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
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
Sunday School Reflection by Manisha Khanna
Ishika Singh, Class IX
Today's session was engaging, meaningful, and informative. It helped me understand the importance of reading, positive thinking, and good values. During the session, we listened to a book reading that inspired me to believe that books can guide us and help us grow in life. The reading was engaging and made the session more enjoyable.
Overall, today's Good School session motivated me to read more books, learn new things, and become a better and more confident student.
Aadhya Gupta, Class V
In today's Hindi book-reading session, Manisha ma'am presented a short yet interesting set of questions that focused on the real benefits of reading and reflection. While answering these questions, I came to understand the importance of reflection and the valuable skills it cultivates. Subsequently, we read a short story about a girl who made the winning catch at the end of a cricket match. The story highlighted essential lessons, including time management and the importance of providing equal opportunities to everyone.
Additionally, Jugjiv sir explained that we should believe in ourselves and always try to do our best rather than worrying too much about the outcome. He emphasised that our actions and efforts matter more than the outcome. While talking about luck, he quoted a beautiful saying by a golf player: *"The harder I practice, the luckier I get."* This taught me that luck supports us when we are willing to put in sincere hard work.
Akanksha Rai, Class IX
Guru Nanak Dev Ji was the founder of Sikhism and the first Guru of the Sikhs. He was born on 15 April 1469 in Talwandi, which is now known as Nankana Sahib in Pakistan. He was a great spiritual leader who taught people to live a truthful, simple, and meaningful life.
Early Life –
From childhood, Guru Nanak Ji was very intelligent and thoughtful. He was not interested in rituals or material things. He believed in equality and asked deep questions about God and life. His parents noticed that he was different from other children.
Teachings of Guru Nanak Ji
Guru Nanak Ji taught that there is only one God, who is present everywhere. He believed in:
Equality of all human beings
Honest living (Kirat Karo)
Sharing with others (Vand Chhako)
Remembering God (Naam Japo)
He strongly opposed the caste system, superstition, and discrimination.
Travels –
Guru Nanak Ji travelled to many places in India and abroad to spread his message of love, peace, and unity. He spoke to people of different religions and encouraged them to live in harmony.
Later Life and Legacy –
Guru Nanak Ji settled at Kartarpur, where he spent his last years teaching his followers. He passed away in 1539, but his teachings still guide millions of people today.
Conclusion
Guru Nanak Dev Ji was a great saint and reformer. His life and teachings inspire us to be kind, truthful, and respectful towards everyone.
Swati Tripathi
गुरु नानक देव जी की जीवन-गाथा पर आधारित यह श्रृंखला केवल एक प्रस्तुति नहीं, बल्कि आत्मचिंतन की यात्रा रही। इसने मुझे यह गहराई से समझाया कि सच्चा धर्म बाहरी आडंबर में नहीं, बल्कि प्रेम, सेवा, समानता और मानवता में निहित है। गुरु हमें सही दिशा दिखाते हैं, ताकि हम अपने भीतर झाँक सकें। यह अनुभव मेरे लिए भावनात्मक, प्रेरणादायक और एक शिक्षक के रूप में स्वयं को बेहतर बनाने वाला रहा।
रवि प्रकाश
गुरु नानक की शिक्षाओं ने मुझे सिखाया कि सच्चा आचरण करने के लिए चेतना को चंचल मन के विचार ,विकारों से बचाना आवश्यक है। जब मन विचलित होता है तो वह हमें सही मार्ग से भटका देता है, लेकिन जब हम अपनी चेतना को जागरूक रखते हैं ,तो हम सच्चे आचरण की और बढ़ सकते हैं। मैं अपने जीवन में इस क्षण को लागू करने का प्रयास करूंगी, और अपने मन को शांत और जागरूक रखने का प्रयास करूंगी गुरु नानक की शिक्षाओं ने मुझे अपने जीवन में एक नए दृष्टिकोण को अपनाने के लिए प्रेरित किया है ।उनकी कहानियों ने मुझे सिखाया की जीवन में सबसे बड़ा धन दूसरों के लिए करना है, और सबसे बड़ा सुख दूसरों के साथ जीने में है। जीवन में सकारात्मक आशा और विश्वास को बढ़ाने में मदद की । मैंने सीखा की जीवन में सबसे बड़ा धन आत्मविश्वास है। अपने जीवन में सच्चाई न्याय और समर्पण के महत्व को समझने में मदद की।
सुनीता त्रिपाठी
My Good School by Manisha Khanna
My Good School
We often judge others based on appearances or preconceived notions, yet those assumptions can be completely wrong. The character expected the book-delivery woman to be "plain" or unimpressive based on her job, but was surprised to find that she was confident, capable, and even charming. This moment challenges the narrator's biases and shows how easily we underestimate people simply because of the roles they play or how they are presented to us. It is a reminder that every person carries depth, skill, and personality that cannot be measured by first impressions, and that staying open-minded can lead to unexpected respect or admiration.
Themes of guilt, regret, and the desire for redemption also appear. Carl's harshness toward others and his emotional distance leave lasting effects not only on the people he pushes away but also on himself. Meanwhile, Scheacha's determination to "rewrite" events like a story shows her longing to restore what was broken, proving how deeply she cares and how strongly hope can motivate change. The contrast between Carl's withdrawal and Scheacha's persistence underscores how human connection can either wither or be rebuilt depending on the choices people make.
Today's session taught me some valuable lessons that can help us grow in life. One of the most important things I understood is that failure is not the end. If we fail in our first attempt, we should not lose hope. Every outstanding achievement begins with trying again.
Another important lesson is the power of persistence. When we continue working towards our dreams without giving up, success eventually comes our way. Hard work and consistency are the genuine keys to reaching our goals.
We should not give up if we do not achieve our goal in the first step.
Reflection Sunbeam Lahartara Sunbeam Hostel lahartara
They expressed that the retreat helped them build clarity, confidence, and a sense of inner calm. The Sunday School session strengthened their understanding of compassion, gratitude, and mindful action. Many felt inspired by the stories shared, noticing how simple narratives can open doors to self-awareness and better decision-making.
Collectively, the students highlighted that the experience taught them to think with openness, speak with kindness, and act with purpose—learnings they hope to carry into their classrooms, homes, and daily lives.
Sunbeam Hostel Lahartara
Lotus Petal School
At Lotus Petal School, our Sunday Reading Sessions at My Good School help us see reading in a new light. Every story becomes a lesson in thinking, feeling, and growing.
Through the Four Fs — Fact, Feeling, Finding, and Future — we read with both heart and mind.
Fact helps us remember what happened,
Feeling lets us connect with the story,
Finding reveals hidden lessons, and
Future inspires us to apply them in life.
Each reading leaves us a little wiser, a little kinder, and more aware of the world around us. At My Good School, reading is not just an activity — it’s a way to learn and live better.
Lotus Petal Foundation
As we depart for our homes, the wall stands alone, waiting for our next visit!
The Good School Retreat 2025 was truly one of the most memorable and enriching experiences of my school life. Held at Sunbeam Suncity, Varanasi, and hosted by Sunbeam Gramin School, the retreat brought together students from different schools under the Good School Alliance — all with one goal: to learn, share, and grow together.
Our journey began on 26th October, when we boarded the train to Varanasi with excitement bubbling inside us. Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed at Sunbeam Suncity. The first day began with flag bearers’ practice, followed by ice-breaking games that instantly helped us bond with students from other schools.
The next day, we had our opening ceremony, where we got the opportunity to meet inspiring personalities like Mr Sandeep Dutt, author of My Good School, Mr Jugjiv Sir, Headmaster of the Good School Alliance, Nilashi Ma’am, and many others. The morning started with yoga, after which we went for our service project visits. Our group went to Banaras Beads, India’s largest exporter and single-unit bead-making factory, while other groups visited Kiran Village, where we saw how specially-abled children are empowered through education and skills. Both visits were eye-opening experiences that taught us about hard work, empathy, and real-life learning. Later that evening, we had tea and snacks, a reading session by Jugjiv Sir from the book My Good School, followed by an interactive Joy of Learning activity by Nilashi Ma’am.
On Day 3, the day began with an energetic Zumba session, which filled everyone with positive vibes. Then came the Inme Activities led by the Inme team, where we played games that taught us teamwork, communication, and leadership in the most fun and creative ways. That evening, we were treated to a special Baati Chokha dinner, which was absolutely delicious! The day ended beautifully with another Joy of Learning session by Nilashi Ma’am, where we reflected and interacted even more deeply.
Day 4 was my personal favourite! We went on a Varanasi Darshan, visiting the archaeological site of the Buddha Temple, the monument of Rani Lakshmi Bai, and Assi Ghat, where we saw the real home of Tulsidas Ji. Learning about the ancient monasteries and their preservation was fascinating — it felt like stepping into history itself. Later that evening, we had our Talent Show, where our school performed a poetry piece and a rap. Everyone loved our performance, and the appreciation we received made us feel so proud! We also got to see other amazing performances — from dance and singing to flute playing — each one filled with pure talent and joy.
Finally, on Day 5 (30th October), we visited Sunbeam Gramin School, where we attended the morning assembly and participated in the YES Workshop. Throughout the retreat, we had been working on our flip charts, a 25-page reflection journal highlighting what we learned from the four S’s — Study, Skill, Sports, and Service. In the workshop, we presented our learnings and shared how these values are implemented in our school. It was a truly meaningful way to end the retreat.
As we departed for Ballia, I carried with me not just memories but life lessons — about joyful learning, teamwork, service, and friendship. The retreat wasn’t just a trip; it was an experience that helped me grow as a student and as a person. 🌟
What do you see??? number 13, alphabet M, symbol of McDonald's in reverse, alphabet W, and a few assumptions. Right!
Now, what do you see? This is the story of adolescence.
At A, life begins simple — a straight line full of purpose, innocence, and clarity.
Then comes B, the bend — that confusing space where identity blurs.
Adolescents stand here, between childhood and adulthood, searching for who they are and where they belong.
In this search, they turn to the easiest mirror they can find — the mirror of society, peers, and screens. Every like, every follow, every comment becomes a reflection of worth. But it’s a fragile mirror, one that cracks under the weight of comparison.
They see the success, not the struggle. They see the filtered faces, not the unseen effort. They see the highlight reels, not the rewrites.
What was once a journey of self-discovery has become a quest for approval.
The mind starts to equate validation with value. Shortcuts replace effort. When the likes don’t come, anger rises. When popularity doesn’t follow, burnout begins. The mind grows restless, the body disengaged, and the spirit unsure.
The B stage is filled with doubt, anxiety, and exhaustion — a bend that feels like a breakdown.
But B was never meant to stand alone.
When adolescents reconnect with their A — their roots, their values — and discover their C — their purpose, their potential — something shifts. The confusion softens. The curve straightens. They begin to see that the bend was not a detour, but a design — a necessary part of growth.
The truth is, the line was never broken — only bent. The self was never lost — only searching.
And the journey back to self begins the moment the adolescent pauses the scroll, silences the noise, and listens inward.
Because real identity doesn’t live in pixels. It lives with purpose.
So the question is:
Are we helping our adolescents move from B to C?
Or are we keeping them trapped in the endless scroll of confusion?
Please send your responses to mk@learningforward.org.in. We look forward to receiving your thoughtful insights.
Manisha Khanna
Riddhi Gupta
Aadhya Gupta, Class 5B
In today's Good School Session, firstly, Jugjiv Sir read an amazing story. We learned how to pronounce some difficult words. He also explained about public speaking and speaking with confidence. Overall, this session was really awesome and helpful for speaking, reading, and writing.
Arohi Jaiswal, Class 5B
In the second session, we had a great personality, Ms Brinda Ghosh Ma’am, with us. She also read a story named “The Inner Life of Animals,” in which she read the chapter “Hello Sandman.” It was an amazing story. Then she also told us new things that we did not even know.
This session was also really nice. Both sessions were really wonderful.
Talat Bano, Class 5C
The story he shared was captivating, and the way he articulated difficult words helped me improve my pronunciation. The session on public speaking and confidence was particularly insightful, emphasising the importance of effective communication.
What resonated with me most was the encouragement to explore new books and share ideas with others. This session was a valuable reminder of the power of reading in enhancing our creativity, thinking, and communication skills.
Overall, it was an enriching experience that I thoroughly enjoyed. I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow, and I look forward to applying these valuable lessons in my daily life.
Iqra Meraj, Class IX-F
A Day of Literary and Intellectual Growth
I wanted to express my sincere appreciation for today's profoundly educational and enjoyable Good School Alliance session. The seamless combination of literary exposure and practical communication advice made this a truly memorable day of learning.
The first segment, led by Jugjiv Sir, was characterised by warmth and clarity. The reading of “The Door-to-Door Bookstore” beautifully highlighted themes of community, friendship, and the personal connections we form with literature. Sir’s subsequent lesson on correct punctuation and clear articulation was incredibly useful, as it directly addressed crucial elements of effective writing and speaking. His emphasis on developing public speaking confidence gave me actionable steps toward becoming a better orator.
The second session, featuring the insightful Ms Brinda Ghosh, shifted our focus to the natural world. Her reading from the chapter “Hello Sandman” in “The Inner Life of Animals” was fascinating. It opened my eyes to the depth of emotional and intellectual life in animals, introducing new concepts that sparked my curiosity and desire to learn more about environmental studies and biology.
Both presenters delivered their content with infectious enthusiasm. I left the session feeling motivated to not only read more widely but also to practice the communication techniques I acquired. These lessons are highly valuable and will undoubtedly contribute to my growth both academically and personally.
Ashish Verma, Class 12 PCB
The session was an engaging and enriching experience for our students and team members alike. Mr Bajoria’s dynamic approach and practical examples helped participants understand the essence of effective communication — not just as a tool for expression, but as a bridge for connection and confidence.
Through interactive discussions, relatable anecdotes, and hands-on exercises, participants explored how tone, body language, and clarity play vital roles in everyday interactions. The session encouraged everyone to reflect on their own communication styles and discover ways to express themselves with greater authenticity and impact.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr Bajoria for his time, expertise, and passion in empowering young minds. The learnings from this session will surely inspire our students to communicate with purpose, empathy, and self-assurance.
Reflection My Good School.docx.pdf
– Bhumi Gupta, 5B
