My Good School by Manisha Khanna
Sunday, 30 November 2025
Learning, Connection, and Growth - Sunbeam School Lahartara
Learning with Heart - Lotus Petals Foundation
Monday, 24 November 2025
GSA Calendar December 2025
7th December
2025
14th December
2025
Book Reading- दी व्हिसलिंग स्कूलबॉय और अन्य कहानियाँ
Brewing Knowledge
Fridays at 5.30 PM: Book Reading with Neelashi Mangal, entry by invitation from The English Book Depot. We are currently reading: What Did You Ask At School Today: A Handbook Of Child Learning.
Saturday Masterclass
Read And Lead at 5:30 PM: Co-hosted
by Gurdeep Kaur and Sandeep Dutt, for subscribers only. Sign up on The Teachers Academy website at www.DilJeeto.com.
Good Schools of India
Are you signed up for the Good Schools of India Weekly? Don't miss valuable insights—published every Monday at 7:00 AM! #JoyOfLearning. Subscribe at: www.GSI.in
Open to All
Sunday, 23 November 2025
Sunday Reading Session and YES Workshop - Sunbeam Bhagwanpur
Then, in the chapter Artificial Environment, we learnt how urban spaces can actually contribute to preserving animals, especially the endangered ones. I learnt about agrarian deserts, which changed my idea about deserts being arid regions and lacking trees.
Sunbeam Bhagwanpur
Meaningful Sunday School Session - Sunbeam Ballia
— Ishika Singh, 9th A
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Competition
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Noise
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Deficit
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Sameness
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Apathy
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AI
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Global Stage
Today’s Good School Alliance session was the most unique and interesting session. In the first session, we had a very special personality with us — Mr Kartik Sir. He is a writer, educator, and mental health advocate. The first session was about “Effective Communication.” In this class, I learnt about empathy, kindness, and many more values. This class helped me communicate with people positively.
We also had Mrs Brinda Ma’am. She read the story “Inner Life of Animals.” Through this story, we learnt about the feelings of animals. I also learnt how deep and strong the emotions of animals are, just like humans.
Insights from the Lotus Petal Reading Circle
Saturday, 15 November 2025
Sunday Reflections of Young Readers - Lotus Petal 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
Tuesday, 11 November 2025
Reading with Heart and Mind: Our Sunday Reflections at My Good School- Lotus Petal Foundation
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
Thursday, 6 November 2025
Lessons of Heart and Humanity - Sunbeam School Ballia
Reflection on Today's Session at My Good School
Today's session of My Good School was truly enlightening and left an indelible mark on our hearts and minds. We were privileged to have Mrs Brinda Ghosh, ma’am, share with us the poignant tales from The Inner Life of Animals, illuminating the often-overlooked struggles animals face as they grow old. Her narrative not only sensitised us to their pain but also kindled within us a deeper sense of empathy and compassion.
The subsequent Hindi story, “मिस बैब्कॉक की बड़ी उँगली,” masterfully narrated by Mrs Manisha ma’am, wove a captivating tapestry of emotions that kept us enthralled throughout. Its profound meaning continues to linger within us — a testament to the enduring power of storytelling.
Furthermore, Manisha ma’am’s inspiring tale of the deaf nurse imparted a moral that truly touched our hearts: “Don’t let your comfort hurt others.” This poignant reminder of our responsibility toward others will stay with us for a long time.
Thank you.
Iqra Meraj – IX F
Reflection on Today's Session at My Good School
Today’s session was truly inspiring and full of meaningful learning experiences. We were honoured to have Mrs Brinda Ghosh, ma’am, with us, who narrated stories from the book “The Inner Life of Animals.” Through them, we learned that animals, just like humans, face challenges as they grow old — for example, horses find it hard to stand, and some animals even suffer from diseases like dementia. The story encouraged us to imagine life beyond our world and think creatively.
Another heartwarming part of the session was when my friends and I shared our reflections on the GSA retreat held in Varanasi.
Overall, today’s session was a blend of stories, emotions, and values — reminding us of empathy, understanding, and kindness toward both humans and animals. I am truly grateful to Sandeep Dutt, sir, and Jugjiv, sir, for providing us with such a wonderful platform to learn, grow, and reflect.
Ifra Wahid – Sunbeam Ballia
My Reflection
Good morning and Jai Hind!
Today’s class was very interesting and full of learning. First, Manisha Khanna, ma’am, began by asking us some MCQ questions, which made the class lively and fun. Everyone was excited to answer and see who got them right. After that, ma’am told us a beautiful story with a meaningful message that made us think deeply and enjoy learning.
Then, Brinda Ghosh, ma’am, joined our class and continued with the story “The Inner Life of Animals.” She explained how animals also have feelings, emotions, and thoughts just like humans. It was amazing to learn how animals can love, care, and even feel sad. I really liked how both ma’ams made the lesson interesting and easy to understand.
Today I learned many new things and felt happy to be part of such an engaging class.
Thank you!
Soumya Verma – Class 5C
Reflection on Today’s Session
Good morning and Jai Hind!
In my first session with Manisha ma’am, we read a story from Ruskin Bond’s Chapter 3. She began by asking questions related to our classmates and teachers, which made the class interactive. As she read the story, she also explained the meanings of difficult words, which helped us learn new vocabulary.
The second session was held with Brinda ma’am, who read from “The Inner Life of Animals.” During this session, I learned many new English words and fascinating facts about animals.
Thank you to everyone for the session!
Arnav Kumar Singh – Class 5C
Today's Reflection
The session began with Manisha ma’am asking us thoughtful questions to test our values and morals. Her questions made us reflect deeply on how we think and act.
In the second session, Brinda ma’am narrated a story from the book “The Inner Life of Animals.” The author beautifully personified the actions of aged animals, showing how their emotions and behaviours mirror those of humans.
Savita Singh – Class 9D
My Reflection
I attended a session conducted by Manisha ma’am under the Good School Alliance, and it was a truly engaging and meaningful experience. The session began with a fun quiz called “Naughty or Nice,” where we were given different situations and had to choose whether we would act kindly, wrongly, or not care at all. It made us think deeply about our actions and choices in everyday life.
After that, Manisha ma’am narrated a beautiful story by Ruskin Bond about a retired nurse who took care of three children in a small cottage. The story was touching and showed the values of love, care, and kindness, which she explained wonderfully. I actively participated in the quiz, answered the first and second questions correctly, and received appreciation from ma’am.
Overall, the session was inspiring, interactive, and full of valuable lessons that encouraged us to be more thoughtful and compassionate.
Ishika – Class 9A
My Reflection on Today's Session
In today’s session, we had Manisha ma’am, who began by asking us about the values we should have. Then she narrated a story of a “Deaf Nurse,” teaching us about how she communicated with her patients and treated them with care.
After Manisha ma’am’s class, we had Brinda ma’am, who continued with “The Inner Life of Animals.” She asked questions in between and explained difficult words, which helped me focus more.
The session was truly knowledgeable and eye-opening.
Thank you! ✨
Janhvi Singh – Class 5C
My Reflection on Today's Good School Session
Today’s session was full of learning and inspiration. Manisha ma’am started the class with interesting questions that made everyone think. Then she shared a meaningful story that taught us about good values and kindness. The story had a beautiful message that helped us understand how important it is to help others and stay positive.
After that, Brinda ma’am continued the session with “The Inner Life of Animals.” She explained how animals also have feelings, emotions, and care for each other just like humans do.
I really enjoyed both the stories and learned that compassion and understanding make us better human beings.
Thank you!
Talat Bano – Class 5C
My Reflection
🌸 Today’s session was one of the most inspiring classes I’ve attended. Manisha ma’am began with a short talk about values and then told us the beautiful story “The Deaf Nurse.” I loved how it showed that true communication isn’t only through words but through kindness, actions, and care. It made me realise that even small gestures can make a big difference in someone’s life.
After that, Brinda ma’am continued with the story “The Inner Life of Animals.” I was amazed to learn that animals have their own world of emotions and thoughts. It felt heartwarming to understand how deeply they can love and feel.
By the end of the session, I felt thoughtful and happy. The class was not just about learning stories — it was about learning life lessons that will always stay with me.
Thank you! 🌟
Aadhya – Class 5B
My Reflection on Today’s Good School Session
Today’s session was full of learning and inspiration. Manisha ma’am started the class with some interesting questions that made everyone think deeply. Then she shared a meaningful story that taught us about good values and kindness. The story had a beautiful message that helped us understand how important it is to help others and stay positive.
After that, Brinda ma’am continued the session with “The Inner Life of Animals.” She explained how animals also have feelings, emotions, and care for each other just like humans do.
I really enjoyed both the stories and learned that compassion and understanding make us better human beings.
Thank you!!
— Arohi Jaiswal, Class 5B
Sunday, 2 November 2025
Reflection: Sunbeam My Good School Retreat 2025
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. 🌟
Sunbeam School Ballia
Roots, Circuits, and Stories: Lessons on Growth, Connection, and Being Human - Sunbeam Varuna
2. A fascinating topic! AI vs AI
3. Lessons by Cinnamon
4. Cinnamon Speaks
This is the creative interpretation of the name, Cinnamon!
23/02/2025
1. Why does the book focus so much on the role of community and different communities in India?
My Name is Cinnamon emphasises the role of community and different communities in India because it uses the protagonist's experiences navigating various social groups within Indian society to explore themes of identity, belonging, and acceptance, particularly for adopted children, highlighting how different communities can impact one's life and sense of self within a complex social landscape.
2. How did you come up with the name "Cinnamon" for the main character?
The name "Cinnamon" evokes warmth, comfort, and a sense of sweetness. It's a unique and memorable name that suggests a character who is:
In a story, Cinnamon could be a character who brings people together, provides solace in times of need, and adds a touch of warmth and sweetness to those around her.
3. When do you think is the best time to tell an adopted child about their adoption?
When discussing adoption with a child, consider the following:
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Be honest, open, and positive.
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Use simple, clear language.
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Validate their feelings and emotions.
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Be prepared for ongoing conversations.
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Respect their boundaries and pace.
It's necessary to remember — every child is unique, and the right time to discuss adoption will depend on their individual needs and developmental stage.
4. How should an adopted child react if they are being bullied at school?
No one deserves to be bullied, and it's not the child's fault.
5. What strategies can aspiring writers implement to balance quality and quantity in their writing process?
The general strategies for balancing quality and quantity in writing... very first we will talk about quality-oriented steps to be taken...
Now we have to discuss quantity-focused steps to be followed:
By implementing these strategies, aspiring writers can set a balance between quality and quantity, leading to improved productivity, creativity, and overall writing success.
Sunbeam Varuna
Thursday, 30 October 2025
Inspiring Minds Through Reading and Expression - Sunbeam School Ballia
Today, in the Good School Alliance session, I attended a very interesting and meaningful class conducted by Jugjiv Sir. In the class, Sir read a wonderful story and asked about our experience and thoughts on today's class. Another important thing we learned was the correct use of punctuation marks and how to spell words and sentences correctly. He also explained about public speaking and speaking with confidence. Overall, the class was very educational and enjoyable. I learned many new things about speaking, reading, and writing. I feel that these lessons will help me become a better communicator and a more confident speaker in the future.
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
Monday, 27 October 2025
GSA Calendar November 2025
My Good School
Book Reading- The Inner Life of Animals
Book Reading- दी व्हिसलिंग स्कूलबॉय और अन्य कहानियाँ
Book Reading- The Door-To-Door Bookstore
Book Reading- दी व्हिसलिंग स्कूलबॉय और अन्य कहानियाँ
Book Reading- The Inner Life of Animals
Book Reading- The Door-To-Door Bookstore
Book Reading- दी व्हिसलिंग स्कूलबॉय और अन्य कहानियाँ
गुरु चेला (मुर्शद और अभिलाषी):Allegory: A Tapestry of Guru Nanak's Travels
Book Reading- The Door-To-Door Bookstore
The Teachers Academy
Fridays at 5.30 PM: Book Reading with Neelashi Mangal
What Did You Ask At School Today: A Handbook Of Child Learning
Meeting at 5:30 PM: The Courage to Be Disliked: The life-changing global bestseller recommended by Steven Bartlett on 'Diary of a CEO’, co-hosted by Gurdeep Kaur and Sandeep Dutt
Early Childhood Development training sessions for teachers at 2:00 PM every Saturday - Hosted by Ms Neelashi Mangal
Subscribe at: www.GSI.in
Annual Day and AGA at the Arthur Foot Academy 14th of November 2025By invitation only, please contact Kunal Rajpurohit at KR@LearningForward.org.in
Learning Through Communication and Conscious Listening - Sunbeam School Ballia
I am really happy to get this beautiful ❤️ opportunity to join this webinar, understand new things, and improve my vocabulary.
Through this session on Communication Skills and Conscious Listening,
I understood that communication is not just about speaking, but also about listening with full attention and awareness. I learned about different types of communication—verbal, non-verbal, visual, and written—and how each plays a unique role in expressing ideas and emotions.
The session also highlighted the importance of being a conscious listener, which means understanding before responding and being aware of what the other person truly wants to convey.
Developing conscious listening skills helps in avoiding small misunderstandings that can turn into big mistakes later. I realised that when we listen carefully, we can interpret messages better, form relevant opinions, and respond thoughtfully.
This class taught me that effective communication is a fundamental skill that empowers us in personal, academic, and professional life. Overall, it made me more aware of the value of mindful communication and how it can positively impact our interactions with others.
Arushi Srivastava, IX A
Today’s Good School Alliance session was really insightful. Mr Kartik talked about speaking skills and helped us understand that everyone thinks differently, which affects how we communicate. His tips on coping with the fear of public speaking—like focusing on the message rather than worrying about judgment—felt practical and easy to try.
After that, Ms Manisha shared a story titled "अब तैयार हो जाओ". Her storytelling was lively; it highlighted the importance of being ready and taking action.
Overall, the session prompted me to reflect on how I approach communication and fear, and I feel motivated to speak more confidently while being aware of different perspectives.
Janvi Singh, IX F
Communication is More Than Words
Communication is more than words — it’s understanding, observing, and connecting. This was the spark that Kartik Sir ignited in our communication session. What struck me the most was the power of being a good listener. Listening actively, noticing subtle details, and valuing every perspective are the foundations of meaningful communication, and Kartik Sir made this idea come alive with real-life examples.
I sincerely appreciate the example explanation of my question by Sandeep Sir, showing how our Good School Alliance itself is an example of how one can build a career in social media on the platform of mass communication.
Astha Mishra, IX D
In today's class, we had the great personality Mr. Kartik Sir. He informed us about the various types of communication and provided us with additional knowledge on how to communicate effectively with animals, humans, and others. He also played songs that were about emotions and explained the benefits of conscious listening.
I am really grateful to have this opportunity to join this great webinar, as I got to learn new things and improve my vocabulary.
The second session was by Mrs Manisha Khanna. Ma’am, read the story "Taiyar Ho Jao", an interesting story related to scouts.
I really thank Sandeep Sir and Jugjiv Sir for creating such an interactive platform.
Dear readers, I am Aayush Kumar Singh of Class X-A, and this is my reflection.
The session began with a short conversation between me and Manisha Ma’am about Diwali and the excitement of buying things for the festival. We talked about how everyone gets busy preparing for the celebration and how the festival brings a happy spirit everywhere.
After that, Kartik Sir showed us two versions of the same video, each with different background music. It was surprising to see how just changing the music could completely change the feeling and message of the video. Through this, we understood that communication is not only through words, but also through emotions, tone, and expression.
Sir then explained how humans and animals communicate in their own ways — humans through language, and animals through gestures and sounds. This helped me realise that real communication comes from understanding feelings, not just speaking.
Overall, the session taught me about empathy, connection, and meaningful communication — lessons that help us express ourselves better in every form of life.
Aayush Kumar Singh, Class X-A
In today’s session, we had the privilege of learning from the inspiring personality, Mr Kartik Sir, who taught us about various methods of communication and their objectives. He also explained the importance of conscious listening and how we can become better listeners.
One of the most interesting parts of the class was when he showed us a video that demonstrated how changing the background music can completely alter the interpretation of a scene.
After Kartik Sir’s class, we had Manisha Ma’am’s session, where we read the story ‘तैयार हो जाओ’. I really enjoyed this class and found it both engaging and meaningful.
I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Sandeep Dutt Sir and Jugjiv Sir for giving me this wonderful opportunity to learn and explore new ideas on this platform.
Fun, Learning, and Growing with My Good School
The Lotus Petal Foundation is delighted to share reflections on the insightful session conducted by Mr Kartik Bajoria on Communication Skills this past Sunday.
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.
Sunday, 19 October 2025
Learning Through Stories - Lotus Petal Foundation
Opening New Doors Through Reading - Sunbeam School Ballia
– Bhumi Gupta, 5B
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