The Joy of Reading: Learning Lessons for Life - Sunbeam School Lahartara

 

Sunday School Reflection

Reading in Sunday School is always enjoyable because every story teaches us something valuable. Through reading, we gain knowledge, improve our imagination, and learn new words and ideas. The lessons we read often relate to real life, helping us understand people, nature, and the world around us. 

Good reading habits also improve our thinking, concentration, and communication skills. Every Sunday session reminds us that reading is not just a hobby—it is a lifelong habit that helps us grow into thoughtful and informed individuals.

Read. Read. Read. But Why?

One thing we never stop telling students, as teachers, is to Read. Read. Read!! Have you ever stopped to wonder why? Would it suffice for a child to simply read to pass an exam?

Well, no. But the question that should be pondered upon is: how would a child be able to answer the questions they don’t even comprehend? Reading is not an additional skill to be mastered but the very base on which everything is built. Without being able to read and understand what is asked of them, a child cannot hope to solve a mathematical problem, explain a scientific concept, or come up with an answer at all.

Unfortunately, what we see today is quite alarming. As loving parents, many of them try to show children a new way of learning by giving them a smartphone to hold in their hands. Technology is good, but only when used with care. Otherwise, it can easily turn into a never-ending source of distraction.

Someday, your child will not be complaining that you did not buy him a new gadget. But he or she might wish you had given them a book instead. A smartphone gives you unlimited access to all the information; a good book nurtures imagination, concentration, empathy, curiosity, and critical thinking. All those skills are simply impossible for any computer program to instil.

What is so amazing about books is that they let the child go through different ages, countries, and civilisations right from their bedroom. They offer opportunities to meet great people, hear amazing thoughts, embark on adventurous travels, and learn lessons.

Since my childhood, I’ve been hearing the same wise advice: Life is too short to learn only from your own mistakes. Learn from other people’s experiences by reading. It’s been with me all these years. And each book you open gives you the opportunity to talk to someone who has lived, has made mistakes, has succeeded and has finally learned something. Why shouldn’t our kids have that knowledge too?

The objective of reading is not to earn a few marks. Reading makes the mind earn its marks. It fosters endurance, eloquence, and individual thought processes. In today’s world, with an overload of information, the skill of comprehending through reading and thinking has become invaluable.

Therefore, by all means, embrace technology. But don’t let it take away the stories from the notifications. Fill up your houses with books and read in front of your children, as they observe much more than they listen.

Ultimately, exams will pass. The habit of reading will last a lifetime. And that is an investment that never runs out.

Anurag Khanna, passionate educator at Sunbeam Suncity School

Young Readers Discover the Joy and Value of Books - Lotus Petal Senior Secondary School

Today’s session was very interesting and informative with Brinda Ma’am and Jugjiv Sir. Brinda Ma’am read a story from “My Family and Other Animals” and explained the character and his interests. Jugjiv Sir read from “What You Are Looking for in the Library” and asked us questions about books and reading habits. We discussed why libraries are important and how books help us learn new things. I liked answering the questions and sharing my thoughts. I learned that reading helps us think more critically and generate new ideas. The session was enjoyable and meaningful.
Disha, Class 5A

Today’s session was very enjoyable with Brinda Ma’am and Jugjiv Sir. We listened to stories from “My Family and Other Animals” and “What You Are Looking for in the Library.” The teachers asked us questions and encouraged us to think about what we enjoy reading. We discussed how libraries help us find books and learn new information. I learned that reading can improve our knowledge and imagination. The session was very helpful and inspiring.
Adarsh Kumar, Class 5B

Today’s session was very interesting and knowledgeable. Brinda Ma’am read a story from “My Family and Other Animals,” and Jugjiv Sir read from “What You Are Looking for in the Library.” We talked about the main ideas of the stories and why reading is important. The teachers asked questions and encouraged us to share our answers. I learned that reading books helps us become smarter and more confident. The session was engaging and meaningful for me.
Vansh, Class 5C

Today’s session was very interesting. Brinda Ma’am read a chapter from “My Family and Other Animals.” George was the main character, and he was interested in History and Geography. Jugjiv Sir read from “What You Are Looking for in the Library,” and we discussed how books help us learn new things. The teachers asked questions, and we shared our opinions. I learned that reading helps us understand the world better. The session was very meaningful.
Akrit Tiwari, Class 5C

Today’s session was very interesting with Brinda Ma’am and Jugjiv Sir. We listened to stories from “My Family and Other Animals” and “What You Are Looking for in the Library.” We discussed why libraries are important and how books help us learn. The teachers encouraged us to think and share our ideas. I learned new things about reading and learning. The session was interesting and meaningful.
Saba, Class 5C

Today’s session was joyful and interesting with Brinda Ma’am and Jugjiv Sir. We listened to stories from “My Family and Other Animals” and “What You Are Looking for in the Library.” The teachers explained how reading helps our brain and improves our knowledge. We answered questions and shared what we like to read. I learned that reading reduces stress and makes us smarter. The session was meaningful and enjoyable.
Aysha, Class 5C 

Reading Beyond Books: Reflections on Stories, Values, and Learning - Sunbeam School Ballia

Today, I attended the Good School session where Brinda Ma’am read the book My Family and Other Animals. The story was really amazing and fantastic. It beautifully showed how much Gerald loved animals and how curious he was about nature. Ma’am also told us about the good and caring nature of his mother, which made the story even more interesting and heart-touching. The session was very exciting and enjoyable. I loved listening to the story, and it helped me understand the importance of love for animals and family. Overall, it was a wonderful and memorable session.

- Ishika Singh, Class 9th A

This session was interesting and enjoyable. The reading with Jugjiv Sir on What You Are Looking for in the Library was very interesting. After that, the reading with Brinda Ghosh Ma’am on My Family and Other Animals improved my imagination, knowledge, and values. Overall, this session helped me develop better reading habits and listening skills.

- Aadhya Gupta

The reading session by Jugjiv Sir under the Good School Alliance program was very informative and enjoyable. He explained the text simply and clearly, which helped us understand better. The session improved our reading, pronunciation, and comprehension skills. Sir encouraged us to read aloud and asked questions, making the class interactive and interesting. I learned many new words and their meanings. Overall, the session was very useful and motivating, and it inspired me to develop a regular reading habit.

-Riddhi Gupta, Class 5th B

The Good School Alliance reading session on 8 February helped me understand that literature is not only a source of knowledge but also a guide for learning important values and responsibilities in life.

The first session was conducted by Brinda Ma’am, who introduced us to the book My Family and Other Animals. Through the reading, we learned how literature can beautifully describe childhood curiosity, family relationships, and the wonders of nature. The session became more thoughtful when a student asked a question about whether duty or emotion is more important. The example of a police officer whose son had committed a crime made us think deeply about honesty, fairness, and moral responsibility. It helped us realise how difficult it can be to balance personal feelings with professional duty.

The second session was conducted by Jugjiv Sir, who discussed the book What You Are Looking For Is in the Library. He explained how books and libraries can guide us in finding answers through learning and self-reflection. The session encouraged us to develop reading habits and to believe that knowledge and patience help us overcome challenges in life.

In conclusion, the reading session was both informative and inspiring. It improved our understanding of literature and encouraged us to think ethically and responsibly. The experience showed us how reading plays an important role in decision-making.

- Deenshah Najam

In today’s session, firstly Ms. Brinda Ghosh Ma’am read the book My Family and Other Animals. This story was amazing and marvellous. Ma’am had not just read the story; she also told us about many small creatures and animals. This session was very attractive and exciting.

The next session with Jugjiv Singh Sir was also amazing because he teaches stories in an exciting way, in which every student enjoys the session. He read the book What You Are Looking For Is in the Library. It was a very interesting and knowledgeable story for all the students and teachers. After that, he asked some questions related to the story. Later, we saw and read the reflections in Hindi and English. We were very happy after reading our own written reflections, which showed the students’ performance in reading and writing.

This class is not just about reading; it is all about enjoyment and fun with Good School members. I thank every single person of Good School Alliance for giving us this wonderful opportunity to learn new things in many new ways.

Thank you

Talat Bano, Class 5C

Reflections from an Engaging Reading and Learning Session - Sunbeam School Ballia

In today’s reading session, Brinda ma’am completed a chapter that described the richness of Corfu Island through vivid descriptions of various characters such as Quasimodo, Achilles, the Rose-Beetle Man, the tortoise, and others. I also learned some new words like pantomime (an art form that uses only facial expressions, similar to Bharatanatyam), gramophone, and bowler hat. Ma’am explained all the terms beautifully and also gave us homework to learn more about the Achilles Hills. She emphasised the importance of imagining the descriptions to better understand the text.

Manisha ma’am taught us another chapter about four boys who decided to climb a glacier. She explained the importance of knowing about a place in advance and carrying the required equipment before climbing any mountain. Manisha ma’am also asked us to write about our own journey and travel experiences. I would like to mention my first trip to Dehradun with two of my lovely friends and a teacher. During this journey, I enjoyed myself a lot and learned many new things. It was a memorable experience that I will never forget.

Along with this, Jugjiv Sir shared an essential fact about the Saryu River, which connects Dehradun to Ayodhya.
Akanksha Rai

I attended the Good School Alliance Session today. There was a discussion of the chapter “My Family and Other Animals.” The lesson explanation was straightforward and enjoyable, which helped me understand the characters and the chapter’s main message clearly. I really enjoyed the discussion because it made the lesson lively and easy to relate to real life.

After that, the reflections were read. It was interesting to listen to them as everyone shared unique ideas and perspectives. This activity helped me reflect more deeply and motivated me to improve my own reflection writing.

Overall, the class was interactive, enjoyable, and a meaningful learning experience for me.
Deenshah Najam

In today’s reading session, Brinda ma’am completed a chapter describing the beauty and richness of Corfu Island. We read about interesting characters like Quasimodo, Achilles, the Rose-Beetle Man, and the tortoise. I also learned new words such as pantomime, gramophone, and bowler hat. Ma’am explained everything very nicely and asked us to imagine the scenes to better understand the chapter. She also gave us homework to find out more about the Achilles Hills.

Later, Manisha ma’am taught us a chapter about four boys who decided to climb a glacier. She explained the importance of proper planning and carrying the right equipment before travelling or climbing mountains.
Roshni Bhagat

Today, I attended an exciting and inspiring session in my school where Manisha ma’am read a beautiful story about four brave people planning to climb Mount Snowy Mountain Glacier. The story also mentioned the mysterious Yeti, a mythical creature believed to live in hilly areas, which made the session even more exciting and enjoyable. We discussed many valuable qualities, such as teamwork, courage, and positive thinking, which motivated me a lot. Overall, the session was fantastic and memorable for me.
Ishika Singh

Today’s reading session at the Good School, conducted by Jugjiv Sir, was invaluable and enjoyable. I learned to read clearly, with proper pronunciation, and to pause correctly at full stops and commas. Jugjiv Sir explained the importance of reading with expression, which made the text easier to understand. This session improved my confidence and helped me develop better reading habits. Overall, it was a productive session, and I learned many valuable skills.
Riddhi Gupta

The reading session featuring Jugjiv Sir and Brinda Ghosh was an absolute delight. Jugjiv Sir’s storytelling stood out for his impeccable punctuation and crisp pronunciation, which ensured every nuance of the narrative was captured. His use of dynamic facial expressions and vocal modulation added a layer of depth, making the characters and settings feel tangible.

The story itself was inherently interesting, but his masterful delivery transformed it into an immersive experience. By listening attentively, I was able to fully appreciate the humour and charm of the piece. It was a thoroughly enjoyable session that highlighted the beauty of oral storytelling.
Avni Singh Rajput

Rediscovering the Magic of Reading - Garima, PYDS

Today’s session was genuinely engaging and enriching. During the English class, I observed how vividly a character can be brought to life through words, much like Gerald Durrell does in his writing. One of my favourite characters was the Rose Beetle Man, whose description left a lasting impression.

The highlight of the session, however, was the reading of the chapter Glacier Par Chadhte Chaar Ladke. This chapter felt incredibly powerful and close to my heart, as it is deeply connected to my region, surroundings, and way of life. Moreover, the approach Manisha ma’am chose to introduce the chapter was both thoughtful and beautiful, making the experience even more memorable. The story also inspired me to dream of climbing mountains in the future, awakening a sense of adventure.

Today also helped me rediscover the magic of reading. I finally understood why books matter so much to me—because they inspire me to imagine the future, reshape stories, and create new ones by drawing on the ideas I gather from everything I read.

Garima
PYDS Learning Academy

The SPECIAL Joy of Storytelling and Reading- Sunbeam School Lahartara

 

Sunbeam Lahartara by Manisha Khanna

Students at My Good School love storytelling and reading sessions because stories spark imagination, strengthen language skills, and make learning joyful. Reading plays an important role in education by building knowledge, empathy, and critical thinking. These sessions are truly SPECIAL as they nurture Self-confidence, Patience, Expression, Creativity, Imagination, Empathy, and Lifelong learning, which are essential qualities that help students grow into thoughtful, responsible, and well-rounded individuals.

Sunday Reflections of Young Readers - Lotus Petal Foundation

 

Reflection_Lotus Petals Foundation

The Sunday reading session filled the students with joy, curiosity, and a sense of discovery. As they listened to stories come alive, they felt the excitement of new words, new ideas, and new worlds opening before them. Many shared how reading aloud helped them speak with confidence, imagine more deeply, and understand emotions better. The session reminded them that every story brings its own surprise — a moment of learning, a spark of inspiration, and the happiness of reading together as a community.

Lotus Petal Foundation

Reading with Heart and Mind: Our Sunday Reflections at My Good School- Lotus Petal Foundation

 

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

The Lost Thinker - Rishona Chopra

Our imagination is limited to what we know. Our thoughts and actions are based on the knowledge we know. It is vital to break that boundary and think beyond it. To add perspective to every situation. In any case, we think only from our perspective and stick to what we know. If we consider ourselves lost thinkers, looking at each view and reflecting on the day correctly, we might find peace and happiness with everyone. 

Sometimes, in situations at home that we experience with family or friends, we try to do the same outside. If someone misbehaves with us, we act the same way with other people. This happens because of all the feelings accumulated in us. We want to let it all out, and doing the same with others worsens things. We all need someone who understands our importance in this world and truly knows us, but no one can understand us better than we do. We have to be that 'someone'. Only then can we find true happiness. 

You need to reflect and move on. You can't simply be ignorant and move on, and you can't keep remembering forever, either. Both steps are part of the journey. 

Life is like a contact sport. Let us take the example of football. There is winning and losing in the sport. But what matters is what attitude we play with. Do we play for the mere joy of playing or for winning? If we play for pleasure, we will be happy even in the hard times. If we take life to be a field with ups and downs, winning and losing and yet a place full of joy, we will never feel disheartened in the tough times and know there is always a ray of hope. 

Rishona Chopra
Grade VII
Gyanshree School

Books: My Love - Gaurangi Rastogi

Everybody knows that Books are man's best friend, but for me, Books are my besties and unleash my imagination. Make me forget my pain or sometimes brings some memories back. Books changed my perspective on everything.

Like: Boarding schools are so strict! No offence, it was my first thought on the topic. But after I read some books on other people's experiences in other schools. It made me realize that it is an opinion. I have been a reader since childhood, and it helped unleash my imagination.

My childhood started with the stories of Mahabharat, Ramayana, Panchatantra, and many more. I always wish for a bookshelf in which I can store my books more efficiently. Some books are by my favourite author Ruskin Bond. I always love to experiment with the books like the evolution of the authors.

Fun Fact!- I named my shelf 'The Author's Collection'. Isn't it interesting? The biggest reason for books being my love is that they have added awareness to my life. Here is the picture of my "The Author's Collection'!

- Gaurangi Rastogi, The Doon Girls' School

Joy of Reading - Hridhaan Jain

Hridhaan Jain is a student of grade 3 from Gyanshree School, Noida. His favourite place in the world is his school library. He is passionate about reading and travelling to space. He aspires to become an astronaut in future…

Reading is the gateway to many adventures. It makes a bubble of curiosity and imagination in our minds. It even helps us in decision making in many situations. Many times when we read, it clears our strain and gives us peace of mind.

When I read any book, I imagine a similar character roving in the same story. My favourite books are Mudcrusts, Noddy, Thrilling Illustrated Stories, Tinkle Digest and many more. Books have filled my mind with so much fascination that I am keen to pretend to play the same fantasy with my family and friends.

Reading bedtime stories with my mother is the best part of my day. We have immense fun together, and she always teaches me moral values from that story. Reading has improved my vocabulary and communication skills and given me great confidence.

Books are the only gift that can be opened again and again. When I reread the same book, I can catch up with things I missed in my first reading and double my fun.

I, Hridhaan Jain, am writing this to share my incredible journey of books so far and encourage you all to read and discover your own fun.

My hobby - Tiya Sompura

I love to draw. This time I participated in a Tattoo Making Competition. I had many options, but I love butterflies, so I drew a butterfly as a tattoo. If I ever get a chance to get a tattoo, I will tell the tattoo artist to draw a butterfly on my hand. I will tell him to draw the same butterfly which I have drawn. This type of competition enhances our creativity and gives us a chance to bring our imagination and art into reality. 

Tiya Sompura

Class VII

The Fabindia School