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

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

The Power of Student Observation- Tejas Kumar

The Power of Student Observation

Student observation is an often overlooked but potent force in education. Beyond textbooks, observation offers real-world relevance, fostering curiosity, inquiry, and empathy. By engaging with their surroundings, students deepen their understanding and develop essential skills for navigating the complexities of the modern world.                                                                 

Strengthening Analytical Skills

Observation sharpens students' analytical abilities as they dissect and interpret the information gleaned from their surroundings. This analytical prowess serves them not only in academic pursuits but also in problem-solving scenarios encountered throughout life.

Encouraging Active Participation

Through observation, students become active participants in their own learning journey. Rather than passively receiving information, they engage with their environment, taking ownership of their education and fostering a sense of empowerment.

Inspiring Creativity

Observation fuels creativity by exposing students to new ideas, perspectives, and possibilities. Whether it's through studying the natural world, analyzing works of art, or observing human behaviour, students draw inspiration from their observations to fuel their own creative endeavours.

Building Communication Skills

Effective observation lays the groundwork for strong communication skills. By articulating their observations and insights, students learn to convey information clearly and persuasively—a skill set invaluable in both academic and professional settings.

Promoting Lifelong Learning

The habit of observation transcends the classroom, instilling in students a lifelong thirst for knowledge. By continuously observing and learning from their surroundings, students cultivate a mindset of curiosity and adaptability, essential traits for success in an ever-evolving world.

Tejas Kumar

Grade-IX

Sunbeam School Lahartara 

The power of observation in a student's life- Priyanshu Arya

As students practice observing, they see more and can represent more and connect it to what they already know. Observing becomes habitual, not bound to specific times or locations or experiences (e.g. 'school' or 'science class')

The power of observation is the ability to mindfully observe the things surrounding you. And you can develop it by practising certain traits. The key to critical observation is paying attention to every bit of detail.

Observation isn't solely reserved for students; it's equally valuable for educators. By keenly observing students in various contexts—whether in the classroom, during group activities, or on the playground, their interests, who they are, what puts a smile or frown on their faces, and what they know and can do. Using observation in this way makes teaching more rewarding!

Priyanshu Arya

IX- D

Sunbeam school