The Power Of Reading

My Good School

To read and discuss two books, focusing on themes of nature, friendship, and history.

Key Takeaways

• “My Family and Other Animals” (Gerald Durrell): Gerald’s plan to get food from shepherd Yanni during siesta backfires. Yanni, a deep sleeper, only wakes after Roger the dog’s barking accidentally sends a cat fleeing up a grapevine, making the trellis shake.

• “The Whistling School Boy” (Ruskin Bond): The story details Bond’s friendship with Umar at Bishop Cotton School, formed over shared experiences and a secret, satirical manuscript. Their Bond is tested by the 1947 Partition, which forces Umar to leave for Pakistan.

• Reading as Reflection: The session opened with a discussion on reading’s power to cultivate patience and reflection, citing Manisha’s blog on libraries and Brinda’s reference to Barbara Kingsolver on how reading shapes temperament.

• Next Week’s Special Session: Kartik Bajoria will lead a session on writing effective book reviews to help students share their reading and encourage others to read.

Topics

The Power of Reading

• The session began with a reading of Manisha’s blog post, “Championing Readers,” which reflected on students talking in the library rather than reading.

• The post questioned if reading has become a “leisure activity” and argued it requires patience, attention, and imagination.

• Brinda connected this to Barbara Kingsolver’s view that reading changes temperament and is a source of hope for humanity.

• Jugjiv Singh added that reading cultivates self-reflection, citing the example of Eichmann’s unthinking obedience during the Holocaust.

“My Family and Other Animals” (Gerald Durrell)

• Context: Brinda introduced the book about naturalist Gerald Durrell’s childhood on Corfu Island, Greece, providing background on his family and passion for animals.

• Plot: Gerald and his dog, Roger, are hungry after a swim. Gerald avoids Leonora’s house to escape her daughter’s health updates and Taki the fisherman’s siesta.

• The Plan: Gerald decides to visit the shepherd Yanni, a light sleeper who rests under a grapevine trellis. He instructs Roger to bark loudly to wake Yanni.

• The Outcome: The barking fails to wake Yanni. However, it startles a cat, which flees up the trellis, causing it to shake violently and finally waking the shepherd.

• Hospitality & Lore: Yanni offers Gerald food and wine. He then shares a local remedy: a scorpion steeped in olive oil to cure stings, and a cautionary tale about a shepherd who died from a scorpion bite in his ear.

“The Whistling School Boy” (Ruskin Bond)

• Context: Manisha Khanna read the story in Hindi, noting that it is autobiographical and provides a historical lens on the 1947 Partition.

• Friendship & Shared Experiences: Bond, a quiet boy, befriends Umar, another quiet student. Their Bond strengthens as they play hockey together (Bond as goalkeeper, Umar as fullback) and share a secret manuscript.

• The Manuscript: Bond writes a satirical manuscript about school life and teachers, with Umar as his first reader. It includes a poem mocking Mr Oliver.

• Discovery & Discipline: Housemaster Mr Fischer finds the manuscript under Bond’s mattress. Bond receives six cane strokes but becomes a temporary “hero” among his peers.

• The Partition’s Impact: Lord Mountbatten’s visit to Bishop Cotton School, where Bond’s father was an alumnus, is followed by the devastating 1947 Partition.

• Separation: The school announces that Muslim students must vacate the hostel and be escorted to the new border. Bond and Umar meet one last time in a tunnel, discussing their uncertain future before Umar leaves for Pakistan.

Next Steps

• All Participants:

  • Submit reflections (write-ups, drawings, role-plays) on today’s stories for publication on the “Joy of Learning Diaries” website.

  • Prepare for next week’s session with Kartik Bajoria on writing book reviews.

• Students:

  • Keep notes on characters and vocabulary from “My Family and Other Animals” to aid recall.

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Where Pages Turn into Possibilities - Manisha Khanna

“A library is not a place of silence; it is a place where minds begin to speak.”

I went to my school library yesterday and saw the students talking and having fun. The thought came to my mind that now reading as a skill has become diminished, and it has become a leisure activity. Did we go wrong somewhere, or are students simply occupied and overburdened?

Watching them laugh and chat among the shelves, I wondered whether the silence of reading has been replaced by the noise of constant stimulation. Books ask for patience, attention, and imagination — qualities that today compete with hurried schedules, screens, and endless tasks. Perhaps reading now feels like an extra demand rather than a doorway to discovery.

Yet, I also felt that the library still holds quiet possibilities. A book waiting to be opened is not competing for attention; it is inviting it. When a student truly connects with a story, time slows, thoughts deepen, and curiosity awakens. Reading is not merely a skill to be assessed — it is a space where minds wander, question, and grow.

So the question is not whether reading has diminished, but whether we have given it the time, value, and joy it deserves. If reading becomes a shared culture rather than a solitary expectation, the library can again become a place where pages turn into possibilities.

I invite one and everyone to share their comments in the post. 

Manisha Khanna

Championing readers, nurturing thinkers

My Good School Sunday the 8th of Feb 2026

Jai Hind

I am really grateful for the opportunity to attend this session. It was not just a learning session but an experience that made me think deeply. The story discussed during the session was beautifully explained, and every part of it was simply connected to real life. The way the story moved from nature to human emotions made it very interesting and meaningful for me.

One part that I especially liked was how the speaker explained things using examples like jalapeños and grapes. Though they look similar, they are very different, and this comparison helped me understand how appearances can be misleading. This idea was closely connected to the story, in which observation, understanding, and the proper use of words play essential roles. It helped me realise how important it is to look beyond the surface.

All the essential words from the story were clearly discussed, which helped me understand their meanings in context rather than just memorising them. The story also taught me to be more sensitive towards nature, people and situations. It showed how small details can carry deep meaning and how learning can happen through curiosity and observation.

Overall, this session was very enriching and enjoyable. It helped me understand the story better and taught me life lessons in a gentle, practical way. I truly appreciated the effort put into making learning so interactive and thoughtful, and I would love to attend more such sessions in the future.

Aarinee Tripathi, Sunbeam School Mau

“Thank you for this feedback, Aarinee!”, Brinda Ghosh, coach and mentor at My Good School.

“It was quite refreshing being present at My Good School session this Sunday morning. Both the chapters from “My Family and Other Animals” & “What You’re Looking for in the Library” intrigued the listeners, and there were some fascinating responses from the audience. It was good to see both their excitement and the ability to reciprocate. More such Sundays awaited." Harshita Dalawat, host at My Good School.

Learning Through Stories: Small Efforts, Big Impact- Lotus Petal Foundation

Reflections – 18th January

It was very engaging storytelling, and using narratives is an extremely powerful communication tool, no matter what you want to communicate.

Elements of a narrative:

• Character

• Situation / Action

• Realisation

We should describe a situation first and then move towards the result. We can change the order, but we should decide it ourselves. Describe the three elements and then play around with them. It may seem as if I am over-analysing it, but all these components are very organically present in storytelling.

Disha, Grade 5

Today I learned that we should praise effort, not just intelligence. When teachers say, “You tried hard,” it makes us want to learn more. Working together with classmates also helps us understand better. I liked the idea that learning is more important than marks.

 Aditya Yadav, Grade 5

I understood that making mistakes is okay because it helps us learn. When we focus on understanding instead of competition, we feel more confident. Group work teaches us how to help others and share ideas.

 Shaurya Pratap Singh, Grade 5

The session taught me that effort is more important than being smart. When teachers encourage us, we feel brave enough to try difficult questions. I also learned that projects and activities help us learn better than tests.

 Adarsh, Grade 5

I learned that everyone can improve if they keep practising. Studying with friends and helping each other is better than competing. Real-life activities and portfolios make learning interesting and fun.

 Neha, Grade 5

Today I learned that teachers should guide us and not only give marks. When we work in teams, we learn faster. I liked that assessments should help us understand our mistakes and improve.

Vansh, Grade 5

Reflections – 25th January 2026

I watched the video and learned many new things about school learning. The teacher was explaining the lesson in a very clear way. The students were answering questions and participating in the class. I understood that we should pay attention when the teacher is teaching. The classroom looked neat and organised. I liked how confident the students were while speaking. This video taught me to be active in class. I will try to listen carefully and complete my work on time.

Disha, Grade 5

The video was very interesting and helpful for me. I saw students reading and thinking about the lesson. The teacher was guiding them and helping them understand the topic. I learned that studying daily is important for exams. The students were sitting properly and listening carefully. It showed that discipline is important in school. I want to follow the rules and be a good student. This video inspired me to study more.

Aditya Yadav, Grade 5

I liked the video because it showed a real classroom. The teacher was asking questions and the students were giving answers. It helped me understand how to think before answering. The students were very attentive and focused. I learned that learning becomes fun when we participate. The classroom environment was very positive. I felt happy watching the students learn. I will try to be more active in my class.

Shaurya Pratap Singh, Grade 5

The video taught me many good habits for school. The students were listening carefully to the teacher. The teacher explained the lesson step by step. I learned that planning and regular study are important. The students were disciplined and sitting quietly. It showed teamwork and cooperation in the class. I want to improve my listening and speaking skills. This video motivated me to become a better learner.

Adarsh, Grade 5

I enjoyed watching the video because it showed how students learn together. The teacher was encouraging students to answer questions. The students were confident and not afraid to speak. I learned that teachers help us understand difficult topics. The classroom looked clean and organised. It taught me to respect my teacher and classmates. I want to study sincerely and participate more in class.

Neha, Grade 5

The video showed that learning is important and fun. The teacher was explaining the lesson very nicely. Students were reading and sharing their answers. I learned that we should complete our work regularly. The students were disciplined and focused. It showed how teachers support students. I felt inspired to improve my studies. I will try to be attentive and responsible in class.

Vansh, Grade 5

Reflections – 1st February 2026

In Sunday School, we learned about the importance of small things through a story about a one-rupee coin. We read blog posts and shared our thoughts with classmates. The story taught us how small steps can bring big changes in life. We also had a quiz about money and its value. I learned that money has both practical and emotional value. The session helped me understand happiness and success. It was a very interesting and meaningful session.
Yuvraj Negi, Grade 5

Today’s session was very interesting and informative. We discussed a story about a journey and how a person changes with small efforts. The teachers helped us understand the value of one rupee and why every small thing matters. We also participated in a quiz, which was fun and learning-based. I learned that happiness needs effort and positive thinking. The session inspired me to improve myself every day.
Aditya Yadav, Class 5

In the session, we learned about value, gratitude, and happiness. The story about the one-rupee coin taught us that even small things are important. We read and shared our ideas in class. The quiz helped us understand money and its importance. I learned that success comes from small and regular efforts. The session was enjoyable and very useful for us.
Neha, Grade 5A

The Sunday School session was very engaging. We listened to a story that showed how small changes can make a big difference. We discussed the importance of one rupee and how it can help people. The quiz made the session interactive and fun. I learned that we should be thankful and work hard for our goals. This session helped me think differently about happiness and success.
Vansh, Grade 5C

I learned many new things in the session about money, happiness, and personal growth. The story taught us that even small steps are important in life. The quiz helped us understand the value of money. We also shared our thoughts and listened to others. I learned that success needs effort and patience. The session was very interesting and inspiring.
Neha, Grade 5

In today’s session, we discussed a story about a one-rupee coin and its importance. We learned how small actions can create big changes. The teachers guided us and explained the meaning of the story. The quiz helped us learn in a fun way. I understood that happiness comes from gratitude and hard work. The session was very meaningful for me.
Disha, Grade 5

The Power of Reading and Reflection in Student Growth- Sunbeam Hostel Lahartara

 

Sunday School Reflection by Manisha Khanna

Reading and reflection play a vital role in a student’s growth. Through regular reading, students gain knowledge, imagination, and empathy, while reflection helps them think deeply about what they have learned. Together, these practices encourage self-awareness, emotional understanding, and critical thinking. As students read, reflect, and relate ideas to their own lives, they gradually evolve into thoughtful, confident, and sensitive learners.

Turning Stories into Strength - Sunbeam School, Ballia

Reflections from My Good School on the 4th of January 2026

Today's Good Schools Alliance session was exciting and enjoyable. Jugiv sir read stories that helped us learn about Japanese culture 🇯🇵 and essential life skills. Before the session with Manisha ma'am began, she conducted a brief quiz on the New Year and reading habits, which prompted me to reflect on how I want to improve myself in 2026. We also listened to stories by Ruskin Bond, which were simple, meaningful, and inspiring. Overall, the session motivated me to read more, learn new things, and develop good habits.

Ishika Singh, Class IX

Today's session was engaging, meaningful, and informative. It helped me understand the importance of reading, positive thinking, and good values. During the session, we listened to a book reading that inspired me to believe that books can guide us and help us grow in life. The reading was engaging and made the session more enjoyable. 

Overall, today's Good School session motivated me to read more books, learn new things, and become a better and more confident student. 

Aadhya Gupta, Class V

In today's Hindi book-reading session, Manisha ma'am presented a short yet interesting set of questions that focused on the real benefits of reading and reflection. While answering these questions, I came to understand the importance of reflection and the valuable skills it cultivates. Subsequently, we read a short story about a girl who made the winning catch at the end of a cricket match. The story highlighted essential lessons, including time management and the importance of providing equal opportunities to everyone.

Additionally, Jugjiv sir explained that we should believe in ourselves and always try to do our best rather than worrying too much about the outcome. He emphasised that our actions and efforts matter more than the outcome. While talking about luck, he quoted a beautiful saying by a golf player: *"The harder I practice, the luckier I get."* This taught me that luck supports us when we are willing to put in sincere hard work.

Akanksha Rai, Class IX

Finding Voice Through Stories: Deen Shah’s First Steps with My Good School

I applied for the Good School Alliance Internship because my school shared meeting links for the reading sessions that were held on Sundays, and I joined a few of them. I really enjoyed these sessions as they were calm and interactive, and they gave everyone a chance to read and share their thoughts openly. Being part of such discussions helped me feel more confident and interested in reading. A friend also encouraged me to apply for the internship, which motivated me to take this opportunity.

My aim is to develop a better reading habit and improve my communication skills. I also want to learn how these reading sessions are planned and conducted. Through this internship, I hope to actively participate in the sessions, share my reflections, and encourage other students from my school to join and benefit from them.

Thank you. 

Sunday School Reflection

The reading sessions were really interesting and fun for me as a student. The session on The Inner Life of Animals made me realise that animals have feelings and emotions too, which taught me to be more caring and kind towards them. The session on The Whistling Schoolboy and Other Stories was enjoyable and easy to understand, and I could relate to the simple situations and innocent thoughts in the stories. These sessions not only improved my listening skills and imagination but also made me think more deeply about life and the world around me. I really enjoyed these sessions and feel grateful to the Good School Alliance for organising such exciting and meaningful reading experiences.

Deen Shah Najam Sunbeam Ballia

Lessons from the Guru–Chela Tradition - Sunbeam School Suncity

After watching this episode, I understood the guru–chela (mentor–seeker) relationship as a living bond rather than just a title. The way Guru Nanak ji patiently prepared Bhai Lehna to receive the "spiritual baton" showed me that a real teacher quietly shapes a student's character over time—not through miracles, but through daily example, guidance, and trust.

Mayank Malani

The video made me reflect on my own attitude as a learner. Bhai Lehna's humility, obedience, and willingness to do any seva without questioning reminded me that authentic learning requires surrendering the ego and openness to correction. I realised that if I want real growth, I must accept feedback as Bhai Lehna did—seeing it as a blessing that polishes me, not as an insult.

Adwik Gupta

I was especially moved by the idea that Guru Nanak ji chose Bhai Lehna as his successor based on inner spiritual merit rather than blood relations or social status. In a world where preference is often given to family and power, this decision taught me that leadership should be given to the most deserving and sincere person, no matter their background. It challenged me to rethink how I judge people and to value inner qualities over external labels.

Ajeya Vardhan

The visuals of Guru Nanak ji travelling to different places and interacting with people of many beliefs helped me see oneness in a practical way, not just as a big word. Seeing him engage respectfully in dialogue with diverse communities made me realise that I must also listen to and learn from those who think differently, instead of trying to prove myself right all the time. This inspired me to see diversity in my classroom and society as an opportunity to grow spiritually.

Divyansh Kumar

The episode changed the way I look at success in life. Guru Nanak Ji and Bhai Lehna showed that the highest success is not money or fame, but living a life of service, compassion, and truth. Their example motivated me to set goals that include helping others, being honest, and staying connected to the Divine, rather than chasing only marks, careers, and material achievements.

Naman Kumar Aryan

Learning, Connection, and Growth - Sunbeam School Lahartara

 

My Good School by Manisha Khanna

A Sunday morning becomes truly enriching when spent reading, reflecting, and nurturing meaningful relationships. The students of Sunbeam School, Lahartara, embody this beautifully as they take time to think deeply about their Sunday School experiences. Through stories, thoughtful discussions, and shared moments, they not only strengthen their understanding but also build stronger bonds with one another. Their reflections show that learning becomes more fulfilling when guided by empathy, curiosity, and companionship—transforming each Sunday into a powerful step toward personal growth.

Learning with Heart - Lotus Petals Foundation

 

My Good School

A wonderful way to relax on a Sunday morning is to read, reflect, and build meaningful relationships. The students of Lotus Petal Foundation embody this spirit beautifully as they pause to think deeply about their experiences in Sunday School. Through stories, discussions, and shared moments, they not only strengthen their understanding but also connect more closely with one another. Their reflections reveal how learning becomes richer when paired with empathy, curiosity, and companionship—turning each Sunday into a meaningful step toward personal growth.

Lessons in Growth, Perseverance, and Open-Mindedness - Sunbeam School Ballia

How people grow, change, and step into new roles, often surprising those around them. Schascha reveals that she no longer works at the bookshop and has moved beyond that chapter of her life, underscoring that growth sometimes means leaving familiar places and expectations behind. Carl's surprise shows how we often hold onto outdated versions of people, assuming they haven't changed. Their interaction highlights that moving forward requires courage, planning, and a willingness to let others see who we are becoming, not who we used to be.

We often judge others based on appearances or preconceived notions, yet those assumptions can be completely wrong. The character expected the book-delivery woman to be "plain" or unimpressive based on her job, but was surprised to find that she was confident, capable, and even charming. This moment challenges the narrator's biases and shows how easily we underestimate people simply because of the roles they play or how they are presented to us. It is a reminder that every person carries depth, skill, and personality that cannot be measured by first impressions, and that staying open-minded can lead to unexpected respect or admiration.

Themes of guilt, regret, and the desire for redemption also appear. Carl's harshness toward others and his emotional distance leave lasting effects not only on the people he pushes away but also on himself. Meanwhile, Scheacha's determination to "rewrite" events like a story shows her longing to restore what was broken, proving how deeply she cares and how strongly hope can motivate change. The contrast between Carl's withdrawal and Scheacha's persistence underscores how human connection can either wither or be rebuilt depending on the choices people make.

Chirag Rai, VB

Today's session taught me some valuable lessons that can help us grow in life. One of the most important things I understood is that failure is not the end. If we fail in our first attempt, we should not lose hope. Every outstanding achievement begins with trying again.

Another important lesson is the power of persistence. When we continue working towards our dreams without giving up, success eventually comes our way. Hard work and consistency are the genuine keys to reaching our goals.

Chitransh Pandey, VA

My Reflection on Today's Session

First Session

My Good School Alliance session today was one of the most interesting sessions. We had two great personalities with us. Firstly, we had Mr Jugjiv Singh. He asked students to read their own reflections. Then he continued the story, The Door to Door Bookstore. His reading voice was really inspiring and lovely. The story was all about how books can connect people and help them share knowledge in a fun and entertaining way. This class was really knowledgeable.

Second Session

After Mr Jugjiv's class, we automatically changed to Mrs Manisha Khanna's class. Firstly, we had a short and wonderful quiz with her. Then she read the story रणजी का शानदार बल्ला. I learnt many new things in this story.

1. We should not give up if we do not achieve our goal in the first step.

2. We should never lose hope and give up.
   This class was really full of values.

At the end, both sessions were really eye-opening, full of morals and emotions. I would like to thank

Mr Jugjiv Singh

for giving us this opportunity to enhance our reading and vocabulary.

Thank you.

Janhvi, VC

Sunday Reading Session and YES Workshop - Sunbeam Bhagwanpur

Today, we learnt about the foundations of effective communication in the YES workshop by Kartik Sir. I learnt about the importance of maintaining humility and sensitivity to become a better speaker. Other than this, being alert to factors like positive body language, eye contact, and smiling makes us connect better with our audience.

Then, in the chapter Artificial Environment, we learnt how urban spaces can actually contribute to preserving animals, especially the endangered ones. I learnt about agrarian deserts, which changed my idea about deserts being arid regions and lacking trees.

Shristi Prasad

VII

Sunbeam Bhagwanpur

In today's YES workshop by Karthik Sir, we got to learn about the importance of maintaining communication skills. We also learnt about the various essentials of communication, like sensitivity, humility, and sounding compelling enough to ensure effective, positive communication. If one maintains eye contact, body language, appropriate hand gestures, and a smile on one’s face, along with being aware of the content one is speaking, one will engage the crowd better. To become a better public speaker, besides understanding one’s crowd or audience, one needs to develop these qualities in oneself.

In the chapter Artificial Environment, Brinda Ma’am read out the disadvantages and advantages of artificial environments that affect animals. Besides talking about pet houses, cages, and zoos, we also learnt about deserts like agrarian deserts that have thousands of plants and house several animals, making us call them animal farms.

We also learnt about the role of animals in human activities like farms for grazing and logging. Sometimes animals are not happy because no one asks them whether they wish to work or not, so we as humans should not lose our humanity while forcing animals to work for us.

Gauri Agrawal

VIII

Sunbeam Bhagwanpur

In a world where AI is taking the lead in guiding the generation on how to present themselves suitably—be it an office presentation, a simple debate, or a speech delivery at the morning assembly—genuine human communication is suffering a setback. Humans are failing to communicate their emotions to each other through words. Wasn't verbal communication a primitive method among humans? So why are we failing today?

We had Kartik Sir in the Sunday YES session with us to tell the generation the basic pointers for effective communication—things like sensitivity, humility, being astute, sounding compelling enough, and such that one remembers our words and understands us.

Today's generation is indeed very sensitive. So, to convey our thoughts without hurting anyone's emotions is a big deal. Social media is a boon and a bane that way. Chatbots are there to emotionally sustain us as well as destroy us. Therefore, it is indeed very important to ensure that we are becoming better at communicating so that we have less dependency on AI for communication.

Lavanya Jaiswal

VIII F
Sunbeam Bhagwanpur

Meaningful Sunday School Session - Sunbeam Ballia

Today I attended a Good School Alliance session with Kartik Sir, Jugjiv Sir, and Manisha Ma’am. They spoke about good communication, empathy, kindness, and being humble with everyone. In the end, there was a question-and-answer session where students shared their doubts, and they answered them with a lot of patience and clarity. It was a simple but very positive and inspiring session.

— Ishika Singh, 9th A

In today’s session, firstly, Mr Jugjiv Singh Sir introduced the great personality, Mr Kartik Sir. He told us about the “Construct Communication Paradigm,” in which he explained the types of communication. He also told us about:

1. Competition

2. Noise

3. Deficit

4. Sameness

5. Apathy

6. AI

7. Global Stage

And the main topic of today’s session was communication.

This session was really awesome 

I really thank Mr Jugjiv Singh Sir for giving us this amazing opportunity to learn new things and improve our vocabulary 

— Talat Bano, 5C, Sunbeam School Ballia

Today’s Good School Alliance session was the most unique and interesting session. In the first session, we had a very special personality with us — Mr Kartik Sir. He is a writer, educator, and mental health advocate. The first session was about “Effective Communication.” In this class, I learnt about empathy, kindness, and many more values. This class helped me communicate with people positively.

We also had Mrs Brinda Ma’am. She read the story “Inner Life of Animals.” Through this story, we learnt about the feelings of animals. I also learnt how deep and strong the emotions of animals are, just like humans.

At the end, I would like to share that both the sessions were really inspiring, knowledgeable, and full of emotions.

 Thank you!!

— Janhvi Singh, 5C

Insights from the Lotus Petal Reading Circle

My Good School

Students from Lotus Petals Foundation shared their thoughts after Sunday School at My Good School. They enjoyed discovering new words, understanding stories better, and feeling inspired by the engaging read-alouds. The session allowed them to think, imagine, and connect with characters deeply. Reading together boosted their confidence, improved their fluency, and made them enjoy stories as a community.

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

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