I am Aayush Kumar Singh from Sunbeam Ballia, studying in Class 10 A, and I would like to share my reflection on today’s session by Mr Jugjiv Singh Sir.
Carl, Schascha, and the Shifting Moods
We began by exploring how the weather affects our mood, just like it did for Carl and Schascha. It’s interesting how a gloomy day can really get under your skin, but then a simple pleasure—like the ice cream Carl and Schascha shared—can completely turn things around. It shows how even small moments of joy can lift our spirits.
The Simon Incident: A Puzzling Push
The incident where Simon pushed Schascha definitely sparked some conversation. We discussed various reasons why a boy might do something like that. Carl’s interpretation—that Simon might actually like Schascha—offered a sweet, if slightly mischievous, perspective. It makes you wonder if kids sometimes use playful teasing as a way to hide their true feelings.
A Quick Detour into English Spellings
Just when we were completely immersed in Carl and Schascha's world, we took a fascinating detour into the differences between American and British English spellings. It was a great reminder of how language has its own interesting variations, even within the same language.
Today's session really helped me make sense of the changes I’m going through—both in my body and emotions—as I experience puberty. I learned that it’s all a normal part of growing up, mostly driven by hormones like testosterone and estrogen.
I also found it fascinating how our culture can shape the way we respond to things, even something as simple as food. One part that stood out to me was the example about deworming horses—it showed how the same word can mean completely different things depending on the context.
Overall, I feel more comfortable now discussing these topics and know it’s okay to ask questions or seek help when I need it.
Today's session was really very important, especially for our students. It discussed the changes that occur during puberty and their longer-term impact.
Sharing my opinion & reflection related to today's session:
The session on puberty and the changes that occur during it was both informative and eye-opening. It provided a safe space to learn and discuss the physical, emotional, and social changes that occur during this crucial stage of development. Understanding these changes helps reduce confusion and fear, especially as many young people experience them for the first time.
One key takeaway was learning how puberty can affect friendships. As we grow and change, our interests, moods, and the way we relate to others can shift. Sometimes, friends might grow apart or misunderstand each other due to emotional ups and downs or different paces of development. However, learning about these changes can help us become more patient and understanding with our friends, strengthening those relationships instead of losing them.
The session also helped highlight the importance of emotions during puberty. Emotions can become stronger or more unpredictable due to hormonal changes. Learning to recognize and manage emotions, especially through open communication and self-care, is crucial for maintaining mental well-being. It was helpful to know that feeling overwhelmed or confused at times is completely normal.
I also explored the meaning of happy emotions, such as joy, excitement, and contentment. These emotions are important because they help us build positive relationships, motivate us to achieve goals, and give us a sense of purpose and connection. Understanding that it’s okay to experience a range of emotions, including happy and difficult ones, can make this stage of life easier to handle.
Overall, the session was valuable in helping us understand ourselves and each other better during puberty. It reminded us that we are not alone in our experiences and that emotional and social support are essential during this time of growth.
The resource person, Ms. Shikha Agnihotri, began by explaining what puberty is – a stage of physical and emotional development where children transition into adulthood. Students were told about the emotional ups and downs they may face, such as mood swings, increased sensitivity, self-consciousness, and anxiety.
The session also covered how puberty affects behaviour. Children may start seeking more independence, feel peer pressure, or become more private and less communicative with parents or teachers. The facilitator encouraged open communication and reassured students that it’s okay to ask questions or feel confused during this stage.
Most importantly, the session focused on creating a safe and respectful environment where students could express their doubts and emotions freely. It emphasized that growing up is a journey, and with the right guidance and support, it can be a smooth and confident one.
Regards,
Pooja Pandey
Educator
Sunbeam School Ballia
Today's session on "Puberty and Its Impact on Emotions and Behaviour" was both engaging and informative.
The speaker beautifully explained that puberty is a natural phase of life during which children experience significant changes in their bodies, minds, and emotions. Due to hormonal shifts, they may sometimes feel angry, sad, confused, or shy without any clear reason. The session helped us understand that these changes are a normal part of growing up, and with proper guidance and support, this transition can be managed smoothly and positively.
Today's session on Puberty and Its Impact on Emotions and Behaviour by Ms. Shikha Agnihotri was truly interactive and engaging.
Ma’am ensured active participation from everyone, and rightly so—the topic itself sparked genuine curiosity among the listeners. She emphasized how puberty influences not just physical growth but also significantly impacts one’s mind and behaviour.
I was especially glad to witness the enthusiastic involvement of the students throughout the session. It has certainly made it easier for me to approach this sensitive topic with more confidence and clarity in the classroom.
A heartfelt thank you to My Good School for inviting such insightful speakers to address relevant and timely issues.
Sunday school session focused on reading, reflection, and discussion of "The Door-to-Door Bookstore" by Carsten Henn and Is Your Child To Face The World? by Dr Anupam Sibal (Hindi edition)
Key Takeaways
Emphasized importance of reading, listening, and reflection for personal growth and learning
Discussed themes of perseverance and not giving up in the face of challenges
Explored how reading and listening complement each other to improve communication skills
Encouraged participants to write reflections and engage actively in discussions
Book Discussion: "The Door-to-Door Bookstore"
Continued reading Chapter 4, focusing on Carl's evolving relationship with Schascha
Explored themes of sadness, intuition, and the power of human connection
Discussed Carl's changing perspective on Schascha, from avoidance to missing her company
Analyzed the character of "the reader" and his hesitation to share his writing despite its quality
Importance of Reading and Listening
Manisha Presented slides on benefits of reading and listening:
Enhances language skills, vocabulary, and grammar
Improves overall literacy and comprehension
Introduces new concepts and enhances critical thinking
Complements each other for better communication
Reflection on "Never Give Up" Story
Shared inspiring stories of medical breakthroughs and patient resilience:
Stephen Hawking's life with ALS
Lorenzo Odone's parents' fight against ALD
Jodi Miller's hemispherectomy for Rasmussen's encephalitis
Emphasized the importance of perseverance in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges
Participant Engagement
Encouraged participants to unmute and share thoughts
Discussed the importance of expressing emotions and not hiding feelings
Addressed concerns about shyness and difficulties in self-expression
Next Steps
Participants to write and submit reflections on the session
Encouraged various formats for reflections: writing, drawing, voice notes, or videos
Next week's session to continue book reading and feature a guest from "Right Side Story"
Participants to come prepared for more interactive discussions and reflections
We discussed the progress of the My Good School Retreat and the excitement among students, with Rajinder Pal Devgan noting the positive impact of recent visits to the Arthur Foot Academy. Jugjiv Singh introduced the book Door-to-Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn, highlighting its themes of personal connections and the significance of book recommendations. The group explored naming in animals, noting that some animals, like ravens and pigs, recognise and respond to personal names. They also discussed the emotional lives of animals, particularly grief in red deer, and the importance of community and personal connections in learning and teaching. Updates on various educational initiatives were shared, including poetry, music, and art sessions.
About the Book- The Door-to-Door Bookstore
Everyone has a book meant just for them...
Carl, 72, may get old, but he still feels young. Every night, he walks around delivering books to his regular customers, always picking the right book for each one based on what they love.
One evening, a curious and lively nine-year-old named Schascha shows up. She insists on tagging along with Carl and even tries to teach him a few things about books.
When Carl's job at the bookstore is at risk, will he and the girl, with her yellow raincoat, be able to save his job and bring back the joy of reading to their little town?
The Door-to-Door Bookstore is a heartwarming story about the importance of friendship, the magic of books, and how reading can bring people together.
Reading the chapter "A Man for all Seasons" from The Door-to-Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn.
In this chapter, Carl, the protagonist, meets a man who embodies what many consider "success"—a wealthy, influential figure who seems to have everything. However, as the protagonist interacts with this man, he realises that despite outward success, he may be missing key elements of personal fulfillment, happiness, and genuine relationships. This causes the protagonist to reflect on his life and what true success means.
Reflection Questions:
1. What is the main lesson or message of this chapter?
Think about what the author is trying to teach or show through the events in this chapter.
2. What does the chapter say about the difference between wealth and happiness?
Reflect on what the book says about how money and success don't always bring happiness.
3. What emotions or ideas does this chapter make you think about?
Think about how the chapter makes you feel and what ideas or questions it raises.
4. How can we apply this chapter's lessons to our lives?
Think about how you can use the ideas from the chapter to be happier or more successful in your own way.
Reading the book The Inner Life of Animals by Peter Wohlleben.
Chapter What's in a Name?
"A name is much more than a label; it's a way of saying something is important."
1. How do you think names shape our understanding of the world around us?
2. Can you recall a time when a name changed the way you felt about something or someone?
3. In what ways do you think animals perceive their names, if at all?
4. Why might it be significant to recognise the importance of naming in the context of nature and animals?
Chapter "Grief" from The Inner Life of Animals by Peter Wohlleben.
Theme: The emotional depth and grieving processes of animals.
1. How does the concept of grief in animals challenge our traditional understanding of their emotions?
2. Why do you think it's important to recognise and validate the grief of animals, and how might this change how we treat them?
3. In what ways does understanding animal grief deepen our empathy toward animals and our connection with nature?
Program Updates:
Thursday Sessions at 5:30 PM will include poetry and music for teachers, interns, fellows, and future educators, helping them explore creative ways to teach and engage students.
Friday Sessions at 5:30 PM, a blend of reading and art, provides a creative and interactive experience.
Good Schools of India: Our weekly newsletter has gained much more attention, with over 600 reads in recent weeks. It's great to see more people staying updated and engaged!
YouTube Channel: We've launched a YouTube channel (@mygoodschool) where you can access recorded sessions from the program. This allows easier access to our content for anyone who missed a session or would like to revisit a topic.
We're thrilled to announce new developments at the Arthur Foot Academy (AFA):
Community Learning Centre is actively seeking volunteers who can share their skills or teach subjects of interest. Whether it's math, art, or any other subject, we welcome those with knowledge to join us in making this initiative a success!
Collaboration with Experts: We collaborate with experts like Ms. Brinda Ghosh, Ms. Nonie Bagga, and Ms. Meenakshi Uberai to provide various learning experiences and ensure everyone involved has access to high-quality educational content.
We look forward to all the exciting developments in the program and invite you to get involved!
Reading aids learning, understanding, creating, inventing, and inspiring. The selection of books paves the way for the journey of learning. Like a loyal companion, a book serves your sad as well as happy emotions, consoles your gloom, and redirects your pessimistic ideas. They entertain with silly anecdotes from someone’s life and fancies of the authors. They are the true reflection of one’s choices, as the one who loses heart likes the autobiographies, a curious one tries to peep in the books as an explorer, and the one in search with a better understanding sits among the wisdom of great thinkers and reads different views on the same ideas. The books that mirror the efforts of one govern the achievements of someone else, whereas some books pour out the hearts of those who want others to imitate their ideas. Most importantly, the significance of books lies in the choices made by the readers. It is rightly called reflection because the book one reads reflects his thoughts. They magnify the reader’s ideologies. The rhymes of a poet or themes of any author take space in the thoughts, beliefs, and even words of the readers. Think of a polyglot who excels in languages with books or a student who studies the concepts with his teacher’s directions but expresses them with his reflections. Each edition of a book tells a story of the reader whose reflections defined it again.
WRITER VS
READERS
A character of a story remains an immersive experience for its readers. Through the insights of his life, he revives the reflections of the readers. Happiness, sorrow, excitement, or anxiety are the emotions beyond the interest of the reader. Is it what the writer wants its readers to do? Or is it a reader’s choice? Ironically, it’s something that wasn’t and, moreover, can’t be imagined. The writer who fabricates a woof without having experienced it and readers devour it without being one of them. Some of the bitter or best memories gain their vent at a moment in time where the frequency of the reader goes exactly the same as the reader.
What if the reader comes before the writer—the creator of the character? This moment opens another space for them. It’s a beginning to a new journey where the creator rejoices in the praise, appreciation, and liking his character yields, where some new characters come into existence, and where he actually meets his own creation. To a reader, the moment is a completely different place. He who has been struggling with his pain and misery, who has been so excited to find the one with the experiences and ideas akin to him, encounters a reality that’s not true. His acquaintance—the character is merely a fanciful creation. The reader who has already driven out many of his poor thoughts attains a better maturity, turning into a stronger and perfected being.
My Name is Cinnamon is a heartfelt coming-of-age story about identity, adoption, and self-acceptance. The book follows Cinnamon, a curious and thoughtful boy who embarks on a journey to understand his past and his place in the world. Through his experiences, he learns that true family is built on love, not just biology. The novel beautifully explores the emotions of adoption, the importance of belonging, and the power of embracing one’s uniqueness. It also highlights the role of supportive parents in shaping self-confidence and identity. With warmth and depth, the story encourages curiosity, self-discovery, and the celebration of what makes each person special. While being a light-hearted and heart-warming read, the book also covers some difficult themes that are rarely explored in children’s and young adult literature. It is a deeply moving testament to the unceasing desire to know oneself, the unrelenting pull of familial bonds, and the power of hope, sacrifice, and love. While being a light-hearted and heart-warming read, the book also covers some difficult themes that are rarely explored in children’s and young adult literature. It is a deeply moving testament to the unceasing desire to know oneself, the unrelenting pull of familial bonds, and the power of hope, sacrifice, and love.
Simrat Kaur
Sunbeam English School Bhagwanpur
My Name is Cinnamon reminds us that our uniqueness is what makes us special. Cinnamon’s journey of self-discovery shows that embracing who we are—quirks, differences, and all—can be empowering. Through his experiences, we see how family plays a huge role in shaping our confidence, offering unconditional love and support when we need it most. The story also encourages us to take pride in our roots and personal journey, reminding us that every name, every story, and every individual holds meaning. At its heart, the book is about finding joy in being exactly who we are.
Atiksh Vaibhav
Sunbeam English School Bhagwanpur
Life is full of moments that make us question who we are, and My Name is Cinnamon beautifully captures that feeling. Cinnamon’s story reminds us that it's okay to feel different or unsure sometimes, but what truly matters is how we embrace ourselves. With the love and support of those around us, we can turn our doubts into strengths. Instead of shying away from what makes him unique, Cinnamon learns to own it—and in doing so, he finds confidence and joy in simply being himself. It’s a heartfelt reminder that we all have a place in the world, just as we are.
Mr Raghu Pandey, the founder of iMature.in, led an insightful session focused on preparing students for the future in the context of AI readiness, internet maturity, and digital citizenship.
Key Points from Mr. Raghu's Session:
AI Readiness & Future Careers:
Mr. Raghu discussed how AI will disrupt traditional career paths and job structures. He explained the importance of students developing essential skills to thrive in an AI-powered world, including:
Continuous online learning is needed to stay adaptable and acquire new skills.
Online Reputation Management to effectively showcase their abilities and secure opportunities.
Mastering the "4 C's"—Critical thinking, Creativity, Communication, and Collaboration—is key to success in human-centred roles, even as AI evolves.
Online Safety and Internet Maturity (FAST CAR Method): Mr Raghu stressed the importance of students practising internet maturity and adhering to online safety practices. The FAST CAR method for online safety was highlighted:
Firewall, Antivirus, Strong Passwords: Basic tools for securing devices and personal information.
Trust with Caution, Confidence, Avoidance, and Reporting: Guidelines for online interactions while avoiding cyberbullying and antisocial behaviour.
Never Share Physical Location Online: Encouraging students to protect their privacy.
Be Cautious of AI-generated content: Always verify the credibility and source of information found online, as AI-generated content can sometimes be misleading.
Digital Citizenship Skills:
Mr. Raghu emphasized the importance of developing digital citizenship skills, including responsible, ethical, and safe use of technology. He discussed how these skills are essential for navigating the digital world and balancing emotional and moral growth in an AI-driven society.
In conclusion, Mr Raghu's insights provided a clear roadmap for ensuring students are ready for the future and well-prepared to responsibly navigate digital citizenship's challenges.
Book Reading
Chapter 14, "Misal Pao," fromMy Name is Cinnamonby Vikas Joshi
What skills does Cinnamon demonstrate while interacting with others in the chapter, and how do these skills help him navigate his relationships?
This question encourages us to reflect on Cinnamon's communication, empathy, and adaptability as he interacts with those around him.
How do the characters in this chapter use practical skills to express themselves or contribute to their family and community?
This question explores how specific skills, such as cooking, can represent personal expression and connect individuals to their culture or traditions.
In what ways does the chapter illustrate the difference between academic skills and life skills, and why might both be important for personal growth?
This question considers the value of academic achievements and life skills (such as social interaction, resilience, and emotional intelligence) and reflects on their balance.
How does Cinnamon’s perspective on the value of skills evolve throughout this chapter, and what does this reveal about his character development?
This question invites us to reflect on Cinnamon’s growth and how he came to understand the importance of various skills—both practical and personal—on his journey toward self-discovery.
Meet and Greet with Anika Singh, a social artist and the founder of VOYCE, as well as the director of DhunAnand. Anika is passionate about using art and creativity to drive social change. With over 15 years of experience, including six years with the World Health Organization (WHO) at both the Regional Office for South-East Asia and the WHO Country Office for India, as well as over four years in Australia, she has a wealth of expertise. At WHO, Anika developed and implemented engaging health promotion campaigns aimed at encouraging positive behavior change. She has also directed more than 30 advocacy productions, including animation videos, musicals, and documentaries. Before WHO, she worked in Australia mainly in the skills development and disability employment services network, assisting disadvantaged communities through employment, support services, community engagement and customised training programmes.
What does VOYCE do?
Content for public health and social change to create impact.
Work with the arts to create positive behaviour change campaigns.
Films, advocacy videos, animation videos, musicals and ad films.
Production of publications – including conceptualising, researching, writing, editing, designing, and printing.
Primary and secondary level research.
Events and festivals give an extra edge by leveraging the performing and visual arts to create impact. The company specialises in developing both online and offline events.
Facilitating training on values in action, authentic leadership, 1-Ness consciousness, and behaviour change communication for health promotion, gender equality, and social change messaging.
Organising staff engagement and team-building activities.
Conceptualising and implementing campaigns to promote the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically for positive behaviour change related to health
SUMMARY ✨
With guest speaker Anika Singh, discuss oneness, love, and art for social change and reflect on gratitude and human connections.
Key Takeaways
Oneness involves feeling connected to all living beings and the environment, transcending separateness.
Art can be a powerful medium for social change, public health messaging, and expressing complex ideas.
Gratitude emerges from recognising positive experiences caused by others; animals may exhibit gratitude-like behaviour.
My Good School will evolve to focus on the "Joy Of Giving" in 2025, with upcoming events celebrating poetry, art, and music.
Topics
Anika Singh's Background and Work
Started social work at age 14 and represented India at international conferences.
Worked with WHO and UN agencies for 10+ years on public health campaigns
Founded organisation VOYCE (Vision and Opportunities for Youth and Community Empowerment)
Uses art for public health messaging and social change
Oneness and Love - 1Ness (the way VOYCE says it)
Oneness is feeling connected to all beings and nature, with no separation.
Love emerges naturally from oneness and creates a sense of belonging everywhere.
Contrasted with artificial intelligence - oneness intelligence about higher purpose and connection
Art for Social Change
An art competition was used to explain depression through various mediums (dance, sand art, music videos, etc.).
More impactful than traditional messaging for sensitive topics
Upcoming "Returning to Love" event on Jan 12, 2025, to showcase art on oneness, love, UN SDGs
Inviting submissions of visual art with 300-350 word impact stories
Behaviour Change Approaches
Changing the environment is more effective than targeting individuals
Using "nudges" - subtle environmental cues to inspire positive habits
Consistency in messaging is key
Leveraging platforms like social media, games bookmarks to reach youth
Gratitude in Animals
Difficult to definitively prove, but anecdotes suggest the possibility
Examples: Rescued whale's acrobatic display, crows bringing gifts to girl who fed them
Gratitude is defined as positive emotion from an enjoyable experience caused by others
My Good School Updates
Website upgraded for 2025 at schooleducation.com
Four focus areas: the joy of learning, happy teachers, the joy of giving, youth engaging society
Upcoming New Year's Eve reflection session
Three retreats planned for 2025 (April, November, December)
Next Steps
Submit art entries for the "Returning to Love" event by Dec 30, 2024
Prepare reflections on 2024 My Good School experiences for next Sunday's session
Consider participating in upcoming My Good School retreats and community learning initiatives
Teachers invited to volunteer for the monthly professional learning program at Arthur Foot Academy
Reflections
1. What insights did you gain about the power of art and music as tools for social change?
2. How can you use creativity to contribute to your community or address social
issues?
Inner Life of Animals and the Theme of Gratitude as presented by Peter Wohlleben:
Reflective Questions
Understanding Gratitude:
How does Peter Wohlleben describe gratitude in animals? Do you think animals experience gratitude in the same way humans do? Why or why not?
Examples of Animal Behavior:
Can you recall an example from the chapter where an animal showed gratitude? How did this behaviour reflect the concept of gratitude?
Human vs. Animal Emotions:
Do you think human emotions, such as gratitude, fundamentally differ from animals? What examples support your view?
Personal Reflection:
Have you ever experienced a moment when an animal seemed grateful to you? How did that make you feel?
Critical Thinking Questions
Interpreting Animal Actions:
Some scientists argue that behaviours we interpret as gratitude are simply survival instincts. What is your opinion on this perspective?
Role of Environment:
How might the environment or upbringing of an animal affect its ability to express emotions like gratitude?
Ethics and Empathy:
If animals can feel gratitude, what implications does this have for how humans treat them?
Creative Thinking Questions
Imagining a Conversation:
Imagine you could talk to an animal. What questions would you ask to understand how they perceive emotions like gratitude?
Animal Perspective:
Write a short story or poem from the perspective of an animal experiencing gratitude. What event triggered this feeling? How do they express it?
Cross-Species Relationships:
Design a fictional scenario where an animal and a human share a moment of gratitude. How does this moment bridge the gap between species?
These questions will encourage you to connect the scientific observations in the chapter with your own experiences, fostering critical and empathetic understanding.
Next week - Chapter 13: The Bathroom Outside from My Name is Cinnamon Chapter 7: Lies and Deception from The Inner Life of Animals
These are some suggestions you can choose from. I'm looking forward to seeing your wonderful and thoughtful reflections!
Check out our brand new signboard—it's here, and it looks absolutely amazing!
Sunday School No. 163
Guru Nanak Docuseries-
1. What was your takeaway from the session today?
2. What were the key points in the episode?
3. Wisdom, Right Knowledge, and Intellect- How can you connect with these?
- From Hidden Life Of Animals - 1. Did the story connect with you today, and why? 2. Find out about- a. biological automatons b. Leipzig and what it is famous for? c. magnetic resonance imaging 3. What is instinct according to you? 4. How can we compare animal emotions with human emotions? 5. How are humans different from animals?
Key Takeaways
The documentary series on Guru Nanak's travels highlights the interconnectedness of different philosophies and cultures across India.
Recent school visits, especially to Doon School, provided valuable learning experiences for students and teachers from rural areas.
There's an emphasis on regular reflections and sharing of learnings among the community members.
The group uses various WhatsApp groups and online platforms to facilitate communication and learning.
Guru Nanak Documentary Discussion
Explored Guru Nanak's travels through Assam, Nagaland, Bangladesh, and West Bengal.
Highlighted similarities between Guru Nanak's philosophy and local traditions in these regions.
Discussed the concept of oneness and the universality of emotions across species.
Recent The Doon School Visit
Students from Arthur Foot Academy visited Doon School, marking their first trip to an urban area.
The visit highlighted the disparity in exposure between rural and urban students.
Emphasized the importance of such experiences in broadening students' perspectives.
Reflection Practices
Encouraged regular reflections from all participants, including teachers and students.
Discussed various platforms for sharing reflections, including WhatsApp groups and online diaries.
Stressed the importance of consistent engagement and sharing of thoughts.
Community Structure and Communication
Explained the purpose and use of different WhatsApp groups:
My Good School: For general discussions and reflections
Teachers Academy: For teacher-specific content
Impact Team: For assessment and evaluation
Joy of Giving: Focused on Arthur Foot Academy project
Book Discussion
Reviewed chapters from a book discussing animal emotions and instincts.
Drew parallels between animal and human behaviors, emphasizing the universality of emotions.
Next Steps
Participants to send reflections on recent experiences, including the Doon School visit.
Continue regular engagement in various WhatsApp groups and online platforms.
Implement learnings from recent experiences in respective educational settings.
Improve the technical setup for future online meetings based on today's experience with new equipment.
Action Items
Create reflection piece with probing questions from The Doon School visit. Add to Joy of Learning Diaries.
Write/send reflection on The Doon School visit to Manisha. Post in My Good School WhatsApp grp.
Write/send reflection on Doon School visit to Manisha. Post in My Good School WhatsApp grp.
Post announcements for upcoming sessions in My Good School WhatsApp grp.
Students and teacher 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
In case you missed the session today, reply the video:
To conduct a My Good School retreat session focused on discussing animal behavior and emotions through the book "The Inner Life of Animals" by Peter Wohlleben.
Key Takeaways
The group explored the concept of animal emotions, particularly maternal love, through the first chapter of the book
Participants learned about squirrel behavior, including their nesting habits, food caching, and interactions with other animals
The discussion highlighted how human perceptions of animals are often influenced by emotions rather than objective observation
The session emphasized that maternal love is not exclusive to humans and exists across species, though with variations in its expression and development
Topics
Book Introduction and Context
The group is reading "The Inner Life of Animals" by Peter Wohlleben
The book explores animal emotions and behaviors, challenging assumptions about human uniqueness
The author uses scientific research and personal observations to illustrate animal experiences
Squirrel Behavior and Survival
Squirrels demonstrate maternal care by carrying babies on their necks
They build nests (dreys) in trees, using soft materials for comfort
Squirrels cache food for winter, but often forget locations, leading to natural tree planting
Their survival strategies include spiral descent to avoid predators like hawks
Animal Emotions and Human Perceptions
The group discussed how humans categorize animals based on appearance and perceived usefulness
Squirrels were used as an example of how perceptions can shift (e.g., from cute to predatory)
The discussion emphasized that animals act primarily for survival, not to be "good" or "bad"
Maternal Love Across Species
The chapter explored whether maternal love is innate or learned
Hormones like oxytocin play a role in bonding for both humans and animals
Human capacity for learned love (e.g., adoption) was contrasted with more instinctive animal behaviors
Examples of interspecies bonding were mentioned (e.g., cats caring for human infants)
Next Steps
Participants encouraged to watch related movies/documentaries (e.g., Born Free, Lion King)
Research Jane Goodall's work with chimpanzees for further insights on animal behavior.
Reconvene at 5:30 PM for the Teacher's Academy session to continue book discussion.
Local retreat participants to engage in a treasure hunt during the break.
Think it over
1. Did the story connect with you today, and why?
2. Find out about-
a. dreys
b. nests of animals
3. How do animals prepare their nest? Which material is required by the animals to make their nest?
4. Winter, however, is more devastating than any predator. Who does the writer refer to ?
5. What will happen if there will be no food chain?
6. What is selfless mother's love according to you?
