This video features a conversation about fostering a love for reading, hosted at Gyan Anant Vidyalaya. Dutt emphasises that the best way to get children involved in reading is for teachers to be seen reading themselves. Gyan Anant Vidyalaya is a Special Project of the Good Schools Alliance.
Sunday School
To discuss student reflections and read from two books, focusing on character decisions.
The Power of Reflection: Reading student reflections on past sessions (e.g., Kartik’s review writing) demonstrated how writing solidifies learning and inspires others (e.g., interest in Atomic Habits).
Principle vs. Pragmatism: A 10-yen expense dispute in What You’re Looking For... highlighted a conflict between Ryo’s strict adherence to principle and Ms Yoshitaka’s pragmatic view of a minor error.
Managing Stress: Ryo’s failure to communicate his work stress to Hina led to a personal conflict. The group discussed strategies for separating professional and personal life, such as making a plan to tackle problems.
School Environment: A discussion on The Whistling School Boy concluded that a mix of indoor and outdoor learning is ideal for holistic development, combining academic focus with nature-based exploration.
Student reflections from previous sessions were read to illustrate the program’s value in reinforcing learning and improving written communication.
Key Themes:
Curiosity and observation in nature.
The impact of small, consistent habits (Atomic Habits).
Essential elements of review writing.
Communication skills (body language, listening, confidence).
Program Pillars: Reading, Reflection, and Relationship Building.
YES Program: Monthly Youth Engaging Society sessions on communication skills.
Next sessions: March 29 and April 12.
Context: Ryo, an accounts clerk, dreams of opening an antique shop but feels stuck in a job he dislikes.
Conflict 1: Principle vs. Pragmatism
Ryo found a 10-yen discrepancy on an expense report.
Ms Yoshitaka dismissed it as an "easy” amount not worth the trouble.
Ryo insisted on accuracy, regardless of the sum.
Outcome: Ms Yoshitaka filed a false power-harassment complaint, threatening RRyo’s job.
Conflict 2: Professional Stress Affects Personal Life
Ryo, overwhelmed by the complaint, failed to communicate his stress to Hina.
He lashed out at her for her successful online shop, dismissing it as a “hobby.”
Outcome: Hina left, leaving Ryo feeling “so low.”
Group Discussion → Managing Stress
Problem: Carrying work stress home.
Talk to a trusted person (e.g., Hina).
Divert the mind temporarily to allow logic to take over.
Make a concrete plan to tackle the issue.
Focus on the present moment.
Context: A school in a remote, hilly village.
Discussion → Ideal School Environment
Question: Should school be indoors or outdoors?
Conclusion: A mix of both is ideal for holistic development.
Indoors: Academic focus, protection from weather, and technology.
Outdoors: Connection to nature, fresh air, exploration, fun.
The village is abuzz with news of a leopard sighting.
A teacher, Shri Man Mani, goes missing, causing panic.
Resolution: Shri Man Mani returns, having simply gotten lost. The “leopard attack” was a false assumption, a key example of irony.
Subplot: Shri Man Mani is stressed by a new, younger teacher (Tania Romola) being assigned to a senior class. This stress manifests as forgetfulness and “stress eating.”
Climax: On the walk home, the children are warned by the postman to hurry because of the leopard. This fear causes Sonu to forget his foot pain, highlighting the power of external threats to override personal discomfort.
All Students:
Write and submit reflections on today’s session.
Consider presenting a book review or a creative work (drawing or interview) in a future session.
PYDS Students:
Send a group photo to Manisha Khanna.
Jugjiv Singh:
Continue reading What You’re Looking For Is in the Library next week.
Continue reading The Whistling School Boy and Anir Kahania next week.
FATHOM-AI-generated content, please read with care.
| ||
|
Session 1 of 3, scheduled for the third Sunday of the month, beginging February 2025.
Lina Ashar, founder of Dreamtime Learning, discussed the importance of goal setting using the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Relevant, Time-bound) framework. She emphasized the need for clear, realistic goals to achieve personal and academic success. Lina Ashar highlighted the reticular activating system (RAS) in the brain, which helps focus on specific goals. She also addressed common challenges like procrastination and stress, suggesting time-blocking and realistic goal setting. The session included practical exercises to transform vague goals into SMART ones and stressed the importance of inner mastery and personal growth.
What we learnt with Lina Ashar
Book Reading: "The Hidden Life of Animals"
Chapters: Hidden Agendas & Simple Sums:
In what ways does the ability of animals to perform simple mathematical tasks impact our ethical responsibilities toward them? Do you think recognizing intelligence in animals should influence the way humans treat them?
Wohlleben shares anecdotes about animals demonstrating basic arithmetic skills. How do these examples compare to the way young children or untrained humans approach similar tasks? What does this suggest about the cognitive abilities of animals in comparison to humans?
AI and teachers each play unique roles in a student's life. 🤖 AI offers instant access to information and personalized lessons 📚, available 24/7 ⏰ without tiring. It can quickly assist with homework and research 📝, providing quick answers and resources 🌐. However, it lacks the human touch 💔, and its understanding of emotional needs and personal challenges is limited. On the other hand, teachers 👩🏫 bring emotional intelligence 💖, guiding students not only in academics but also in their personal and social development 👫. They create a supportive, motivating environment 🏫, adapt to each student's learning style 🎨, and offer real-world experiences 🧠 and encouragement 🌟. While AI is an incredible tool for instant assistance, teachers nurture students' overall growth and well-being in ways AI cannot replicate. ✨
Adya Agrawal
More food for thought, notes shared by Akshar Bhasin from JMPS:
1. Questioning the futility of religious rituals and practices which are often performed blindly and without looking into the depth and intent behind them.
2. Aiming at the purification and cleansing of the inner soul and being rather than simply bathing the physical self in the Ganges and considering one pure.
3. Questioning the society’s olden practice of keeping a women confined and labelling her as impure during mensurational cycle.
4. Pondering about how a man is often bestowed with the title of ‘pandit’ (wise one) just because of his ability to recite holy texts and mantras without actually realising depth and intent behind them and acting according to the righteous way of life.
5. Understanding and embracing the truth of religion and it’s teachings rather than blindly worshiping deities and praising their teachings.
6. Understanding how enlightenment can be attained not by cremating someone at a holy site like Varanasi but by following the correct path and embracing wisdom.
7. Can one, instead of embracing a religion professed by others, find his own path and way in life ?
Check out the GSI Journal and listen to the latest podsact from Sunbeam School Timeless Tales. You will find the podcos on the right column and are most welcome to visit the Good Schools India Journal webiste: https://www.gsi.in/.
These are some suggestions you can choose from. Looking forward to seeing your wonderful and thoughtful reflections!
You can email your reflections at -
