Lessons from Animals and Life - Sunbeam Suncity School

Sunday School by My Good School turned out to be an enlightening session. Today, we explored the inner life of animals, realising that just like humans, animals too need care and compassion to survive. They are not naturally harmful; rather, it is often our mistreatment that makes them appear dangerous. We also learned about the behavioural patterns of animals and how these connect with human behaviour in many ways.

—Atharv Singh Chauhan

Animals, like wild boars crossing rivers to escape hunters, show how fear can drive intelligent behaviour for survival. Similarly, in human life, fear can act as both a warning signal and a motivator to adapt wisely to challenges.

—Yuvraj Singh

Today's discussion on goals, skills, passion, discipline, and perseverance highlights that success is never accidental—it is the result of clear direction, consistent effort, and the right mindset. Just like animals rely on instinct and practice, humans thrive when preparation meets persistence.

—Rishi Agrawal

Today, we learnt about the importance of addressing individuals correctly, along with the evolving nature of titles, reminding us that respect and acknowledgement shape relationships. Just as behaviour defines animals and humans alike, our words and manners define how we are perceived in society.

—Rishabh Singh

Animals often mirror their surroundings—gentle when nurtured, hostile when threatened. Humans, too, react to their environment; a supportive setting brings out positivity, while a toxic one can create negativity. This highlights the deep link between behaviour and environment.

—Shishir Verma

My Good School, Sunday 23rd February 2025

 Sunday School # 177

A workshop on goal setting with guest speaker Lina Ashar, followed by a book reading session and updates on My Good School activities. 

Key Takeaways

• Lina Ashar presented on the importance of SMART goal setting and how to apply it effectively
• The group read chapters from "The Hidden Life of Animals" on animal intelligence and goal-oriented behavior
• Updates were shared on upcoming My Good School events, including a retreat in April and new weekday sessions

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

• Explained the SMART goal framework: Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Relevant, Time-bound
• Discussed the brain's reticular activating system (RAS) and its role in goal achievement
• Emphasized the importance of setting realistic, incremental goals to avoid stress
• Addressed questions on procrastination, parental pressure, and maintaining motivation

Book Reading: "The Hidden Life of Animals"

Chapters: Hidden Agendas & Simple Sums:

• Read chapters on animal intelligence, focusing on crows, goats, and dogs
• Discussed examples of animals demonstrating counting abilities and time awareness
• Explored the concept of forward planning in animal behavior

Reflection questions

1. How does Wohlleben challenge the traditional understanding of animal intelligence in this chapter? Reflect on examples he provides and consider whether they change your perspective on how animals think and solve problems.

2. 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?

3. 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?

Planning for March 2025

The meeting discussed the upcoming schedule for various educational activities. Students will return from holidays on April 1st, and attendance is expected to improve. The calendar will include reading sessions on Sundays, watching the Episode 14 of Guru Nanak’s travels with Amardeep Singh and a workshop with Lina Ashar. The students of Sunbeam School Varuna are planning a presentation at My Good School. In addition, a poetry sessions are held on Thursdays at 5:15 PM, and a book reading sessions on Friday afternoon at 2:20 PM. 

The My Good School retreat is scheduled from April 11th to 14th. Art and music sessions are under consideration for the week, with a focus on engaging a broader audience. Finally, plans for the Art and Music Sessions on Monday and Tuesday respectively, with Wednesday as a weekly off.

You can email your reflections to mk@learningforward.org.in or post them as comments below!

AI vs. Teacher: The Perfect Pairing for Student Success! 🤖👩‍🏫✨_ Adya Agrawal

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
Sunbeam Suncity Hostel

Relections for the week - Sunday 18th August 2024

- From The Guru Nanak Docuseries-  

1. What did you learn from the episode today?
2. How aware are we about our own religion and cultures?
3. Does true devotion lie in bathing in "holy rivers" or is it something deeper?
4. Why do you think the chapter is named "Adhikaar"?
5. What is religion and its true meaning?
6. What makes one "pure"?

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 ?

- From The Hidden Life Of Trees – 
1. What is your takeaway from today's session?
2. Why is there a battle for every light of sunshine in the forest?

3. How do forest species adapt in their need for sun and resouces to grow from the environment?

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 -      

mk@learningforward.org.in

Woody Climate Control - Prapti Rai

In a chapter titled "Woody Climate Control," you could learn about various mechanisms trees use to regulate their internal temperature and moisture levels. This might include how trees adjust their transpiration rates, control water loss through their leaves, and modulate their canopy architecture to optimize sunlight exposure and minimize overheating.

Understanding these mechanisms can provide insights into how trees adapt to different environmental conditions and how they might respond to climate change.

Adapting to a changing climate 

Plants have developed sophisticated strategic adaptations to improve their productivity and survival during climate variations.

One of these adaptations is their impressive, yet largely underappreciated ability to regulate their body temperature, a process known as thermoregulation, achieved through anatomical and physiological mechanisms in their leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits.

Thermoregulation is crucial for plants’ survival as it plays a fundamental role in their general growth and the development of embryos, floral scent, and seed viability, amongst other known and still unknown factors.

However, their ability to successfully survive in the face of climate change is a matter of growing concern since any alteration to the complex processes of growth, maturation, reproduction and survival could result in the unfortunate decline of plant populations.

Prapti Rai

Sunbeam Bhagwanpur

Significance of trees in our life - Prashant Singh Kushwaha

We can see trees everywhere on this earth in our surroundings. Trees are the beauty of nature. In my opinion, Without trees life is not possible on this earth. Trees fulfil our basic needs.

In ancient times trees were everything for humans. Trees provide us with oxygen which we inhale to survive. We can say that trees are responsible for our beautiful nature.

Today our environment is highly polluted because humans get greedy and cut trees for their requirements. It may cause global warming and then it will become more dangerous to live in such a polluted environment. 

Trees maintain the temperature of our environment for example- if you are in the city you can feel that the environment is too hot because there are only a few trees left in the city. It is because humans cut all the trees to make buildings and roads; On the other hand, if you are in a forest or a rural area, you can feel that the environment is too cold because of trees. If you live in a village or near the forest you can observe that the air is too cold compared to the city. 

Do you know that it is a fact that A quarter of ingredients in modern medicines come from rainforest plants?

Prashant Singh Kushwaha

Grade IX

Sunbeam School Lahartara 

Trees as Best Friends - Anmol Kashyap

Trees as Best Friends

We cannot survive in this world without our friends. Similarly, it is impossible to survive on this land without trees.

Trees give us everything for the survival of living beings. Still, we humans, who are considered the most intelligent beings on this earth, give several threats (such as deforestation) to the base of our life (trees) only.

So, we humans should be grateful for being the friends of the trees, and practice things (such as afforestation and reforestation) to increase their population and equally respect and consider them also as citizens of our country.

Anmol

Grade IX

Sunbeam School, Lahartara

Small Acts of Service - Divyanshu Agarwal

image courtesy -https://www.nusocia.com, used by Divyanshu Agarwal only

Small Acts of Service Help Change Lives

The small act of kindness reforms the lives of others who are not that capable of handling their daily needs. We are very much thankful to God that our parents are capable enough to provide us a happy life. Small acts of service can put a smile on the faces of underprivileged people. 

Acts of kindness make the earth a better place to live. We can donate money to charity. We can have scholarship schemes for children. We can donate our old books to the government schools Which don't have a good schooling facility. donate blood, so that those who don't have money can healthily live their lives. 

We should not discriminate or judge anyone based on their money or education status. Always try to bring a smile to the faces of others. Even the smallest act of service, the simplest act of kindness is a way to honour those needy individuals.

 

"There is no higher religion than human service to work for the common good is the greatest creed."      - Woodrow Wilson

 

Divyanshu Agarwal (XD)

Sunbeam Schools And Hostel Laharatra 

Future Generation & The Present - Nishan Karki

 When we talk about the future generation, do we also need to work on the present altogether?

“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”                                                      -  Buddha

We spend a lot of time thinking about our future generation. However, we also need to think about and work on our present side by side. Working on present needs is crucial for the betterment of our future generations. The future of our generation depends greatly on our present deeds. Our present paves the way for our future and that of our generation.

To make our generation's future better, we need to tackle the present problems. Our earth is facing many environmental problems such as climate change, increasing global warming, depletion of various resources, pollution, etc. Unless we tackle our present issues, we will not be able to improve the future of our upcoming generations.

For instance, if people are very poor, they will not be able to provide a better lifestyle for future generations. Before thinking about the future, they should work on their present needs. They must at least have the basic means of livelihood. If they remain poor and do not work to improve their present conditions, their future generation will have to suffer. 

Creating a peaceful society is very important for our future generation; Creating a society that values people and their sentiments, fosters the development of a peaceful society. People living in a society must have mutual co-operation, respect sympathy, trust, kindness and compassion for each other.

If our thoughts and actions are positive, our future generation will also be the same. It is important to ensure that our generation thinks positively and does things positively. No one wants their generation to do wrong things. People have a strong faith that their future generation will be a good and peaceful one. We should work to create a clean environment (focusing both on the ecosystem and positive thoughts/ actions) for our future generations.

Nishan Karki Class 10  Pestalozzi Children’s Village Society, India

My Contribution To Change The World - Pasang Sherpa

We can contribute to changing the world in a diverse manner. So I prefer to contribute to this objective by opening schools in rural areas. 

Keeping in mind, how much social importance education has in this modern, complex industrialised society. It helps in imparting values, and reforms attitudes in children, and most importantly it is of vital importance. 

But before contributing toward changing the world, one should know that revolutionizing the world is not so easy. One cannot change the world by himself/herself. The world is mammoth, it is changeless until everyone joins their hands together.

Pasang Sherpa

Pestalozzi Children's Village Society

My Contributions To Change The World - Nishan Karki

“Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.” – Booker T. Washington.

Picture Courtesy: https://www.freepik.com

Today's world needs a change. There are many disparities among people. One hates others on grounds of caste, religion, colour, gender, etc. To end all these disparities, people's support and contributions are required. If these disparities end, the world will become peaceful. There will be no chaos.

Even one person can make a great impact. Many people contribute to changing the world. I also want to be one of these people. I want to see the world changing. For this, I want to make all the possible contributions.

I would like to make the following contributions to change the world:- 

• It is correctly said by someone that education is the most powerful weapon to change the world. So, take and give education. 

• We should do small acts of kindness. Even a tiny kind word can warm three winter months. Similarly, even small acts of kindness can have an everlasting impact on people. I want that impact to start with me. 

• Protection of the Environment has been a matter of great concern in today's world. Environmentalists strive to protect ecosystems from harmful human activities. We can live peacefully only if there is a safe and conducive environment. I would like to contribute to this field. I also want to tell people about the effects of pollution and the ways to reduce it. 

• Instead of spending money on unnecessary things, I would like to donate money to charity. Many people donate a large amount of money to charity. For example, Bill Gates, Ratan Tata, Warren Buffett, Shiv Nadar, etc. It is a good way of helping poor and needy people. 

• I would like to spend more time with people and talk with them about changing the world. It will also help me utilise my time instead of wasting time unnecessarily.

I have mentioned above that even one person can make a great impact. Don’t wait for a very long time; start the things to change the world. Make your contributions. Give your 100%. It starts with you. If you do not start now, you will never be ahead.

Nishan Karki

Pestalozzi Children's Village, India.

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.

The Superficial Rosy-ness - Reveda Bhatt

http://www.freestockphotos.biz/stockphoto/17731

“We all love roses, and when I say that, I mean the blooming ones because nobody even cares a bit when they seem to wilt!”

You know, the usual-a rose-too common but never seems to get outdated. The emotions hiding behind this flower are too many to comprehend. They stick out everywhere-in happy moments as well as in sad ones. When seen in and out, it sometimes even portrays the human character of being multifaced-tender and mild on the outside but painful or raging on the inside, just like a human heart could be!

Like any other flower, roses go through the stages of life where first, as a growing bud, they are provided with everything they need to grow. They struggle through the part of their lives to fully mature, and later, some are plucked by us as we gaze at its brilliance and find a place in a vase, and we keep it till we can gain something out of it-a pleasant smell and a decent look.

Happy till it serves us with all that, and then, once it ages, it’s thrown back into the environment was cut off from before because it’s no use now. Then, there lies the depressing vase, empty, just waiting to take over the life of another. This cycle keeps on going because sometimes it’s easier to keep moving in the same process over and over again rather than risking all of it and jumping off it having no idea where
you’ll land.

Fun fact: The look of the rose we get is also superficial. How?

Once the old, raging flower petals wither and fall off, rather than the bud that once swayed proudly with its colourful petals, there just stands a stem with thorns waiting to hurt you!

Reveda Bhatt

Grade 9

The Aryan School

Peace, as I see it - Tenzin Jambey

It is tough to understand the mentality and mindset of people. All the people are not the same, and there are only rare ones, and some people rarely have the mentality.

When I think about Peace, Peace only thing that comes to my mind is having satisfaction from the work that you have done. We only get peace Peacewe to do the things and actions that make us feel good. Some people do good work and help others to have a feeling of kindness; after all, it's the work from within that gets them peace.

Whereas some people are so foolish that they commit many crimes, harassment and even murder, this and other such acts get them the feeling of peace; I have seen many times in the movies, and other TV shows a person crying, he says that " ap jukai chant mila", which means I get peace after doing the work. But, we wouldn't know they are always wrong at some point, as they have the mentality and habits developed from childhood. It is just that people see a child doing a crime; they say many things about them but never try to make them understand what they are doing. They have a mentality that committing crimes will only cost you a few days in jail.

For me, I actually do not know now what or how peace can be defined. A few days back when I was at my home for vacation, I was very, very happy there with my parents and family and also the environment of the village was very calm and beautiful, I felt thrilled with them there, and I guess that peace means when you are with your loved ones and that also at your favourite place.

The reading session of Sunday, the 2nd of October 2022.
I share my joy of learning  with a drawing:

Tenzin Jambey
Pestalozzi Children's Village, India

Save Environment - Simran Soni

The word environment refers to all ecological units naturally present on earth in the form of land, water, air, soil, forest, sunlight, minerals, living organisms, etc. The earth is full of natural surroundings, some are biotic, and some are non-biotic. We should save our environment by planting more and more trees. World Environment Day is celebrated annually on 5th June and is the United Nations' principal vehicle for encouraging awareness and action to protect the environment.

On world environment day, we all take a day off from our work and join various campaigns to spread awareness about environmental protection. Moreover, we all plant small saplings in a barren land to grow and flourish in the land area after some years. We also take part in various processions to make people aware of this day to protect our environment.

Simran Soni

Class VI

The Fabindia School

Importance of Trees - Gourvi Rathore

Let us hear from Gourvi Rathore of Class UKG about the importance of trees. She is very aware of our environment, as she is asking to grow many plants, save trees and water. 

Trees are an important part of our world.  They provide wood for making paper.  They provide homes for all of the insects, birds, and other animals. Many types of fruits and nuts come from trees. Trees also help to keep our air clean and our ecosystems healthy. They provide us with oxygen.

We already have done enough destruction to the environment so let us all do our bit to save our environment by planting more and more trees.

Illustration from the cover of The Little Book Of Values, the book we love dearly at The Fabindia School.