From Knowledge to Wisdom: Lessons for an Unpredictable World - Aasra Trust

The Power of Expressive Reading and Compassionate Teaching - Rekha Sharma

The story reading session conducted by Jugjiv Sir was a meaningful and engaging learning experience for me as a teacher. Through this story, I realised that reading is not just about understanding words but about connecting with emotions, developing empathy, and encouraging critical thinking. The way Jugjiv Sir explained the story made me understand the importance of expressive reading and guiding learners to reflect on the characters' feelings and experiences. I was particularly inspired by the kindness and support shown by Ms Komachi, which reminded me that every teacher should create a caring and inclusive learning environment where students feel valued and motivated to learn. This session also reinforced my belief that stories are powerful tools for teaching life values, building emotional intelligence, and nurturing a lifelong love for reading. Overall, I learned that as a teacher, my role is not only to teach lessons but also to inspire, encourage, and support students in their academic and personal growth.

Today I listened to the story अँधेरे की फुसफुसाहट was a meaningful learning experience. The story reminded me that fear and confusion often arise from assumptions rather than reality, and that patience, courage, and careful observation help us understand situations more clearly. It also made me reflect on my role as a teacher, realising that every child may carry unseen fears, doubts, or challenges. Instead of judging students quickly, I should listen to them, understand their emotions, and guide them with empathy and encouragement. This story inspired me to create a positive and supportive classroom where students feel safe to express themselves, ask questions, and learn without fear. Overall, it reinforced my belief that teaching is not only about completing the syllabus but also about building confidence, curiosity, and emotional strength in every learner.

Ms. Rekha Sharma 
Sunbeam School Mau

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

Where Every Page Inspires - Sunbeam School Ballia

Photo from John Martyn Memorial School, only for representation 

The Sunday reading sessions taught me that books are not just stories—they are windows to new ideas, emotions, and experiences. Through these readings, I learned the importance of observation, family values, gratitude, and finding joy in life’s simple moments. Every page opened a new perspective and inspired me to become a better learner and reader. 📚✨

Azam Khan

PRT Teacher

The online reading session was a truly enriching and inspiring experience. What You Are Looking For Is in the Library taught us that guidance, learning, and self-belief can help us discover our true path, no matter how difficult life seems. The story of Hiroya reminded us that developing our skills and never giving up is the key to growth. My Family and Other Animals filled the session with warmth, humor, and a deep appreciation for nature and family.

Shamli Mein Thahara Waqt Aur Anya Kahaniyan beautifully reflected human emotions and the richness of everyday life through Hindi literature. The discussions by Jugjiv Sir, Brinda Ma'am, and Manisha Khanna Ma'am made every book more meaningful and engaging.

I learned that books are not just stories—they are companions, teachers, and sources of inspiration.

These sessions encouraged me to read more, think deeply, and appreciate different cultures and perspectives.

Grateful to all the mentors for making reading an enjoyable and memorable journey. 📚✨

  

Riya Yadav

TGT English

Exploring Nature, Literature, and Learning Through My Good School Sessions - Sunbeam School, Ballia

Today’s session began with the Good School Alliance Anthem, followed by a brief review of reflections from previous sessions.

Session by Brinda Ma’am

In the first session, we explored the book My Family and Other Animals. Brinda Ma’am read the story beautifully, explained unfamiliar words, and clarified our doubts. One of the most exciting parts was when Roger tried to catch an owl, but the owl attacked him. Frightened, Roger shook the bird off and hid under the table, refusing to come out until Ulysses was safely back in his basket. The story was adventurous, engaging, and enjoyable.

Session by Jugiv Sir

Jugiv Sir’s session was both informative and enjoyable. He first introduced the My Good School Alliance platform to the new students. He then continued reading from his book, What Are You Looking For Is in the Library. Sir discussed the previous chapters before moving ahead with the story, making it easy for everyone to connect with the narrative. The session was very interesting and interactive.

Session by Manisha Ma’am

In this session, we discussed Surang (सुरंग), a chapter written by Ruskin Bond. Manisha Ma’am explained that the story revolves around a boy who observes a tunnel and appreciates the beauty of the surrounding nature. Her explanation helped us understand the deeper connection between the character and his surroundings. The session was insightful and enriching.

At the end of the programme, Ma’am shared some valuable thoughts on reflection and learning.

Thank you. 😊

Talat Bano

Today’s My Good School session was very interesting and informative.

Brinda Ma’am read an excerpt from My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell. In the story, Gerald found a tiny owlet that was the size of a teacup. At first, the owlet remained distant and did not show much affection. Gerald’s dog tried to befriend it, and gradually, the owlet also became attached to Gerald. It would go out hunting at night and return shortly afterwards, showing its growing trust in him.

During the session, we learned many new and challenging words that helped improve our vocabulary. We also came across the names of different flowers and animals, which made the story more interesting and educational. We learned about porpoises and discovered that they are similar to dolphins. Brinda Ma’am also introduced us to the famous Tintin books and encouraged us to read them.

The session helped us learn more about nature, animals, and literature in an enjoyable way. Overall, it was an engaging, enriching, and memorable learning experience.

Ishika Singh

Class 10-B

Stepping Into New Opportunities - Pushpendra Singh Ranawat

Pushpendra Singh Ranawat is a dedicated and enthusiastic first-year student at Jai Narain Vyas University. Alongside his academic journey, he is also serving as an intern at Good School Alliance, where he is gaining valuable experience in education and leadership initiatives. With a keen interest in learning, collaboration, and personal growth, Pushpendra is steadily building a strong foundation for his future career.

 

Learning Beyond the Pages - Sunbeam School Ballia

Today’s session didn’t feel like just reading—it felt like exploring different worlds through curiosity.

In “The World in a Wall,” what stayed with me was not the scorpions, but the author’s perspective. Something people fear became fascinating to him, making me wonder how many “walls” around us hold unnoticed stories. His curiosity turned the ordinary into something magical.

I also realized how observation can become learning. Quietly noticing and being curious felt more meaningful than just reading facts.

Ms. Sakini’s story stood out for her inner conflict. It made me reflect on how we often link our worth to productivity, and how accepting balance can actually be a form of wisdom.

Along with it, Aradhya’s description of the book “The Colors We Never Named” felt especially captivating—it was as if she gave words to emotions we often feel but rarely express, making the unseen quietly come alive.

“Sabse Khubsurat” stayed with me emotionally, showing how deeply words can affect someone and how little we try to understand others.

Overall, the session taught me that learning is not just about knowledge, but about noticing, thinking, and seeing the world differently.

Deenshah Najam

Today’s session felt different in a nice, quiet way. While reading “The World in a Wall” by Gerald Durrell, I kept thinking about how something most of us would be scared of—like scorpions—could actually become so interesting just because someone chose to observe it closely. It made me pause and wonder how many small things around me I ignore every day.

Ms Sakini’s story felt very real. The way she didn’t want to be treated differently, and how she slowly understood that accepting help doesn’t make you weak—it just makes life a little more balanced—really stayed with me. It also made me feel that sometimes we all need our own personal space, not because we are shy or introverted, but simply because we enjoy being with ourselves.

“Sabse Khubsurat” was simple but touching. It reminded me that people we call “different” are often just misunderstood, and how easily our words can affect someone. It also made me realize that making a mistake isn’t the worst thing—what truly matters is accepting it, acknowledging that it wasn’t right, and making sure we don’t repeat it again. Manisha ma’am explained this so beautifully.

Even small things like learning why the sky is blue—because of Rayleigh scattering—made the world feel a bit more meaningful.

And Arfa’s article honestly felt very real, like thoughts we all have but don’t always say out loud.

Today didn’t feel like just reading. It felt like noticing things a little more deeply.
Akanksha Rai, 10 B

Learning from Nature and Memories - Sunbeam Bhagwanpur

 

Reflections (26.04.26)

In the reading session, Brinda Ma’am read to us the chapter “The Tortoise Hills” from My Family and Other Animals, where we learned about the author’s observations of tortoises on the island of Corfu. He treats them not as slow, dull creatures, but as individuals with distinct personalities and “armoured” lifestyles.

He pays close attention to the architecture of their shells—the dusty, scarred plates that tell a story of years spent navigating the thorny scrub. It was very interesting to read about his interest in tortoises’ movements and actions. I feel that the author had a lot of patience to conduct such detailed observations.

Vankshit, VII G

Sunday’s reading session began with Brinda Ma’am reading a passage from the chapter “The Tortoise Hills” in the novel My Family and Other Animals. However, the most interesting part was when Sandeep Sir and Manisha Ma’am showed us the flipcharts from the GSA Retreat held at Mayoor School, Jaipur. Sir showed the flipchart that I had worked on with my team.

Our team had chosen the chapter “Power of Wellness” from Highway to Swades by Bhairavi Jani. I was proud to show my work to the other Sunday School participants and shared my experience in detail once again. The album, consisting of all the photos, brought back many memories of the retreat. It was a truly amazing learning experience. I extend my gratitude once again to Sandeep Sir and GSA for organising this retreat.

Srishti Prasad, VIII A

I have always considered the tortoise a slow creature and have never been interested in learning about it. However, the chapter we read today filled my mind with many details about a tortoise. So far, most of the chapters include mentions of one animal or another. For a child to take an interest in the natural world and study the intricate details of different creatures is indeed fascinating.

I sometimes feel that, in the busy routine of our urban lives, we miss out on these seemingly small yet profound experiences. Durrell, unlike us, was fortunate to live on an island where he learned through natural observation and his innate curiosity.

Another amazing part of today’s session was revisiting the GSA Retreat memories, as Manisha Ma’am showed us the flipcharts she had uploaded on the Joy of Learning Diaries page. Sandeep Sir explained the importance of the 4S framework and the role of the YES Workshop, encouraging us to understand the value of 4S (Service, Skill, Sports, and Study) in our lives.

Gauri Agrawal, IX C

Observing Nature Through Words- Akanksha Rai

Today’s session was quite insightful. We read a chapter about a tortoise from My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell. The reading helped me understand how a writer can describe a scene authentically by closely observing even the smallest details. The author’s careful depiction of the tortoise’s daily life showed how deeply he observed nature. I also found the description of the surroundings very vivid—green myrtles, heather, and cypress trees covering the hills created a beautiful and lively picture in my mind.

Another interesting part was the introduction of the three guests who visited the author’s house. Each had a unique personality—the artist who came to paint in the orchard, the man who fell ill from an allergy to horses, and the girl who had just recovered from erysipelas. When I researched further, I learned that erysipelas is a bacterial skin infection that causes redness and swelling.

Along with the reading, Sandeep Sir made the session even more engaging by showing different retreat flipchart videos. He also explained the concept of “My Good School” and its vision in a very inspiring way.

Akanksha Rai

Class 10-B

A Journey of Learning and Growth: MGS Retreat

The Retreat is a meaningful journey of learning and personal growth. It provides a space to explore new ideas, interact with inspiring individuals, and gain knowledge beyond textbooks. Through engaging sessions, discussions, and shared experiences, the Retreat encourages us to reflect, develop new perspectives, and grow both intellectually and personally. It is not just about learning facts, but about understanding ourselves and the world around us more deeply and thoughtfully.

A Circle of Reflection - MGS Retreat

 

In the calm and open environment of a retreat, students come together to read, reflect, and truly listen to one another. These shared moments encourage honest expression and deeper understanding. As stories are exchanged and ideas unfold, barriers fade, and connections strengthen, allowing students to build relationships rooted in respect, empathy, and mutual growth.

Learning Life Skills Through Sunday School - Sunbeam School Lahartara

 

Sunday school gives us more than just knowledge—it helps us build important life skills. Through stories, discussions, and reflections, we learn how to think deeply, express ourselves, and connect lessons to real-life situations. It teaches us values like courage, patience, kindness, and gratitude, which guide our everyday actions. Sunday school also strengthens our ability to listen, understand others, and grow as individuals. Each session becomes a step toward becoming more thoughtful, confident, and aware, helping us develop skills that shape both our character and our future.

Together We Grow - My Good School Retreat

 

Students discovered that when they live together, laugh together, and spend meaningful time with one another, learning goes far beyond the classroom. During the retreat organised by Mayoor School in collaboration with the Good Schools Alliance, they experienced the true value of connection, empathy, and shared growth. The retreat provided them with a purposeful space to interact, reflect, and build lasting friendships. Through group activities, conversations, and quiet moments of reflection, students learned teamwork, respect for diverse perspectives, and the importance of community. It became not just a gathering, but a meaningful journey of self-discovery and collective learning.

MGS Retreat 2026: Nurturing Learning, Reflection, and Relationships

Enjoy the Photo Book courtesy Varun Arora of Mayoor School Jaipur.

The My Good School Alliance Retreat (MGS Retreat), in collaboration with Mayoor School Jaipur, was successfully held on the school premises, with participation from 12 schools across the country. The Good Schools Alliance (GSA) promotes the values of “Joy of Learning” and “Joy of Giving,” aiming to build a connected and inclusive community through Service, Skill, Sport, and Study.

The retreat focused on the 3R’s—Reading, Reflection, and Relationships—providing students with a holistic learning experience. The four-day camp included enriching book-reading sessions led by eminent authors, including Ms Bhairvi Jani and Mr Jugjiv Singh, during which students explored excerpts from inspiring works such as Highway to Swades.

Each day began with engaging sports activities, including basketball, badminton, swimming, tennis, and indoor games like chess and carrom. A special art session by Prenita Dutt introduced students to creative techniques using various art media. Interactive sessions by INME encouraged teamwork, critical thinking, and emotional awareness.

Students also enjoyed an educational excursion to the City Palace, where they experienced its rich heritage and architectural grandeur. The retreat featured a vibrant talent show where students showcased their skills through music, dance, skits, and cultural presentations.

FLP for Educators at Jaipur by Learning Forward India Foundation

The closing ceremony included an insightful session on financial literacy led by Mr Manoj Kumar (Executive Director, SEBI), Mr Venkat Chalasani (CEO, AMFI), and Mr Suryakant Sharma (Sr. Consultant, AMFI), emphasising the importance of financial planning and investment.

The event concluded on a positive note, fostering unity, learning, and inspiration, while opening new avenues for future generations.

Regards

Team Mayoor School Jaipur 🦚

Reflections That Changed My Thinking - Sunbeam School Ballia

Today's session of My Good School was engaging and interactive. It began with the reading of reflections from our school, Sunbeam Ballia, where students from different schools read reflections written by our students. It felt nice to see our work being shared and appreciated.

Many new students joined the session. Jugiv Sir introduced them to the Good School Alliance and gave a brief overview of its purpose.

Later, Sir read a story titled “What You Are Looking For” in the library. The story showed how Ryo reflected on his behaviour and eventually understood the negative impact of his pride and male ego. In the end, he apologised to Hina.

One line from the story that really amused me was when Hina said, “The owner of a handmade object is decided even before the object is made.” I found this thought very meaningful.

Sir also discussed the significance of Easter. During the discussion, I shared that people celebrate Easter with activities like egg hunts. Overall, the session was enjoyable and meaningful.
Ishika Singh, Class 10-B

The reading sessions so far have taught me many valuable lessons and made me reflect on my own thinking and actions. One of the strongest learnings for me has been the importance of trust—in people, in situations, and in oneself. It made me realise that many times we assume the worst outcomes, but things can actually turn out positively when trust exists.

Another important idea I understood is that no work is small or less important. This changed my perspective on how I see different roles in life. Also, the concept of parallel efforts, like the unseen part of a plant, helped me understand that not all hard work is visible, yet it still plays a crucial role in success.

Hina’s character made me reflect on how age does not define maturity. Her confidence, clarity, and belief in her ideas showed me the importance of standing by what we believe in and expressing it effectively. It also made me realise how communication and understanding can resolve conflicts better than reacting emotionally.

From all the readings, I also connected with the idea of turning doubts into plans and having the courage to face situations instead of avoiding them. These lessons feel practical and are things I can apply in my own life.

Through the Hindi reading sessions, I have developed a strong sense of curiosity. The setting of a school near the hills makes the story interesting and unpredictable. I always find myself wondering what will happen next, especially with the presence of nature and animals. The lives of the students and teachers feel simple yet engaging, and the humorous and joyful moments make the reading even more enjoyable.

Overall, these sessions have helped me not only understand the text but also think more deeply about life and my own mindset.

Akanksha Rai, Class 10-B

My Good School 15th March 2026

Sunday School 

To discuss student reflections and read from two books, focusing on character decisions.

Key Takeaways

• The Power of Reflection: Reading student reflections on past sessions (e.g., Kartik’s review writing) demonstrated how writing solidifies learning and inspires others (e.g., interest in Atomic Habits).

• Principle vs. Pragmatism: A 10-yen expense dispute in What You’re Looking For... highlighted a conflict between Ryo’s strict adherence to principle and Ms Yoshitaka’s pragmatic view of a minor error.

• Managing Stress: Ryo’s failure to communicate his work stress to Hina led to a personal conflict. The group discussed strategies for separating professional and personal life, such as making a plan to tackle problems.

• School Environment: A discussion on The Whistling School Boy concluded that a mix of indoor and outdoor learning is ideal for holistic development, combining academic focus with nature-based exploration.

Topics

Reflection Review & Program Overview

• Student reflections from previous sessions were read to illustrate the program’s value in reinforcing learning and improving written communication.

• Key Themes:

  • Curiosity and observation in nature.

  • The impact of small, consistent habits (Atomic Habits).

  • Essential elements of review writing.

  • Communication skills (body language, listening, confidence).

• Program Pillars: Reading, Reflection, and Relationship Building.

• YES Program: Monthly Youth Engaging Society sessions on communication skills.

  • Next sessions: March 29 and April 12.

Book 1: What You’re Looking For Is in the Library

• Context: Ryo, an accounts clerk, dreams of opening an antique shop but feels stuck in a job he dislikes.

• Conflict 1: Principle vs. Pragmatism

  • Ryo found a 10-yen discrepancy on an expense report.

  • Ms Yoshitaka dismissed it as an "easy” amount not worth the trouble.

  • Ryo insisted on accuracy, regardless of the sum.

  • Outcome: Ms Yoshitaka filed a false power-harassment complaint, threatening RRyo’s job.

• Conflict 2: Professional Stress Affects Personal Life

  • Ryo, overwhelmed by the complaint, failed to communicate his stress to Hina.

  • He lashed out at her for her successful online shop, dismissing it as a “hobby.”

  • Outcome: Hina left, leaving Ryo feeling “so low.”

• Group Discussion → Managing Stress

  • Problem: Carrying work stress home.

  • Solutions:

    • Talk to a trusted person (e.g., Hina).

    • Divert the mind temporarily to allow logic to take over.

    • Make a concrete plan to tackle the issue.

    • Focus on the present moment.

Book 2: The Whistling School Boy and Anir Kahania

• Context: A school in a remote, hilly village.

• Discussion → Ideal School Environment

  • Question: Should school be indoors or outdoors?

  • Conclusion: A mix of both is ideal for holistic development.

    • Indoors: Academic focus, protection from weather, and technology.

    • Outdoors: Connection to nature, fresh air, exploration, fun.

• Plot Summary:

  • The village is abuzz with news of a leopard sighting.

  • A teacher, Shri Man Mani, goes missing, causing panic.

  • Resolution: Shri Man Mani returns, having simply gotten lost. The “leopard attack” was a false assumption, a key example of irony.

  • Subplot: Shri Man Mani is stressed by a new, younger teacher (Tania Romola) being assigned to a senior class. This stress manifests as forgetfulness and “stress eating.”

  • Climax: On the walk home, the children are warned by the postman to hurry because of the leopard. This fear causes Sonu to forget his foot pain, highlighting the power of external threats to override personal discomfort.

Next Steps

• All Students:

  • Write and submit reflections on today’s session.

  • Consider presenting a book review or a creative work (drawing or interview) in a future session.

• PYDS Students:

  • Send a group photo to Manisha Khanna.

• Jugjiv Singh:

  • Continue reading What You’re Looking For Is in the Library next week.

• Manisha Khanna:

  • Continue reading The Whistling School Boy and Anir Kahania next week.

    
    

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