Reflections of Growth from the Retreat and Sunday School Session- Sunbeam Hostel Lahartara

 

Reflection Sunbeam Lahartara

Sunbeam Hostel lahartara

Students of Sunbeam Lahartara shared that the retreat and Sunday School session offered them a meaningful space to slow down, connect, and learn with intention. Through guided reflections, interactive discussions, and values-based activities, they discovered the power of listening deeply—to themselves, to their peers, and to the lessons within each story.

They expressed that the retreat helped them build clarity, confidence, and a sense of inner calm. The Sunday School session strengthened their understanding of compassion, gratitude, and mindful action. Many felt inspired by the stories shared, noticing how simple narratives can open doors to self-awareness and better decision-making.

Collectively, the students highlighted that the experience taught them to think with openness, speak with kindness, and act with purpose—learnings they hope to carry into their classrooms, homes, and daily lives.

Sunbeam Hostel Lahartara

Sunday Reflections of Young Readers - Lotus Petal Foundation

 

Reflection_Lotus Petals 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

My Good School Reading Session 9th November 2025 - Sunbeam School Balia

My reflection on today's Good School session:

Today's reading session was exciting and enjoyable. I learned new words and improved my reading and speaking skills. The first session was with Mr Jugjiv Sir, who read "The Door-To-Door Bookstore." His reading voice was lively and inspiring.

The second session was with Manisha Khanna Ma'am, who read "The Whistling Schoolboy Aur Anya Kahaniyan." Her stories were emotional and full of moral lessons about kindness and the realities of life. I also enjoyed listening to my classmates and learning from their reading styles.

Thank you...
Anahita Pathak
Class 5th B

Today's session was one of the most interesting and inspiring sessions I've had. My reflection was about two interesting books that we read.

In the first class, we had "Jugjiv Sir." We continued to read the story "The Door-To-Door Bookstore." This story illustrates how books can bring people together. I learned about new words and how to pronounce them.

The second session was with "Manisha Ma'am."

She read the story "The Whistling Schoolboy Aur Anya Kahaniyan." The story was fascinating and full of morals and values. I learned many new words and values in both sessions.
I realised the importance of reading in both sessions.

Thank you!!
Janhvi 5th-C

My Reflection on Today's Good School Session...

Today's reading session was exciting and enjoyable. I learned new words and improved my reading and speaking skills. The story we read provided a valuable moral lesson and made me think deeply. Reading aloud helped me build confidence in front of others. I also enjoyed listening to my classmates and learning from their reading styles. The teacher explained everything clearly. Overall, the session was fun and educational.

Thank you...
Aadhya
Class 5th B

Reflection – Sunday Session (9th November 2025) - From Sunbeam School Ballia Today's Sunday session was a truly enriching and joyful experience. We began with "The Door-to-Door Bookstore" read by Jugjiv Sir, followed by "Dekho, Sriman Oliver Aaye Hain" read by Manisha Ma'am. Both readings were engaging and full of meaning. Listening to them helped me connect deeply with the stories and appreciate the beauty of language and imagination. I enjoyed learning new words and exploring fresh ideas through these readings. It felt wonderful to spend my time productively while developing my love for books. I'm thankful to the whole team of my Good School Alliance for organising such inspiring sessions that make learning enjoyable and help me grow as a reader and thinker. 

Akanksha Rai 
Class 9th 

Reading with Heart and Mind: Our Sunday Reflections at My Good School- Lotus Petal Foundation

 

Lotus Petal School

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

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.

Today’s session, filled with stories, emotions, and values, was a masterclass in empathy, understanding, and kindness towards all beings.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Sandeep Dutt sir and Jugjiv sir for crafting this extraordinary platform where we can learn, grow, and reflect in an atmosphere of warmth and inclusivity. As we move forward, let us strive to embody these lessons — cultivating empathy, compassion, and kindness that radiate outward to touch the lives of everyone around us.

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.

We also had an engaging Hindi story, “मिस बैब्कॉक की बड़ी उँगली,” beautifully narrated by Mrs Manisha ma’am. It carried deep meaning and kept us attentive throughout. Later, she also shared another inspiring story about a deaf nurse, teaching us a powerful moral:

“Don’t let your comfort hurt others.”

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.

Later, ma’am narrated a heart-touching story about a deaf nurse — how she communicated with her patients and cared for them with pure kindness. The story was truly inspiring and filled our hearts with admiration.

It left us with a powerful moral:

“Don’t let your comfort hurt others.”

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

Design by Sunbeam School

The Line of Life — From A to C - Manisha Khanna

What do you see???   number 13, alphabet M, symbol of McDonald's in reverse, alphabet W, and a few assumptions. Right!

 Now, what do you see? 

A — B — C.

It looks simple, doesn’t it?

When we look at B standing alone, we make assumptions.

It looks uncertain, directionless, incomplete.

But the moment we place A before it and C after it, everything changes.

Suddenly, B has meaning — it becomes a journey, not a mistake.

This is the story of adolescence.

At A, life begins simple — a straight line full of purpose, innocence, and clarity.
Then comes B, the bend — that confusing space where identity blurs.
Adolescents stand here, between childhood and adulthood, searching for who they are and where they belong.

In this search, they turn to the easiest mirror they can find — the mirror of society, peers, and screens. Every like, every follow, every comment becomes a reflection of worth. But it’s a fragile mirror, one that cracks under the weight of comparison.

They see the success, not the struggle. They see the filtered faces, not the unseen effort. They see the highlight reels, not the rewrites.

What was once a journey of self-discovery has become a quest for approval.

The mind starts to equate validation with value. Shortcuts replace effort. When the likes don’t come, anger rises. When popularity doesn’t follow, burnout begins. The mind grows restless, the body disengaged, and the spirit unsure.

The B stage is filled with doubt, anxiety, and exhaustion — a bend that feels like a breakdown.
But B was never meant to stand alone.

When adolescents reconnect with their A — their roots, their values — and discover their C — their purpose, their potential — something shifts. The confusion softens. The curve straightens. They begin to see that the bend was not a detour, but a design — a necessary part of growth.

The truth is, the line was never broken — only bent. The self was never lost — only searching.

And the journey back to self begins the moment the adolescent pauses the scroll, silences the noise, and listens inward.

Because real identity doesn’t live in pixels. It lives with purpose.

So the question is:
Are we helping our adolescents move from B to C?
Or are we keeping them trapped in the endless scroll of confusion?

Please send your responses to mk@learningforward.org.in. We look forward to receiving your thoughtful insights.

Manisha Khanna

Beyond Books: The Essence of True Learning - Lotus Petal Foundation

 

My Good School Reflections - 26th October

True learning goes far beyond the boundaries of books and classrooms. It begins when we start observing the world around us with curiosity, exploring new ideas with an open mind, and connecting different concepts to make sense of our experiences. Books provide knowledge, but understanding comes from reflection, experimentation, and engagement with real-life situations. When we learn to question, explore, and relate what we study to the world we live in, education transforms from mere information into wisdom that shapes who we are and how we think.

Lotus Petal Foundation

Learning Through Communication and Conscious Listening - Sunbeam School Ballia

In today's session, we had the great personality Mr. Kartik Sir. He told us about the types of communication and gave us more knowledge about communication. He also guided us on how we can communicate with different types of living beings on Earth, like animals, humans, etc.

He also played a song which was about emotions.

He told us about the benefits of conscious listening.

I am really happy to get this beautiful ❤️ opportunity to join this webinar, understand new things, and improve my vocabulary.

In the second session, there was a ma’am, Mrs Manisha Khanna. She read a story called "Taiyar Ho Jao". It was a very interesting story related to scouts — an amazing session indeed.

Both sessions were really awesome, and we learned many new things.

I really thank Sandeep Dutt Sir and Jugjiv Sir for encouraging us to come and enjoy this platform. 🌸

Thank you,

Talat Bano, 5C

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.

Thank you,

Riffat Bano, 6D

Jai Hind!

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.

Thank you,

Adrika Sahu, Class 8 A

Fun, Learning, and Growing with My Good School

Reflections 19th Oct.docx by Manisha Khanna

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.

Learning Through Stories - Lotus Petal Foundation

 

Reflection My Good School.docx.pdf 

Students from Lotus Petal Foundation participated in an inspiring My Good School session. This session featured two lively book-reading activities that sparked curiosity, creativity, and meaningful reflections. Students discussed the lessons they learned and how reading together fostered open conversation, empathy, and joy in learning.

Opening New Doors Through Reading - Sunbeam School Ballia

The Good School session was truly inspiring. Mr Jugjiv Sir read and explained the story, The Door-to-Door Bookstore. He also told us the meanings of the hard words. We also learned how to pronounce the difficult words. The way Sir teaches was very nice. At the end, I would say that this session was very interesting.

– Bhumi Gupta, 5B

In this Good School session, I learned how to pronounce words correctly and how to spell new words that were difficult for me before. I also learned how to use commas and question marks properly in sentences. During the session, Jugjiv Sir read a story to us, and we listened carefully. He asked us questions about the story and encouraged us to share our experiences and thoughts. This activity helped me understand the story better and improved my speaking skills. In the end, I would like to say that this session was very useful for me.

– Riddhi Gupta, 5B

The session on The Door-to-Door Bookstore was honestly super interesting and fun! We didn’t just read the story; we really got into it, exploring the characters, their struggles, and how small actions can make a big difference. I especially loved how we discussed random but cool things, like the heels-for-men fact and the legend of Santa Claus—stuff you wouldn’t normally think about, but it made the session so lively. It was more than just a story; it was about human connections, persistence, and noticing the little things in life that actually matter. I also enjoyed how everyone could share their thoughts—it wasn’t just one-way; it felt interactive and made me think differently about storytelling and how messages are delivered. Overall, it was a session that was both fun and meaningful. I left feeling inspired and more aware of the small details and lessons stories can teach us. Definitely one of those sessions that stick with you!

– Janvi Singh, IX F, Sunbeam School Ballia

In today’s Good School session, firstly, Jugjiv Sir read a story to us, and we understood it carefully. We learned how to pronounce some difficult words and their meanings. The story’s name was The Door-to-Door Bookstore. After that, there was a short quiz on Ruskin Bond taken by Manisha Khanna Ma’am. This was conducted because the next story was by Ruskin Bond, and that book was also amazing. Ma’am also asked some questions that related to us. At the end of my reflection, I want to say that this session was amazing and interesting.

– Arohi Jaiswal, 5B

So, I am Shaksham Gupta of class 6E, going to tell you about the session named My Good School. It happens every Sunday to improve our skills in reading. This platform enables children to improve their reading as well as their thinking power. Today’s story name was The Door-to-Door Bookstore. Jugjiv Singh Sir explained the story and asked questions about the chapter. I would also recommend you join the classes every Sunday. It will definitely help you to improve your reading skills. Thank you, Jai Hind!

– Shaksham Gupta, 6E

The Good School session was truly inspiring. Mr Jugjiv Sir read and explained the story, The Door-to-Door Bookstore. He also told us the meaning of the hard words. We also learned how to pronounce the difficult words. The way Sir teaches was very nice. At the end, I would say that this session was very interesting.

– Mayank Pandey, 6E, Sunbeam School Ballia

My reflection on today’s Good School Alliance session: Today’s meeting about the Good School Alliance session by Jugjiv Sir and Manisha Ma’am was very inspiring and interesting. They also read a story. We listened to it very carefully. Then they asked some questions about it, and that encouraged us to share our thoughts and ideas. This helped me understand the story better. We learned how to pronounce words properly, and when they were reading the story, I was very focused on each and every word. That helped me pronounce properly and read fluently. I also learned how regular reading improves our reading skills and vocabulary. The session motivated me to make reading a daily habit. In the end, I would like to say that it was a very informative and enjoyable meeting, and I am excited to be a part of this learning journey.

– Aadhya Gupta, 5B

Exploring the Divine Journey: Lessons from Guru Nanak’s Travels - Lotus Petal Foundation

 

Allegory- The Tapestry of Guru Nanak's Travels - Lotus petal -.pdf

Lotus Petal Foundation – Primary Wing (Grades 3 to 5)

Our young learners shared their reflections and understanding from Episode 22 – "Allegory: The Tapestry of Guru Nanak's Travels." Through this episode, students explored the inspiring journeys of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and discovered the deeper meanings behind his teachings of unity, compassion, and selfless service. Their insights beautifully capture how timeless wisdom continues to guide us even today.

The Gala Time Paradox: Fun Now, Panic Later - Manisha Khanna

Coach or Control? The Classroom Tug of War

It’s 2025, and students have unlocked a superpower: selective hearing.

• Homework? “Oh… that was just a suggestion, right?”

• Deadlines? “But sir/ma’am… time is a social construct.”

• Writing assignments? “Pens are so last century, can’t we just send emojis?”

Meanwhile, Netflix, gaming, memes, and reels enjoy full attendance and 100% completion rates.

Motivation—the old fairy godmother of education—seems to have retired. “Follow your passion” has been upgraded to “Follow whatever is fun right now.” Result? Balance and time management are missing in action, probably lying somewhere between a half-finished essay and a three-hour YouTube binge on “10 ways cats secretly rule the world.”

Why do students hate writing anyway?

• “My hand hurts!” – after writing exactly three lines.

• “Why write when AI/Google can?”

• “The page looks so scary… all that white space judging me.”

• “Typing is faster, duh.”

• “Do I really need to write an essay when I can just make a reel about it?”

Writing, for many, feels like running a marathon… barefoot… uphill… in the snow.

Control or Coach?

• Control Approach: Strict rules, constant monitoring, and punishments given out like free Wi-Fi passwords. Effective for a bit—until students start treating you like the router itself: only noticed when you block their connection.

• Coach Approach: Gentle nudges, guiding questions, and life lessons. Teaching that freedom without responsibility is like a pizza without cheese—fun for one bite, but regret forever. Coaching is slower, but it builds habits, self-awareness, and the ability to manage life (and deadlines) without panic attacks.

The Secret Recipe 🍲

In today’s world, pure control sparks rebellion, while pure coaching can feel too “chill.” The magic is in mixing the two—a coach with a pinch of control. Like adding just enough salt to pasta: too much ruins it, too little makes it bland.

Because while gala time is great, learning to balance fun with goals isn’t just a school requirement—it’s a life superpower. And that, dear students, is as non-negotiable as exam dates.

A Question Back to You ✍️

If writing feels like a burden, why did every great thinker, leader, and creator—from poets to inventors—still turn to pen and paper to capture their thoughts?
Maybe writing isn’t about the homework at all—it’s about discovering your own mind on paper.

Now it’s your turn: What do you think writing gives us that no screen or shortcut can? 

Write back—because your thoughts matter.

Manisha Khanna

Reflecting Hearts, Growing Minds - PYDS Learning Academy

 

PYDS Reflections.pdf posted by Manisha Khanna, GSA Principal

The children are thrilled to attend Sunday School. Each week, they look forward to the stories and lessons that spark their curiosity and joy. But what they love most is the time they spend in quiet reflection, thinking deeply about what they've learned and how it touches their lives.

This habit of introspection isn't just meaningful—it's powerful. It helps them understand themselves and the world around them. Reflection makes them more thoughtful, responsible, and aware. In fact, it shapes them into better students, not just of books, but of life.

Seeds of Thought, Blooms of Change - Lotus Petal Foundation

Reflections- 20 July 2025.pdf Posted by Manisha Khanna

At Lotus Petal Foundation School, reflection is an integral part of the learning process. Here, students are encouraged not only to answer questions, but also to ask them about life, themselves, and society. After each lesson, they pause, ponder, and express their insights through stories, drawings, journals, and discussions. This creative culture of reflection empowers students to connect learning with lived experiences. It nurtures empathy, resilience, and originality. Whether sketching a lotus to represent hope or writing poems about kindness, their reflections bloom into ideas that shape a better tomorrow.

Hearts That Share & Minds That Grow - Lotus Petals Foundation

Hearts That Share & Minds That Grow by Lotus Petal Foundation (Special Project of the Good Schools Alliance)

The students of Lotus Petals Foundation eagerly look forward to Sundays, as it's their special time for reflection and joy. They cherish this quiet moment where thoughts are shared, feelings are expressed, and learnings are celebrated. For them, Sunday reflections are not just about looking back, but also about dreaming ahead. They love the warmth, the stories, and the sense of togetherness it brings, making it the most awaited part of their week.

Guided to Grow: A Journey Through Mentorship and Meaningful Learning - Aayush Kumar Singh

Here’s what Manisha Khanna shared—check it out!

https://www.joyoflearningdiaries.com/2025/07/drive-force-behind-success-manisha.html

This is a truly inspiring reflection, and I’m Aayush Kumar Singh, Class 10 A, Sunbeam School Ballia, writing this after attending the session by Mrs. Manisha Khanna Ma’am!

It all starts with a simple yet profound thought: What truly makes a school good?

Manisha Ma’am’s journey beautifully illustrates that understanding isn’t just about getting answers handed to you—it's about the incredible process of figuring things out for yourself, especially when you have wonderful guides.

Finding Direction with Gentle Nudges

It’s clear how important Neetu Koranga Ma’am was in helping Manisha Ma’am find her initial direction. Instead of just giving answers, she offered “scaffolding”—a beautiful way to describe how a mentor enables you too to build your own understanding step by step. This really hits home: true guidance is about empowering someone to discover their own path, rather than simply telling them where to go. It’s like being given a compass and the confidence to use it, not just a pre-drawn map.

The Spark of a Dream

Then came Sandeep Dutt Sir, who helped Manisha Ma’am tap into her dream. It’s so inspiring to see how a mentor can spark something within you, not just by showing the way, but by truly walking alongside you. Giving Manisha Ma’am the freedom to correct, create, and eventually lead shows immense trust. And that trust is crucial for a dream to truly take root and flourish. It’s about being trusted to grow, to try, and even to stumble, knowing there’s support every step of the way.

Thank you and Jai Hind!

Aayush Kumar Singh

Sunbeam School, Ballia

DRIVE: The Force Behind Success - Manisha Khanna

“From First Steps to Full Circle: A Journey Rooted in DRIVE”

It began with a question: What truly makes a school good?

I didn’t have the answer then, but I had curiosity. And sometimes, that’s enough to begin.

Neetu Koranga, my mentor, didn’t hand me the answer—she offered scaffolding. Gentle nudges, reflective pauses, and space to explore helped me see that a good school isn’t defined by buildings or rankings, but by its soul—its people, its purpose, and its practices. She let me climb at my own pace, not rushing the learning, just guiding it. That’s where I found my first ‘D’—Direction.

Then came the voice behind the movement— Sandeep Dutt. A mentor, not in instruction but in inspiration. He didn’t just show the way; he walked with me. From helping shape my first student post to allowing me the space to correct, create, and eventually lead, he helped me tap into my second ‘D’—Dream.

The rest followed like ingredients into a simmering pot:

From designing graphics, writing reflections, to conducting a session in Hindi for students on a Sunday—it wasn't just learning, it was living the learning. Each effort, every retry, every Sunday spent refining my thoughts taught me the value of Dedication.

And when I stumbled, as learners often do, it was the fire within—the silent push to continue—that revealed my own Determination.

Together, these four pillars became my foundation. And like any good recipe, it wasn’t just one spice but the perfect blend that brought flavour to my journey.

“When You Dare to Dream, Direction Finds You—And Drive Takes You Further.”

To everyone who walked beside me in this journey, thank you for the patience, the belief, and the freedom to grow without limits. My Good School didn’t just change how I see education—it changed how I see myself.

Chasing questions, catching sparks — Manisha Khanna

Moments, Moods, and Meanings: Reflections from Carl and Schascha’s World - Aayush Kumar Singh

 

Jai Hind to all,

I am Aayush Kumar Singh from Sunbeam Ballia, studying in Class 10 A, and I would like to share my reflection on today’s session by Mr Jugjiv Singh Sir.

Carl, Schascha, and the Shifting Moods

We began by exploring how the weather affects our mood, just like it did for Carl and Schascha. It’s interesting how a gloomy day can really get under your skin, but then a simple pleasure—like the ice cream Carl and Schascha shared—can completely turn things around. It shows how even small moments of joy can lift our spirits.

The Simon Incident: A Puzzling Push

The incident where Simon pushed Schascha definitely sparked some conversation. We discussed various reasons why a boy might do something like that. Carl’s interpretation—that Simon might actually like Schascha—offered a sweet, if slightly mischievous, perspective. It makes you wonder if kids sometimes use playful teasing as a way to hide their true feelings.

A Quick Detour into English Spellings

Just when we were completely immersed in Carl and Schascha's world, we took a fascinating detour into the differences between American and British English spellings. It was a great reminder of how language has its own interesting variations, even within the same language.

Aayush Kumar Singh

Class 10 A

Sunbeam Ballia

Looking Back: Reflecting on the Journey - Sunbeam School Lahartara

At  Sunbeam School, Lahartara, we believe that  true learning begins when students pause to reflect. Reflection transforms experiences into insight, moments into meaning, and interactions into personal growth. Our recent  Meet and Greet session with Mr. Kartik Bajoria—a celebrated  coach and mentor—was not just an event; it was a mirror held up to every student’s thoughts, expressions, and aspirations. His words didn’t merely inform—they inspired, provoked questions, and awakened self-awareness. After the session, students took time to write, discuss, and share their reflections. This deliberate act of looking inward helped them:  Recognise how communication shapes confidence.  Acknowledge their own strengths and fears.  Connect what they heard to who they are becoming. Each reflection was a beam of light—unique, honest, and glowing with possibility. At Sunbeam, we don’t just teach students what to think; we nurture how they think. And through reflection, they grow not just smarter—but wiser, kinder, and more self-aware.