We read together every Sunday at My Good School

Happy Teachers at My Good School

Manisha and Brinda led a student reading session that opened with the Good School anthem. Students, including Maira, Ankit, and Arfa, read and discussed three books: “My Family and Other Animals” by Gerald Durrell, “Highway to Swades” by Bhairvi Jalani, and “Tata Stories.” Brinda read about a character’s return to England from Durrell’s book, and students shared reflections. Discussing “Highway to Swades,” the group explored enterprise, innovation, and how India’s entrepreneurial spirit can drive social development. Manisha led a reading and comprehension quiz. Neenu then shared “Tata Stories” excerpts on Jamsetji Tata’s vision and contributions, including Tata Steel, cancer hospitals, and social initiatives.

Reading: A Pathway to Rejuvenation and Enhanced Observation - PYDS Learning academy

Reading: A Pathway to Rejuvenation and Enhanced Observation

Reading is not merely an activity to gain knowledge; it is also a wonderful way to rejuvenate our minds, refresh our thoughts, and reconnect with ourselves. It provides us with an opportunity to pause from our daily routines, explore new ideas, and develop a deeper understanding of the world around us. For teachers, reading can be a meaningful practice that promotes continuous learning, creativity, and professional growth.

To make reading sessions more effective, teachers need to be organised, focused, and mindful of their approach. A well-planned reading session encourages active participation, improves comprehension, and creates a positive learning environment. Teachers should also develop their observation skills by paying attention to details, identifying key ideas, interpreting information, and reflecting on the author's message.

Observation is an essential skill for educators, as it enables them to understand students' needs, recognise learning patterns, and respond effectively to different classroom situations. Reading thoughtfully helps teachers sharpen these skills and become more attentive and reflective in their professional practice.

Ultimately, reading and observation go hand in hand. When teachers cultivate the habit of reading regularly and approach it with curiosity and discipline, they not only enrich their own knowledge but also become better equipped to inspire, guide, and nurture their students. Reading, therefore, becomes a powerful tool for personal rejuvenation and professional excellence.

My Good School Reflections

Learning, Inspiration, and Valuable Life Lessons - Talat Bano

Reflection on Today’s Session

Today’s Sunday session of the Good School Alliance began with the GSA Anthem, followed by Brinda Ma’am’s session, where she read a story from Gerald Durrell’s My Family and Other Animals. I really enjoyed the session; Ma’am explained the chapter beautifully and cleared our doubts.

The second session, conducted by Jugjiv Singh Sir, was truly inspiring. While reading Highway to Swades by Bhairavi Jani, we learned about Indians’ strengths and potential.

This session wasn’t just about reading; it also taught me the importance of honesty, consistency, and determination. It inspired me to learn new things and apply these values in my daily life.

Both sessions were wonderful learning experiences and taught me many valuable lessons.

Thank you!

Talat Bano

Class VI A

Sunbeam School, Ballia

We Read, Learn and Grow Together - PYDS Learning Academy

Sunday School is more than just a reading session; it is a joyful space where students look forward to coming, exploring new stories, sharing ideas and discovering the joy of learning together.

Through reading, children develop imagination, improve their vocabulary, strengthen their communication skills and learn to look at the world from different perspectives. Every story opens a new window of thoughts, values and experiences.

What makes Sunday School special is the opportunity to learn together. Children listen, reflect, express their opinions, ask questions and connect the stories to their own lives. Each reading session becomes an experience of curiosity, confidence, friendship and meaningful learning.

Our aim is to create a space where children do not come because they have to read, but because they love to read, share and grow. 

When children read together, they learn together, inspire one another and grow together!

 

My Good School_ reflection by Manisha Khanna

Learning, Leadership and Community - Sunbeam School Ballia

The Good School Alliance has helped me understand that a good school is not only a place where students learn from books, but also a place where they develop confidence, responsibility, kindness, and respect for others.

Being part of a school community encourages students to work together, share ideas, support one another, and take responsibility for making their surroundings better. The Good School Alliance also highlights the importance of creating a positive and inclusive environment where every student feels valued and has opportunities to grow.

Taha

I’m Riddhi Sharma, a student of Class 5 C, and I am here to share my reflection on the Good School Alliance. It was a real pleasure for me. As a pet lover, I really enjoyed the session with Brinda Ghosh Ma’am.

It was about Dodo. He was a bit silly, and the book we were reading was My Family and Other Animals. I really loved this book.

Riddhi Sharma,5C

Reading the biography of Jamsetji Tata in today’s reading class by the Good School Alliance not only improved my reading skills but also taught me the values of leadership and vision through the life of a great personality.

I felt deeply inspired after reading Jamsetji Tata’s story in today’s reading class. Understanding the meanings of difficult words and reading them in their correct context during the class really helped me grasp the story in depth. He taught us how, with the right mindset and vision, one can contribute to the development of society and the country. Practising reading while understanding the meanings in this way has strengthened my vocabulary, comprehension, and command of the language.

Dhairya Agrawal, 5A

Reading: A Habit That Enriches Every Life - Sunbeam School Suncity

Reading is much more than a way of gaining information. It is a habit that opens our minds, strengthens our imagination and helps us understand the world and ourselves better. A good book can introduce us to new ideas, different cultures, inspiring people and experiences that we may never encounter in our own lives. Reading plays an important role in the development of children as well as adults. For students, regular reading improves vocabulary, language skills, comprehension, concentration and creativity. It also develops the ability to think critically, ask questions and express ideas with confidence. Reading beyond textbooks encourages children to explore, imagine and learn independently.

For adults, reading provides an opportunity to continue learning throughout life. It helps us stay curious, reflect on different perspectives and develop a deeper understanding of people and the world around us. In a fast-changing world, the habit of reading enables us to keep learning and growing.

At My Good School, we believe that reading should not be restricted to the classroom or examination preparation. It should become a joyful and lifelong habit. With this belief, My Good School conducts reading sessions every Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for both students and adults.

These sessions provide a welcoming space where participants can read, listen, reflect and share their thoughts. Students get an opportunity to discover the joy of books, while adults can reconnect with the pleasure of reading and learning. The sessions also encourage meaningful conversations and help build a community of readers.

A reading habit does not develop overnight. It grows when we give ourselves regular time, choose books that interest us and allow reading to become a part of our lives. When children see adults reading, discussing books and enjoying stories, they also begin to understand that reading is not merely a school activity—it is a way of life.

At My Good School, our Sunday reading sessions are therefore not just about completing books. They are about building curious minds, thoughtful individuals and a lifelong community of learners.

Because every book we read adds a new thought, every story expands our imagination, and every reading experience helps us grow.

 

Sunday School: Read, Reflect and Have Fun - PYDS Learning Academy

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. 

What You Are Looking For Is in the Library- PYDS Learning Academy

 

The story What You Are Looking For Is in the Library beautifully reminds us that a library is much more than a place filled with books. It is a space where we can discover answers, ideas, courage, and sometimes even a new direction in life.

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.

Reading, Reflection, and Deeper Learning- PYDS Learning Academy

 

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.

Sunday School Reflections: Turning Reading into Meaningful Learning - Sunbeam School Varuna

Finding Confidence and Joy Through Stories and Self-Discovery- Sunbeam School, Ballia

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.

This reflection has inspired me to become a more compassionate, patient, and encouraging educator who helps every child discover what they are truly looking for.
Regards,
Riya Yadav

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.

Both the sessions were very interesting and enjoyable. I learned many new things and developed a greater interest in reading. The sessions also helped me improve my vocabulary, thinking skills, and creativity. I am sincerely thankful to my mentors for making these sessions so interactive and inspiring. They encouraged me to read more, think deeply, and enjoy learning through books.
Thank you.
Deenshah Najam, 10thC

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.

These sessions were very effective and knowledgeable.
Talat Bano

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.

Later, Jugjiv Sir read about Hiroya, who felt his drawing of a bird was not good enough. However, the assistant librarian and Miss Komachi appreciated his artwork. This taught me that we are often too critical of ourselves, while others may see the beauty and effort in our work. It encouraged me to value my own efforts and believe in myself.
Ishika Singh
Class 10-B

Celebrating Nature, Family, and Self-Discovery Through Reading - Sunbeam School, Ballia

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.

Overall, I learned that reading becomes more meaningful when we observe, imagine, and connect with the ideas in the text.
Anurag Tripathi
TGT English

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.

Mr. Ravi Thakur
TGT English

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.

I also enjoyed the reading session because Brinda Ma'am read this chapter beautifully.
Pooja Pandey
TGT English

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

Reading and reflecting help students develop a deeper understanding of both books and themselves. Reading broadens their knowledge, imagination, and vocabulary, while reflection encourages critical thinking and self-awareness. Together, these habits build confidence and improve communication skills. They also nurture empathy by helping students understand different perspectives and experiences. Reflective reading inspires students to connect lessons from books with real-life situations and make thoughtful decisions. Over time, these practices cultivate curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love for learning. As a result, students grow into responsible, compassionate, and confident individuals.

Reading "Is Your Child Ready To Face The World?"

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.

Reading Dr Anupam Sibal's book as students was a unique experience.

Learning Forward Retreat, 14-16 July 2026, at the 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.

Sunday School Reflection - Sunbeam School Varuna

 

Sunday school Reflection by Manisha Khanna

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

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