Sunday School is a wonderful time to read, learn and have fun together. Our reading sessions encourage us to share our ideas, listen to different perspectives and reflect on what we have read. Through these conversations, we develop a deeper understanding of the story and ourselves. Reading together makes learning joyful, meaningful and engaging.
The story of Natsumi and her journey shows how books can help us understand ourselves and make meaningful choices. A simple visit to the library can open doors to new possibilities and help us find what we may not even know we are looking for.
The story reinforces the importance of reading in our lives. Books connect us with different people, experiences, and perspectives. They encourage curiosity, reflection, and thoughtful decision-making. Most importantly, the story reminds us that when we feel lost or uncertain, the right book may quietly lead us towards what we need.
Reflections -PYDS by Manisha Khanna
Every Sunday School session is an opportunity to discover new ideas, explore inspiring stories, and develop meaningful life skills. Reading is just the beginning—the real learning happens when students pause to reflect on what they have read, connect it with their own experiences, and express their thoughts in their own words.
Through thoughtful reflections, students transform stories into life lessons, strengthen their critical thinking, and build confidence in expressing their ideas. Each reflection is a celebration of curiosity, creativity, and deeper understanding, showing that every book has the power to inspire, every story has a lesson to teach, and every learner has a unique voice worth sharing.
Book: What You Are Looking For Is in the Library
Mentor: Jugjiv Singh Sir
The webinar highlighted how books have the power to transform our thinking and help us understand ourselves better. The selected excerpts from What You Are Looking For Is in the Library showed that every individual has unique strengths, emotions, and experiences, and that kindness and encouragement can bring out the best in people.
The discussion about Confuciusornis symbolised discovering hidden potential and using creativity to give life to ideas. The reference to Monger, the "ultimate creature," reminded me that true strength is not only physical ability but also emotional resilience and the need for care and acceptance. The conversation about the Venus flytrap and other unusual examples encouraged curiosity and the habit of learning from nature.
One of the most touching parts was Nozomi's childhood experience of struggling to fit into the classroom. Ms. Komachi's simple words of appreciation changed her confidence and outlook. This reinforced the idea that a teacher's encouraging words can leave a lifelong impact on a student's life.
As a teacher, I realised that every learner has a different story and learns differently. My responsibility is not only to teach the syllabus but also to create a classroom where students feel respected, valued, and confident to express themselves. I will encourage reading, creativity, empathy, and meaningful discussions so that students develop both academically and emotionally.
Overall, the session reminded me that libraries and books are not merely places for information; they are spaces where hope, self-discovery, imagination, and lifelong learning begin.
The reading sessions were both enlightening and enjoyable, offering me an excellent platform to develop my reading habits, improve my comprehension skills, and appreciate the beauty of literature.
The first session was conducted by Brinda Ma'am, where she discussed the book My Family and Other Animals. In the session, Ma'am discussed the chapter "Conversation." Through the author's vivid descriptions, I experienced the charm of the spring season and the fascinating world of nature. Brinda Ma'am's engaging narration made the session both informative and captivating.
The second session was conducted by Jugjiv Sir, who guided us through the chapter "Hiroya" from What You Are Looking For Is in the Library. He made the session more engaging by asking many questions and also encouraging us to share our insights.
In the session, they also read the reflections written by the students.
In today's session, we first listened to the My Good School Anthem, and afterwards we read and saw all the creative reflections written by the students.
Brinda Ma'am's Session
In the first session by Brinda Ma'am, we enjoyed the story My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell. We read the chapter "Conversation." This chapter was about the spring season. There were baby donkeys, tortoises, butterflies, and many more animals. We were also introduced to the book The Elizabethan Dramatists, which was recommended by Larry to his mother.
Session by Jugjiv Singh Sir
The second session by Jugjiv Singh Sir was marvellous, as Sir introduced us to new words and explained the chapter "Hiroya" from the book What You Are Looking For Is in the Library. Sir also asked many interesting questions.
Today's My Good School session was both enjoyable and meaningful.
Brinda Ma'am read My Family and Other Animals. In the story, Gerald's great-aunt planned to visit the family, but Lawrence and the other siblings did not want her to come. They kept suggesting excuses, and eventually the family shifted to a smaller house to politely avoid the visit. This made me smile because it reminded me of how many of us also ask our parents to make excuses when guests are about to arrive.
Today's sessions were highly engaging and enriching. Brinda Ma'am's beautiful reading and explanation of "Conversation" by Gerald Durrell helped me appreciate the beauty of nature and the warmth of family life. Jugjiv Singh Sir's interactive session introduced us to new vocabulary and made us think deeply through interesting questions.
My Reflection: Chapter "Conversation" by Gerald Durrell
Reading this chapter honestly feels like looking at a warm, sun-drenched painting made of words. It instantly brings a smile to your face because of how alive and joyful it feels.
What I loved most is how beautifully Ma'am connects nature with family life. On one hand, you see the entire island waking up after a long winter—lambs playing, tortoises shaking off the dirt, and flowers blooming. On the other hand, you see this wonderfully chaotic family doing the exact same thing: stepping out onto their veranda to soak in the sun.
My Takeaway— In today's busy world, this chapter is a gentle reminder that happiness is actually very simple. It is found in enjoying a beautiful morning, waiting for a letter, and the sweet, messy noise of a family spending time together.
The reading session by Brinda Ma'am on "Conversation" was enjoyable. This chapter taught me that meaningful conversations make family relationships stronger. I learned that simple moments, such as sitting together, talking, reading letters, and sharing laughter, can create lasting memories. The chapter also reminded me to appreciate the beauty of nature and enjoy life's small pleasures instead of always rushing.
At the recent Leading Forward Retreat organised by Good Schools Alliance, our group came together to read and reflect on “Is Your Child Ready to Face the World?” anchored around the 3Rs: Reading, Reflection, and Relationship.
Founded as The LFIN Academy in 2017, we have evolved into The Teachers Academy in 2024. Join us for immersive learning retreats hosted by our founder, Sandeep Dutt, at our Fig Tree Cottage in Dehradun.
We are delighted to host educators from Sunbeam Schools - Suncity, Bhawanpur, Lahartara and Varuna; and the Aasara Trust for an immersive learning experience. Discover more at www.LFIN.Academy.
Books often teach us lessons, but some books make us pause and reflect on who we are and who we want to become. Is Your Child Ready to Face the World? By Dr Anupam Sibal was one such book for us.
Reading it as students was a unique experience. We initially thought the book was meant only for parents and teachers, but as we turned each page, we realised that it was equally relevant for children. It helped us understand that success in life is not defined only by marks or achievements but by our ability to think independently, adapt to change, solve problems, and build meaningful relationships.
One of our biggest takeaways was that education should prepare us for life, not just for examinations. The world beyond school values communication, empathy, resilience, teamwork, creativity, and decision-making. These are qualities that cannot be measured by report cards but are essential for becoming responsible and confident individuals.
The book also encouraged us to reflect on our own habits. Do we take responsibility for our actions? Are we willing to learn from failures? Do we step out of our comfort zone? These questions made us realise that personal growth begins with self-awareness.
Another inspiring message was the importance of parents, teachers, and students working together. We understood that guidance from adults is valuable, but we must also take ownership of our own learning journey. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow stronger if we choose to learn from it.
As a team, we discussed how these ideas connect with our everyday school life. Whether participating in group activities, taking leadership roles, helping our peers, or managing setbacks, we now see these experiences as preparation for the real world.
This book has inspired us to focus not only on academic excellence but also on becoming compassionate, confident, and capable individuals. We believe that being “ready to face the world” means being curious enough to keep learning, courageous enough to face challenges, and kind enough to make a positive difference in others’ lives.
As students, this book has reminded us that our journey is not just about preparing for the next exam—it is about preparing for life.
- Deeba Naqvi, Apeksha Malviya and Anurag Khanna from Sunbeam Group of Educational Institutions, Varanasi, and Manisha Bhandari from the Aasara Trust at Dehradun.
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.
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
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.
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.
Sunday School Reflection
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
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. 📚✨
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
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
Enjoy the Photo Book courtesy Varun Arora of Mayoor School Jaipur.
The retreat focused on the 3R’s—Reading, Reflection, and Relationships—providing students with a holistic learning experience. The four-day camp included enriching book-reading sessions led by eminent authors, including Ms Bhairvi Jani and Mr Jugjiv Singh, during which students explored excerpts from inspiring works such as Highway to Swades.
Each day began with engaging sports activities, including basketball, badminton, swimming, tennis, and indoor games like chess and carrom. A special art session by Prenita Dutt introduced students to creative techniques using various art media. Interactive sessions by INME encouraged teamwork, critical thinking, and emotional awareness.
Students also enjoyed an educational excursion to the City Palace, where they experienced its rich heritage and architectural grandeur. The retreat featured a vibrant talent show where students showcased their skills through music, dance, skits, and cultural presentations.
FLP for Educators at Jaipur by Learning Forward India FoundationThe closing ceremony included an insightful session on financial literacy led by Mr Manoj Kumar (Executive Director, SEBI), Mr Venkat Chalasani (CEO, AMFI), and Mr Suryakant Sharma (Sr. Consultant, AMFI), emphasising the importance of financial planning and investment.
The event concluded on a positive note, fostering unity, learning, and inspiration, while opening new avenues for future generations.
Regards
Team Mayoor School Jaipur 🦚
This video features a conversation about fostering a love for reading, hosted at Gyan Anant Vidyalaya. Dutt emphasises that the best way to get children involved in reading is for teachers to be seen reading themselves. Gyan Anant Vidyalaya is a Special Project of the Good Schools Alliance.
