. Well, I'm not going to tell you much about this book, but from reading it, I have come to learn of the two secrets of the highly efficient people we see every day on our devices and say, "Wow! They are excellent at their work. I'm sure they worked hard". These have helped me bring about some change in my life, and if you also practice them in your life, it'll give results, some outstanding ones. 

Number one: Motivation is absolute crap

I know this may have felt a bit harsh, but sometimes we just have to take it and accept it the way it is, right? So, there are always some things like guilt, dread, anxiety, self-hatred, and all of those good procrastinator feelings. These feelings are like quicksand. They grab you under and won't let you go. When it feels like that, it's elementary to drift off and continue making all the comfortable decisions you previously created that left you here. This is where "motivation" comes into play, commonly heard of when people set out to do something but end up in this situation. Even the best pep-talk or self-hack is nothing but a temporary fix. It won't amplify your voice or uplift your life. Motivation changes absolutely nobody. You need to fall in love with suffering and pain to transform from the little soul you are today into the most unbreakable and hardest person God has ever created. By which, I mean being the most successful person on the planet in the thing you do. 

Number two: The 3D mantra

Before you get too excited, I'm not recommending any movie but instead the one basic principle yet the most important one in your entire life you'll ever need in any situation to achieve any goal you set for yourself. This mantra says:

D- Discipline

D- Determination

D- Dedication

If you follow this mantra for every work you set out to do, I can guarantee you'll see results far better than expected.

The two things I just mentioned can be used in every area of your life, whether you're a student struggling in studies, trying to become the best or an adult. In the end, I'd like to say you need to know how to master your mind and defy the odds. Trust me, if you learn to do that and work hard daily. You'll see yourself becoming 1% better at the end of each day.

Yashraj Sharma

Gyanshree School

Grade IX Image of the book courtesy BOL.COM

Leadership - Tulsi Karki

Picture Courtesy: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/leadership-definition-2948275

If you have worked in any successful groups, whether you have led them or participated in them, you have experience as a leader. You contribute to the team, ensure you have met the deadlines, and build strong teamwork and communication skills. 

Being a prefect, I had the opportunity to show that I am responsible, reliable, and capable of taking on leadership roles. I have gained confidence in fulfilling the role successfully. I have realised that I could make contributions to my school. It demonstrated that I can be a role model to others. 

Gain achievement points for completing duties and maintaining discipline. I have learned that we had to be cooperative, helpful, well-mannered, trustworthy and responsible. 

Be respectful towards teachers, peers, and the school environment. Display leadership qualities: confidence, initiative, and problem-solving skills.

Tulsi Karki

Pestalozzi Chldren's Village, India.

Amazing Hostel Life - Linisha Agarwal

 Hostel life gives the flexibility to fly within as well as outside in the open and seek knowledge from all dimensions. This life brings out the best in you and offers extremely valuable memories forever. Not all memories are pleasant, a few of them are unquestionably terrible; however, most of them are beautiful and priceless. 

During the hostel stay, students learn to live with different types of people, and hostel life also increases their level of patience. It prepares them to easily accept practical challenges in life. The students learn many things within the hostel. Students help and assist one another in the hour of need and become lifelong friends and are ready to endure any kind of hardship with each other and for one another.  

Furthermore, in a hostel, the individuals learn to become independent. Within the hostel, students should sleep in keeping with the rules of the hostel. They have to return to life on time, work on time, have food on time, study on time, in short, follow a disciplined life. This helps in maintaining discipline in their lifestyles. 

In a hostel, the students learn to do things on their own and not rely on their parents. They learn to be independent. School children staying in hostels are guided by a group of adults like wardens and teachers; a system like that of a joint or extended family. Hostel life makes the student’s life regular and systematic. Life in a hostel instills confidence in students and makes them responsible. This develops their personality. They learn to face problems in life without feeling the pressure and even if they feel the pressure they know how to handle it. In turn, they learn to be self-disciplined, regular, and punctual. 

Another major advantage of a boarding life is that it develops respect for other religions and cultures and talks about inclusion in all walks of hostel life. Students learn to help and cooperate with one another. They learn social etiquette and lead a more robust and disciplined life. Hostel life thus helps them to develop many good qualities and makes the students good citizens. 

I would say that living in the hostel is very conducive to a healthy lifestyle. The atmosphere is quite congenial for studies and suitable for the qualities of domestic life like co-operation, fellowship, and self–managing affairs. If a student takes it seriously, he can develop all qualities of an honest citizen.

1. Lifelong connections-I don’t care about the cleanliness of the hostel or whether the Wi-Fi connection works or not, what I care about most is the connections and friends you create inside. You’ll find all forms of amazing folks that won’t allow you to feel homesick or lonely.

2. Free advice -One thing you may find in every hostel you stay in. That is a free advice. There's always an admirer who is willing to assist you out with the weirdest of questions you've got.

3. Opportunities-You are allowed to travel around exploring numerous fields that you simply have not explored before, in new places among new people. You get to open up many new doors 

4. Time management Whether you’d shine at any other thing or not, managing time will be a sure shot. From the gossip or laughter or giggle or crying sessions with friends and running between other kinds of activities that you are required to try during a hostel, you learn to manage your time very well. 

5. Independence and freedom-Independence is something that almost all people barely get a chance to learn while they are staying at home. But in a hostel, you're in control of everything from getting up in the morning, to having meals, to washing clothes and every other thing. Hostel life gives the flexibility to fly within the open and seek stuff you couldn’t pursue otherwise.

6. Experience and Exposure When you move out of your home into a hostel you actually soak up a good deal of things, specifically, making new friends, adjusting to an entirely new environment, doing things on your own, taking initiatives, and living with freedom. Experience comes with time, from the problems, distress, frustration, and heartbreaks. A student who lives in a hostel is free from ordinary anxieties and cares. We can concentrate fully on our studies. Besides, we can take part in social activities and can learn many virtues from our senior students and adults around us.

We can also increase our knowledge and do away with our weaknesses. Thus, we become mannerly, polished, and cultured. Our shyness fades always. We learn to talk fluently and express our ideas. It's because we are living together with various kinds of scholars. We learn the way to behave in society. We acquire personal manners and, becomes a disciplined person and a good citizen.

- Linisha Agarwal, Class VII, The Doon Girls’ School

Honesty - Rehan Raza

A major component for developing moral character is honesty. Honesty helps in developing good attributes like kindness, discipline, truthfulness, moral integrity and more. Lying, cheating, lack of trust, stealing, greed, and other immoral attributes have no honesty. Honest people are sincere, trustworthy and loyal, throughout their life. Honesty is valuable, and it is a habit of utmost importance. There are famous quotes, said by a great personality like “Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom”. It holds good due to its ability to build, shape and motivate integral values in one's life.

First of all, honesty promotes authenticity. It reflects one’s own feelings and thoughts. Honesty certainly helps people in knowing who you really are. Hence, one must be honest in self-expression.

Honesty removes fear from the heart and makes a person courageous and confident. It certainly takes a huge amount of courage to speak the truth. Speaking truth is a sign of bravery. The one who lies is a coward. Speaking falsehood is a sign of low self-confidence.

Another notable benefit of honesty is maturity. Honesty certainly reflects the maturity of a person. An individual is probably mature if he regularly speaks the truth. Furthermore, a mature person speaks the truth in a non-hurtful way.

Honesty strengthens and improves relationships between people. It certainly helps in bringing people together. Most noteworthy, it fosters a connection between individuals.

Rehan Raza 

Class - Xll Science 

The Fabindia School

Honesty - Aryan Sirvi

Aryan Sirvi

Honesty means being truthful, i.e., developing a practice of speaking truth throughout life. A person who practices honesty in life possesses a strong moral character. An honest person shows good behaviour, follows the rules, maintains discipline, and speaks the truth. Lying, cheating, lack of trust, steal, and greed have no space in honesty. Honesty is the most important value in life. We need to be honest with others as well as we should be honest with ourselves.

There are also famous quotes by famous personalities as 'Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom'. It holds good due to its ability to build, shape, and motivates integral respect in one's life. A person with honesty is respected by all. To build a character of honesty depends on his/her family values, ethics, and his/her surrounding and environment. Parents showing honest behaviour in front of their children also impacts the children as we say that 'Honesty lies in the genes'. 

An honest person is always known for his honesty, just like a sun is known for its eternal light and ultimate energy. Dishonest people may easily get people's trust, but this doesn't last too long when they are caught. Being dishonest is a sin in all religions, but people often practice it for short-time benefits. They never become morally strong, and their life becomes miserable. We should be honest in life as it is a must needed quality in one's life. 

Aryan Sirvi 

Class Xll Science

The Fabindia School

Honesty - Abhinav Singh

Abhinav Singh

Honesty implies being truthful. Honesty means developing a practice of speaking truth throughout life. A person who practices honesty in his/her life possesses a strong moral character. An honest person shows good behaviour, always follows the rules and regulations, maintains discipline, speaks the truth, and is punctual. An honest person is trustworthy as he always tends to speak the truth. 

Last month our class teacher told us about honesty, and I thought that I should be honest in life. Then I had been strictly following the path of honesty during my school time and my home also. I was happy and even amazed when I was honest in all my interactions with others. At this time, I found many people who were truthful to themselves and others. Within a few days itself, I realized how easy it was to change into a happy person and, at the same time, be honest.

I was surprised to find that people can deal with the ups and downs of life with equal happiness with a bit of hard work and a lot of self-control instead of getting annoyed, angry, and dishonest. I observed that everyone can be honest if they want to and have the willingness to follow the path of righteousness. I have made a decision to be honest with everyone and at all times.

Abhinav Singh Chouhan 

Class  VIII A

The Fabindia School