The story reading session conducted by Jugjiv Sir was a meaningful and engaging learning experience for me as a teacher. Through this story, I realised that reading is not just about understanding words but about connecting with emotions, developing empathy, and encouraging critical thinking. The way Jugjiv Sir explained the story made me understand the importance of expressive reading and guiding learners to reflect on the characters' feelings and experiences. I was particularly inspired by the kindness and support shown by Ms Komachi, which reminded me that every teacher should create a caring and inclusive learning environment where students feel valued and motivated to learn. This session also reinforced my belief that stories are powerful tools for teaching life values, building emotional intelligence, and nurturing a lifelong love for reading. Overall, I learned that as a teacher, my role is not only to teach lessons but also to inspire, encourage, and support students in their academic and personal growth.
Today I listened to the story अँधेरे की फुसफुसाहट was a meaningful learning experience. The story reminded me that fear and confusion often arise from assumptions rather than reality, and that patience, courage, and careful observation help us understand situations more clearly. It also made me reflect on my role as a teacher, realising that every child may carry unseen fears, doubts, or challenges. Instead of judging students quickly, I should listen to them, understand their emotions, and guide them with empathy and encouragement. This story inspired me to create a positive and supportive classroom where students feel safe to express themselves, ask questions, and learn without fear. Overall, it reinforced my belief that teaching is not only about completing the syllabus but also about building confidence, curiosity, and emotional strength in every learner.
📚 Session Summary: Learning Through Mistakes – A Bilingual Reading & Reflection Session
🗓️ Sunday School: To explore the value of learning from mistakes through a bilingual (English/Hindi) book reading and reflective discussion for students and teachers.
✨ Key Takeaways:
Mistakes are stepping stones to growth and success.
Reflection turns experience into meaningful learning.
Students and teachers benefit from writing personal reflections.
The My Good School initiative promotes inclusive, reflective learning.
📖 Topics Covered:
🔹 English Book Reading:
The Door-to-Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn
Followed Karl Kohlhoff, a book deliverer who names customers after literary characters.
Discussed themes of human connection, love for books, and quiet transformation.
🔹 Hindi Chapter Reading:
"Galti Karna, Kamiyon Ko Sudharna"
Focused on accepting mistakes as a vital part of learning.
Included inspiring stories of Gandhi and Edison.
Explored how parents and teachers can nurture a growth mindset in children.
📝 Reflection Writing:
Clarified the difference between reflections and comments.
Shared real teacher reflections with drawings and emotions.
Students were encouraged to write about personal experiences linked to the themes.
🌈 My Good School Initiative Highlights:
Promotes an inclusive environment with weekly Sunday sessions.
Brings together 50–100 participants via Zoom for interactive learning, and many more from larger rooms that screencast our sessions at school.
Focuses on personal growth and lifelong learning through books and reflection.
🧑🏫 Teachers' reflections for the Sunday School will also be posted on the Joy of Learning Blog
🌟 Join us next Sunday for a special session with guest Lina Ashar
🚀 Organisers to explore ways to grow while staying connected and reflective
✨ Reflection Questions from Chapter 3 "The Door-to-Door Bookstore" by Carsten Henn
📖 Chapter 3 Summary
In the first half of Chapter 3, we see the bond between Carl, the elderly bookseller, and Schascha, the curious young girl, begin to grow subtly. While Carl is set in his routines and hesitant about change, Schascha brings a fresh, unpredictable energy into his quiet world. Their interactions are filled with gentle tension and curiosity, hinting at a transformation waiting to unfold in Carl's life. The chapter reflects on loneliness, unexpected companionship, and how books can quietly bring people together.
1️⃣ Carl prefers a structured and quiet daily routine. However, Schascha's presence begins to disrupt this rhythm. This moment represents how meeting new people can feel uncomfortable, but also necessary for growth.
Question: Have you ever met someone who changed the way you think or feel, even if they were very different from you at first? What did that experience teach you?
2️⃣ Carl initially seems annoyed or confused by Schascha's questions and energy, but he doesn't push her away. Sometimes, the people we least expect bring the most significant changes to our lives.
Question: Why do you think Carl lets Schascha walk with him, even though he says little? What does that say about his character or his loneliness?
3️⃣ Books play an essential role in Carl's life—they are more than just stories to him. Books can serve as bridges between people, especially those who struggle to connect otherwise.
Question: How do books help Carl communicate, even if he struggles with spoken words? Have you ever used a book to connect with someone else?
4️⃣ Carl and Schascha are from very different generations, yet there's a subtle bond forming. This connection suggests that friendship and understanding can grow beyond age or background.
Question: What do you think Carl might learn from Schascha, and what might she learn from him? Why is intergenerational friendship valuable?
5️⃣ As Carl continues his deliveries with Schascha nearby, his silent acceptance of her presence becomes meaningful. Sometimes, just allowing someone to "be there" is the first step toward trust and healing.
Question: What does Carl's quiet behaviour tell us about how people can show kindness without words? Can silence be a form of connection?
🌟 "Grow through what you go through – every thought, every reflection matters."
It is definitely a tiny world inside our homes, like we say, and the moment one steps out, the circumference magnifies. The realization hits us that now, we depend on our social behaviour to make the outer world OURS.
And here enter the vital aspects of social life, DIVERSITY, INCLUSION, and BELONGING, that teach us 'how' to interact and align everyone from diverse backgrounds, include them in our learning journey and help them in the belongingness of the same.
We must appreciate the incredible Diversity around us that helps us grow socially into an enriched and better person that finds joy in knowing people from everywhere, absorbing their learnings, communicating, and exchanging opinions, while training to be globally concerned individuals.
When we have a group that is diverse and different, we gain a bank of multiple values, ethics, cultures, and working styles, which becomes a strength of a dependable team, leading to brilliant productivity and effectiveness!
The lesson of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging is the crucial ingredient of a Good School.
