Showing posts with label learning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label learning. Show all posts

Saturday, 11 July 2026

The Power of Expressive Reading and Compassionate Teaching - Rekha Sharma

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.

Ms. Rekha Sharma 
Sunbeam School Mau

The Transformative Power of Reading and Reflection -Sunbeam School, Mau

 
Jai Hind, everyone,

My Reflection on  Webinar – 5th July 2026 (Sunday), 10:30 a.m. onwards

The story-reading session conducted by Jugjiv Sir and Brinda Ma'am was a truly enriching learning experience. Through the selected excerpts from My Family and Other Animals and What You Are Looking For Is in the Library, I realised that reading is much more than decoding words; it is about observing, imagining, questioning, and connecting with life.

What inspired me most was the way the mentors encouraged us to pause, visualise the scenes, appreciate the beauty of language, and reflect on the emotions and values embedded within the text. The character of Ms Komachi reminded me that sometimes a teacher's simple guidance or timely encouragement can open new possibilities for a learner and help them discover interests they never knew they had.

This session strengthened my belief that reading should not be limited to completing a chapter or preparing for an assessment. As teachers, we should create opportunities for students to experience stories, think deeply, express their ideas confidently, and develop empathy through literature. It also reminded me that every book has the potential to shape not only language skills but also character and perspective.

Overall, the session inspired me to make reading a joyful, reflective, and meaningful experience in my classroom, where every student feels encouraged to explore, imagine, and grow.

Regards,
Ms. Sangeeta Singh
Academic Head (VI–VIII)

I attended today's My Good School webinar and found it to be a truly enriching experience. The book-reading session by Ms Brinda Ghosh from My Family and Other Animals was engaging and thought-provoking. Her narration brought the text to life and highlighted the joy of reading.

The subsequent reading sessions by Mr Jugjiv Singh and Ms Manisha Khanna were equally insightful and encouraged us to reflect on the value of literature in our daily lives. The webinar reinforced the importance of reading, sharing ideas, and building meaningful relationships.

Overall, it was a well-conducted and inspiring session. I sincerely thank you for providing us with this valuable opportunity to learn and grow.

Regards,
Aayush Pandey
Social Science Department

Sunday, 5 July 2026

Sea Voyages, Library Dreams, and Vegetable Trails: A Sunday of Stories, Reflection, and Real Life

In today's Sunday session, Brinda Ma'am and Jugjiv Sir spoke to us about why abstract thinking and visualization matter so much, especially now, when our attention spans keep getting shorter. They explained that when we read a description and try to imagine it in our minds, we are training our brains for things like higher maths and physics, where we cannot always see what we are working with. This made me realise that reading is not just about following a story; it is also a kind of mental exercise.
I want to practice visualizing more while I read, instead of rushing through the words.
Utkarsh Gupta - 6th-C

In today's Sunday School session, I learned about a giant daikon and how fresh flowers and vegetables are grown and sold in the local market. Near the market, there is a community center connected to the elementary and high school. Although I have visited the center before, my mother often goes there to attend flower-arranging classes.

Every three months, a farmers' market is held where local producers sell fresh fruits and vegetables directly to the community. I also learned about the Mooncake Festival, which left a lasting impression on me. Overall, this experience helped me better understand the importance of community life, preserving local traditions, and supporting local farmers by buying fresh produce directly from them.
Anuradha Jaiswal - 7-A

Brinda Ma'am read us a wonderful passage from "My Family and Other Animals" about Gerald's first boat trip on "Bootle Bum Trinket," the little boat his brother Leslie built. Through the crystal-clear water, Gerald watched clams, sea urchins, anemones, and even an octopus, and Brinda Ma'am also explained how buoyancy works. I loved imagining the underwater world Gerald describes, and it made me want to listen to the recording again so I don't miss any of the new words. This session showed me how one boy's curiosity about nature can turn an ordinary boat ride into a great adventure.
Ujjwal Singh - 6-C

Jugjiv Sir shared something I never thought about before: how vegetables like the Miura daikon radish travel from the farm to wholesale markets like Azadpur Mandi before reaching the shop near our home. We discussed how seasons affect when vegetables are available and how farmers, middlemen, and markets all work together so we get fresh food. He even spoke about going with his mother to a community house near a school to bring back more vegetables.

This made me appreciate everything that happens behind the scenes before food reaches our table.
Devang Agrawal - 7-A

In today's session, Jugjiv Sir spoke about his love for manga since childhood and how visiting a manga café once helped him make friends who shared his interest. He also told us honestly about how hard it has been to find work in illustration, even after pursuing it since school, and how others encouraged him to consider other options. I admired how openly he shared his struggle with us instead of only telling us about success. It taught me that passion does not always lead to easy success, but staying honest about our struggles is its own kind of courage.
Arushi Hisaria - 7-C
 

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.

Finding Direction Through Books and Learning - Ishika Singh


In today’s session of My Good School, Jugjiv Sir started a new chapter from the book What You Are Looking For Is in the Library. We learned about a 30-year-old man named Hiroya, who was a NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training). He was an introverted person who loved reading manga and found it difficult to talk to others.

During the session, we also discussed manga, graphic novels in India, and the challenges faced by many NEETs who struggle to find jobs. Jugjiv Sir emphasized the importance of developing our skills for a better future.

In the story, Hiroya visited a library and met Miss Komachi. He liked the peaceful atmosphere of the library and shared his struggles with finding work related to illustration. This chapter taught us that guidance, books, and continuous learning can help people find direction in life.

Ishika Singh, 10th B

Tuesday, 30 June 2026

Where Every Page Inspires - Sunbeam School Ballia

Photo from John Martyn Memorial School, only for representation 

The Sunday reading sessions taught me that books are not just stories—they are windows to new ideas, emotions, and experiences. Through these readings, I learned the importance of observation, family values, gratitude, and finding joy in life’s simple moments. Every page opened a new perspective and inspired me to become a better learner and reader. 📚✨

Azam Khan
PRT Teacher

The online reading session was a truly enriching and inspiring experience. What You Are Looking For Is in the Library taught us that guidance, learning, and self-belief can help us discover our true path, no matter how difficult life seems. The story of Hiroya reminded us that developing our skills and never giving up is the key to growth. My Family and Other Animals filled the session with warmth, humor, and a deep appreciation for nature and family.

Shamli Mein Thahara Waqt Aur Anya Kahaniyan beautifully reflected human emotions and the richness of everyday life through Hindi literature. The discussions by Jugjiv Sir, Brinda Ma'am, and Manisha Khanna Ma'am made every book more meaningful and engaging.
I learned that books are not just stories—they are companions, teachers, and sources of inspiration.
These sessions encouraged me to read more, think deeply, and appreciate different cultures and perspectives.
Grateful to all the mentors for making reading an enjoyable and memorable journey. 📚✨
  
Riya Yadav
TGT English

Sunday, 28 June 2026

My Thoughts and Lessons Learned

Photo courtesy of Shweta Morolia

As a teacher, I found this webinar to be a valuable and enriching learning experience. The session went beyond simply reading My Family and Other Animals and encouraged participants to engage with the text through observation, interpretation, and reflection. 

I particularly appreciated how the discussion highlighted the beauty of descriptive writing, the relationship between humans and nature, and the author's use of humour to make everyday experiences meaningful. 

The pace of the session allowed participants to absorb the text thoughtfully, while the shared reading created a collaborative learning environment. Such sessions remind us that literature is not only about understanding words on a page but also about developing empathy, imagination, and critical thinking. 

I am grateful to Sandeep Dutt Sir, Jugjiv Sir, Kunal Sir, Brinda Ma'am, and Manisha Ma'am for their dedication to fostering a culture of reading and meaningful dialogue. Their efforts made the webinar engaging, reflective, and professionally enriching for educators and learners alike.

Rekha Sharma, Teacher, Sunbeam School Mau

Sunday, 7 June 2026

Reading Makes Our Minds Healthy - Maira Jalan

Reading is one of the best habits for keeping our minds healthy and active. It improves our concentration, increases knowledge, and helps us think more clearly. Reading good books reduces stress, boosts creativity, and fosters empathy by helping us understand different people and perspectives. Just as exercise keeps our body fit, reading keeps our brain sharp and strong. A few minutes of reading every day can help us learn new ideas, build confidence, and maintain a positive mindset.

Maira Jalan

Tuesday, 2 June 2026

Exploring Nature, Literature, and Learning Through My Good School Sessions - Sunbeam School, Ballia

Today’s session began with the Good School Alliance Anthem, followed by a brief review of reflections from previous sessions.

Session by Brinda Ma’am

In the first session, we explored the book My Family and Other Animals. Brinda Ma’am read the story beautifully, explained unfamiliar words, and clarified our doubts. One of the most exciting parts was when Roger tried to catch an owl, but the owl attacked him. Frightened, Roger shook the bird off and hid under the table, refusing to come out until Ulysses was safely back in his basket. The story was adventurous, engaging, and enjoyable.

Session by Jugiv Sir

Jugiv Sir’s session was both informative and enjoyable. He first introduced the My Good School Alliance platform to the new students. He then continued reading from his book, What Are You Looking For Is in the Library. Sir discussed the previous chapters before moving ahead with the story, making it easy for everyone to connect with the narrative. The session was very interesting and interactive.

Session by Manisha Ma’am

In this session, we discussed Surang (सुरंग), a chapter written by Ruskin Bond. Manisha Ma’am explained that the story revolves around a boy who observes a tunnel and appreciates the beauty of the surrounding nature. Her explanation helped us understand the deeper connection between the character and his surroundings. The session was insightful and enriching.

At the end of the programme, Ma’am shared some valuable thoughts on reflection and learning.
Thank you. 😊
Talat Bano

Today’s My Good School session was very interesting and informative.

Brinda Ma’am read an excerpt from My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell. In the story, Gerald found a tiny owlet that was the size of a teacup. At first, the owlet remained distant and did not show much affection. Gerald’s dog tried to befriend it, and gradually, the owlet also became attached to Gerald. It would go out hunting at night and return shortly afterwards, showing its growing trust in him.

During the session, we learned many new and challenging words that helped improve our vocabulary. We also came across the names of different flowers and animals, which made the story more interesting and educational. We learned about porpoises and discovered that they are similar to dolphins. Brinda Ma’am also introduced us to the famous Tintin books and encouraged us to read them.

The session helped us learn more about nature, animals, and literature in an enjoyable way. Overall, it was an engaging, enriching, and memorable learning experience.

Ishika Singh
Class 10-B

Sunday, 31 May 2026

Exploring Nature, Wildlife, and Literature Through Inspiring Storie - Sunbeam School, Ballia


Session by Brinda Ma’am

Today, during the My Good School session, Brinda Ma’am read the story “My Family and Other Animals”. We learned about many different insects and other creatures. We also learned about a profession in which a person studies dead animals. In the story, Gerald got a new tutor named Peter, who was from Oxford. Gerald described him as quick-tempered, but later, because of the island’s peaceful environment, Peter became more relaxed and calm.

The story was very interesting and enjoyable. Brinda Ma’am also discussed the wildlife sanctuary established by Anant Ambani in Jamnagar, Gujarat. It was a wonderful session, and we learned many new things about nature and wildlife.

Ishika Singh, Class 10-B

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Session by Brinda Ma’am

In today’s session, we explored the story My Family and Other Animals. Through the story, we learned about many different creatures and insects. We also learned about a profession in which people study dead animals. We followed Gerald’s adventures as he got a new tutor, Peter, from Oxford. Gerald initially described Peter as quick-tempered, but the island’s peaceful environment gradually made him calmer.

The story was adventurous, enjoyable, and full of interesting facts about nature and wildlife. Towards the end of the session, Brinda Ma’am also discussed the wildlife sanctuary established by Anant Ambani in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The session was informative and engaging, and helped us learn many new things.

Session by Jugiv Sir

In this session, we were introduced to the book What You Are Looking For Is in the Library. It was a very interesting and informative story. We learned several new words and improved our vocabulary because Sir read the story clearly and beautifully. At the end of the session, he asked us many questions, which made the session more interactive and enjoyable.
The session was wonderful and engaging, enriching our understanding of language and literature.

Session by Manisha Ma’am

In this session, we listened to a story by Ruskin Bond and enjoyed it a lot. During the session, Ma’am asked many thought-provoking questions that encouraged us to think deeply about the story. The session was enjoyable, informative, and highly interactive.

Talat Bano

Sunday, 17 May 2026

Learning Beyond Classrooms: Our Sunday School Experience - Sunbeam School Suncity

Sunday school is a session where students join meetings to read and learn chapters together. A teacher is also present to explain the chapter in detail and help students understand it better. During these sessions, students can improve their thinking skills and vocabulary. We also learn new words, and the teacher helps us understand their meanings and how to use them correctly. Sunday school is very helpful because it improves our knowledge, confidence, and communication skills.
Ujjwal Singh – 6th

There are many benefits of attending Sunday school. In these sessions, chapters are taught or stories are narrated through videos, which makes learning interesting and enjoyable. We also learn many new words that we have never heard before, and this helps improve our vocabulary.

If we do not understand anything, we can ask questions by raising our hands during the meeting. The teacher explains everything clearly, which helps us learn better. I find Sunday school very fun and engaging because the classes are interactive and educational.

I attend Sunday school every Sunday, and it is helping me improve my vocabulary, thinking skills, and confidence in speaking.
Swastika – 7th

Sunday school at Inspired (Boarders’ Resource Centre) is an enriching and interactive learning experience for students from different schools. The sessions are thoughtfully designed with stories, chapter readings, and smart board presentations that make learning both engaging and enjoyable. The teachers explain concepts clearly and encourage students to participate actively by asking questions and sharing their ideas.
Pihu Mishra – 8th

One of the greatest benefits of Sunday school is the improvement of vocabulary, reading ability, and thinking skills. Students are introduced to many new words every week, which helps us communicate more confidently in English. The friendly and disciplined environment also motivates us to pay attention and learn with interest. Overall, Sunday school is a valuable platform that truly inculcates the sense of the 3 Rs.
Anuradha – 7th

Stepping Into New Opportunities - Pushpendra Singh Ranawat

Pushpendra Singh Ranawat is a dedicated and enthusiastic first-year student at Jai Narain Vyas University. Alongside his academic journey, he is also serving as an intern at Good School Alliance, where he is gaining valuable experience in education and leadership initiatives. With a keen interest in learning, collaboration, and personal growth, Pushpendra is steadily building a strong foundation for his future career.

 

Friday, 15 May 2026

Reading for Awareness - Sunbeam English School, Bhagwanpur

Today, in my Good School session, we went through the story My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell. We began with the adventure of Larry, the author’s brother, who was so scared that he rarely touched the matchbox again. Later, because the author had done this, he was sent to receive more education, as his mother thought that he was not educated enough.

The story also described the Belgian Consul who was teaching him French. While the Consul was teaching, he suddenly took out his air rifle, loaded it, and shot at something outside the window. Instead of continuing the French lesson properly, the Consul became distracted, remained sad for some time, and then returned to the lesson as if nothing had happened.

After that, we discussed the stories written by writers of Jujutsu Kaisen and other authors. Our teacher also gave us notes in our books.

We then moved on to the story What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama. We started with the character Futaba, the baby of the family, and learned how books and strategies can help people become better and positively influence young girls.

We also started working with Madam Mizue. That is all from my side for today.
Shaisti Prasad, VIII A

In today’s Sunday school session, we read the story My Family and Other Animals: The Corfu Trilogy by Gerald Durrell. In this story, we read about a hardworking scorpion mother who carried all the food herself on the special occasion of Mother’s Day. Reading this was a great pleasure.

The most interesting part of the story for me was about the British Consul who loved cats. As an animal lover and a cat lover myself, I really enjoyed this part of the story.

After that, Jugjiv Sir discussed the books we had read and the writers behind them. I also learned how books are published. From the story, I learned many new words, such as “chromium,” “ensemble,” and several others. We also learned about a place called Terisquater, which is known as a place of Zeus.

I loved the way Brinda Madam narrated the story because it helped improve our communication skills and introduced us to many new vocabulary words.

Then Jugjiv Sir read a story from What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama. He asked us why reading in a library feels better and how we honestly feel while reading there. I shared that I feel calm, comfortable, and peaceful in a library because of the silence and quiet atmosphere.

Another amazing part of the session was learning about a room that was around 90–100 feet long. Sir explained that every kind of work has equal value and that anyone can achieve success through effort and dedication.

Today’s session was truly inspiring and a wonderful learning experience for me. I especially enjoyed the way our teachers interacted with us and narrated stories in such an attractive and entertaining manner.
Gauri Agarwal,  IXC

Today, we read a story called “Aakhri Truck Ki Sawari.” The story was about a truck driver who drove on the highway every day. One day, the truck suddenly stopped because there were no trees or greenery around. This made everyone realise how important nature is in our lives.

The story taught us that without trees and greenery, life would become difficult and accidents could happen. Trees and nature help us in many ways, so we should always protect and preserve them.

We should plant more trees and take care of nature. Nature gives us life, fresh air, and beauty. The story also teaches us to be kind, helpful, and caring, just as nature itself is.

The main message of the story was the importance of saving nature and protecting the environment. The story “Aakhri Truck Ki Sawari” was beautifully read and explained by Manisha Ma’am and Jugjiv Sir.
Jayesha Kaur Sarna, VIII

Today, we read a story called “Aakhri Truck Ki Sawari.” The story was read by Manisha Ma’am. It was about a man named Natthu, who looked very young and healthy.

Natthu and his friend were going on a road trip. During the journey, one of his friends asked why he was driving slowly. Natthu explained that pollution and deforestation were harming the environment and making it unsafe.

From this story, I learned that we should not cut trees or harm nature. Instead, we should plant more trees and protect our environment. The story gave us an important message about caring for nature and keeping our surroundings green and clean.

The story was very interesting and meaningful, and it was wonderfully explained by Manisha Ma’am.
Pratyush Agrawal, VII

In today’s school session, we continued reading the book My Family and Other Animals. Today, we read that Larry now has a phobia of matchboxes and never wants to touch them again. This scene was really funny and enjoyable.

In the next scene, we were introduced to the Belgian Consul, who was a representative of the Belgian government and a big cat lover. He owned several Persian cats. I also learned many new words, such as:

● Dolefully
● Amicably
● Quashed
● ...and many more.

We also discussed Napoleon Bonaparte. We learned that Napoleon was a great French military leader and ruler who demonstrated the true nature of a dictatorship. Overall, I really enjoyed the session; it was very informative. I would like to thank Jugjiv Sir and Brinda Ma’am.

In the next Hindi session, we read “Ek Tinke Ki Aakhri Sawari” (एक तिनके की आख़िरी सवारी). In this story, we learned valuable life lessons and understood that we should not cut plants; instead, we should plant more trees and preserve our Mother Earth.

As today was Mother’s Day, Sandeep Sir explained to us the real meaning of motherhood.

In conclusion, I would really like to thank Manisha Ma’am and Sandeep Sir for this interesting session.
Samiksha Jaiswal, VII – G

Sunday, 10 May 2026

Learning Beyond the Pages - Sunbeam School Ballia

Today’s session didn’t feel like just reading—it felt like exploring different worlds through curiosity.

In “The World in a Wall,” what stayed with me was not the scorpions, but the author’s perspective. Something people fear became fascinating to him, making me wonder how many “walls” around us hold unnoticed stories. His curiosity turned the ordinary into something magical.

I also realized how observation can become learning. Quietly noticing and being curious felt more meaningful than just reading facts.

Ms. Sakini’s story stood out for her inner conflict. It made me reflect on how we often link our worth to productivity, and how accepting balance can actually be a form of wisdom.

Along with it, Aradhya’s description of the book “The Colors We Never Named” felt especially captivating—it was as if she gave words to emotions we often feel but rarely express, making the unseen quietly come alive.

“Sabse Khubsurat” stayed with me emotionally, showing how deeply words can affect someone and how little we try to understand others.

Overall, the session taught me that learning is not just about knowledge, but about noticing, thinking, and seeing the world differently.

Deenshah Najam

Today’s session felt different in a nice, quiet way. While reading “The World in a Wall” by Gerald Durrell, I kept thinking about how something most of us would be scared of—like scorpions—could actually become so interesting just because someone chose to observe it closely. It made me pause and wonder how many small things around me I ignore every day.

Ms Sakini’s story felt very real. The way she didn’t want to be treated differently, and how she slowly understood that accepting help doesn’t make you weak—it just makes life a little more balanced—really stayed with me. It also made me feel that sometimes we all need our own personal space, not because we are shy or introverted, but simply because we enjoy being with ourselves.

“Sabse Khubsurat” was simple but touching. It reminded me that people we call “different” are often just misunderstood, and how easily our words can affect someone. It also made me realize that making a mistake isn’t the worst thing—what truly matters is accepting it, acknowledging that it wasn’t right, and making sure we don’t repeat it again. Manisha ma’am explained this so beautifully.

Even small things like learning why the sky is blue—because of Rayleigh scattering—made the world feel a bit more meaningful.

And Arfa’s article honestly felt very real, like thoughts we all have but don’t always say out loud.

Today didn’t feel like just reading. It felt like noticing things a little more deeply.
Akanksha Rai, 10 B


Saturday, 2 May 2026

Learning from Nature and Memories - Sunbeam Bhagwanpur

 

Reflections (26.04.26)

In the reading session, Brinda Ma’am read to us the chapter “The Tortoise Hills” from My Family and Other Animals, where we learned about the author’s observations of tortoises on the island of Corfu. He treats them not as slow, dull creatures, but as individuals with distinct personalities and “armoured” lifestyles.

He pays close attention to the architecture of their shells—the dusty, scarred plates that tell a story of years spent navigating the thorny scrub. It was very interesting to read about his interest in tortoises’ movements and actions. I feel that the author had a lot of patience to conduct such detailed observations.

Vankshit, VII G

Sunday’s reading session began with Brinda Ma’am reading a passage from the chapter “The Tortoise Hills” in the novel My Family and Other Animals. However, the most interesting part was when Sandeep Sir and Manisha Ma’am showed us the flipcharts from the GSA Retreat held at Mayoor School, Jaipur. Sir showed the flipchart that I had worked on with my team.

Our team had chosen the chapter “Power of Wellness” from Highway to Swades by Bhairavi Jani. I was proud to show my work to the other Sunday School participants and shared my experience in detail once again. The album, consisting of all the photos, brought back many memories of the retreat. It was a truly amazing learning experience. I extend my gratitude once again to Sandeep Sir and GSA for organising this retreat.

Srishti Prasad, VIII A

I have always considered the tortoise a slow creature and have never been interested in learning about it. However, the chapter we read today filled my mind with many details about a tortoise. So far, most of the chapters include mentions of one animal or another. For a child to take an interest in the natural world and study the intricate details of different creatures is indeed fascinating.

I sometimes feel that, in the busy routine of our urban lives, we miss out on these seemingly small yet profound experiences. Durrell, unlike us, was fortunate to live on an island where he learned through natural observation and his innate curiosity.

Another amazing part of today’s session was revisiting the GSA Retreat memories, as Manisha Ma’am showed us the flipcharts she had uploaded on the Joy of Learning Diaries page. Sandeep Sir explained the importance of the 4S framework and the role of the YES Workshop, encouraging us to understand the value of 4S (Service, Skill, Sports, and Study) in our lives.

Gauri Agrawal, IX C

Observing Nature Through Words- Akanksha Rai

Today’s session was quite insightful. We read a chapter about a tortoise from My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell. The reading helped me understand how a writer can describe a scene authentically by closely observing even the smallest details. The author’s careful depiction of the tortoise’s daily life showed how deeply he observed nature. I also found the description of the surroundings very vivid—green myrtles, heather, and cypress trees covering the hills created a beautiful and lively picture in my mind.

Another interesting part was the introduction of the three guests who visited the author’s house. Each had a unique personality—the artist who came to paint in the orchard, the man who fell ill from an allergy to horses, and the girl who had just recovered from erysipelas. When I researched further, I learned that erysipelas is a bacterial skin infection that causes redness and swelling.

Along with the reading, Sandeep Sir made the session even more engaging by showing different retreat flipchart videos. He also explained the concept of “My Good School” and its vision in a very inspiring way.

Akanksha Rai
Class 10-B

Friday, 24 April 2026

A Journey of Learning and Growth: MGS Retreat


The Retreat is a meaningful journey of learning and personal growth. It provides a space to explore new ideas, interact with inspiring individuals, and gain knowledge beyond textbooks. Through engaging sessions, discussions, and shared experiences, the Retreat encourages us to reflect, develop new perspectives, and grow both intellectually and personally. It is not just about learning facts, but about understanding ourselves and the world around us more deeply and thoughtfully.

Learning Life Skills Through Sunday School - Sunbeam School Lahartara

 


Sunday school gives us more than just knowledge—it helps us build important life skills. Through stories, discussions, and reflections, we learn how to think deeply, express ourselves, and connect lessons to real-life situations. It teaches us values like courage, patience, kindness, and gratitude, which guide our everyday actions. Sunday school also strengthens our ability to listen, understand others, and grow as individuals. Each session becomes a step toward becoming more thoughtful, confident, and aware, helping us develop skills that shape both our character and our future.

Together We Grow - My Good School Retreat

 


Students discovered that when they live together, laugh together, and spend meaningful time with one another, learning goes far beyond the classroom. During the retreat organised by Mayoor School in collaboration with the Good Schools Alliance, they experienced the true value of connection, empathy, and shared growth. The retreat provided them with a purposeful space to interact, reflect, and build lasting friendships. Through group activities, conversations, and quiet moments of reflection, students learned teamwork, respect for diverse perspectives, and the importance of community. It became not just a gathering, but a meaningful journey of self-discovery and collective learning.

Wednesday, 8 April 2026

Reflections That Changed My Thinking - Sunbeam School Ballia

Today's session of My Good School was engaging and interactive. It began with the reading of reflections from our school, Sunbeam Ballia, where students from different schools read reflections written by our students. It felt nice to see our work being shared and appreciated.

Many new students joined the session. Jugiv Sir introduced them to the Good School Alliance and gave a brief overview of its purpose.

Later, Sir read a story titled “What You Are Looking For” in the library. The story showed how Ryo reflected on his behaviour and eventually understood the negative impact of his pride and male ego. In the end, he apologised to Hina.

One line from the story that really amused me was when Hina said, “The owner of a handmade object is decided even before the object is made.” I found this thought very meaningful.

Sir also discussed the significance of Easter. During the discussion, I shared that people celebrate Easter with activities like egg hunts. Overall, the session was enjoyable and meaningful.
Ishika Singh, Class 10-B

The reading sessions so far have taught me many valuable lessons and made me reflect on my own thinking and actions. One of the strongest learnings for me has been the importance of trust—in people, in situations, and in oneself. It made me realise that many times we assume the worst outcomes, but things can actually turn out positively when trust exists.

Another important idea I understood is that no work is small or less important. This changed my perspective on how I see different roles in life. Also, the concept of parallel efforts, like the unseen part of a plant, helped me understand that not all hard work is visible, yet it still plays a crucial role in success.

Hina’s character made me reflect on how age does not define maturity. Her confidence, clarity, and belief in her ideas showed me the importance of standing by what we believe in and expressing it effectively. It also made me realise how communication and understanding can resolve conflicts better than reacting emotionally.

From all the readings, I also connected with the idea of turning doubts into plans and having the courage to face situations instead of avoiding them. These lessons feel practical and are things I can apply in my own life.

Through the Hindi reading sessions, I have developed a strong sense of curiosity. The setting of a school near the hills makes the story interesting and unpredictable. I always find myself wondering what will happen next, especially with the presence of nature and animals. The lives of the students and teachers feel simple yet engaging, and the humorous and joyful moments make the reading even more enjoyable.

Overall, these sessions have helped me not only understand the text but also think more deeply about life and my own mindset.
Akanksha Rai, Class 10-B

Reflections Since 2021