Learning Through Reflection- PYDS Learning Academy

Students learn best when they pause to introspect, reflect on their experiences, understand their mistakes, and connect learning with real-life situations. Reflection helps students become thoughtful, independent, and responsible learners.

My Good School Reflection by Manisha Khanna

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

Learning Forward Retreat, 14-16 July 2026, at the Fig Tree Cottage in Dehradun

We are delighted to host educators from Sunbeam Schools - Suncity, Bhawanpur, Lahartara and Varuna; and the Aasara Trust for an immersive learning experience. Discover more at www.LFIN.Academy.

Books often teach us lessons, but some books make us pause and reflect on who we are and who we want to become. Is Your Child Ready to Face the World? By Dr Anupam Sibal was one such book for us.

Reading it as students was a unique experience. We initially thought the book was meant only for parents and teachers, but as we turned each page, we realised that it was equally relevant for children. It helped us understand that success in life is not defined only by marks or achievements but by our ability to think independently, adapt to change, solve problems, and build meaningful relationships.

One of our biggest takeaways was that education should prepare us for life, not just for examinations. The world beyond school values communication, empathy, resilience, teamwork, creativity, and decision-making. These are qualities that cannot be measured by report cards but are essential for becoming responsible and confident individuals.

The book also encouraged us to reflect on our own habits. Do we take responsibility for our actions? Are we willing to learn from failures? Do we step out of our comfort zone? These questions made us realise that personal growth begins with self-awareness.

Another inspiring message was the importance of parents, teachers, and students working together. We understood that guidance from adults is valuable, but we must also take ownership of our own learning journey. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow stronger if we choose to learn from it.

As a team, we discussed how these ideas connect with our everyday school life. Whether participating in group activities, taking leadership roles, helping our peers, or managing setbacks, we now see these experiences as preparation for the real world.

This book has inspired us to focus not only on academic excellence but also on becoming compassionate, confident, and capable individuals. We believe that being “ready to face the world” means being curious enough to keep learning, courageous enough to face challenges, and kind enough to make a positive difference in others’ lives.

As students, this book has reminded us that our journey is not just about preparing for the next exam—it is about preparing for life.

 - Deeba Naqvi, Apeksha Malviya and Anurag Khanna from Sunbeam Group of Educational Institutions, Varanasi, and Manisha Bhandari from the Aasara Trust at Dehradun.

Their creativity knew no bounds, and the results are there for all to see!

Discover the Artist in you!

The simple yet powerful artworks created by the participants during the Art Workshop at The My Good School Retreat.

The Retreat opened with an inspiring interaction with Bhairavi Jani, author of Highway to Swades. The students and teachers chose one word that the reading session evoked in them.

Inspired by their choice of words and with that feeling in mind, each individual worked on one piece of paper with an identical line form drawn on it. They were free to move the paper around and choose an angle that could best express their thoughts.

Their creativity knew no bounds, and the results are there for all to see!

MGS Retreat 2026 AIR by Learning Forward India Foundation

The Retreat was such a wonderful joy of learning—a journey that has left an indelible mark on my life.

Thank you,

Prenita Dutt
Artist-in-Residence
My Good School Retreat 2026
Mayoor School Jaipur

Learning to Write Book Reviews - Lotus Petal Foundation

In today’s session, Kartik Sir taught us how to write a book review. He explained that a good review should clearly explain what the book is about, including both facts (what actually happened in the book) and opinions (what we think about it). Sir told us that a review should not leave the reader confused and that it should help the reader understand the story better. We learned that facts and opinions are different, and our opinions should be expressed clearly without being mistaken for facts. This session helped me understand how to write my thoughts more confidently and clearly. I enjoyed learning and will use these tips in future writing.

Thank you 😊
Akrit Tiwari – 5C

—-

Today’s session with Kartik Sir was very interesting. He taught us how to write a book review. We learned that while writing a review, we should be careful that the reader does not get confused about what is fact and what is our opinion. Sir told us that a good review contains both a clear summary of the book and our honest views about it. We also learned how to confidently express our opinions without confusing them with facts. This session was very helpful and enjoyable, and I learned how to write better feedback on stories.

Thanks ✨
Disha – 5A

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In today’s session, Kartik Sir explained how to write a book review correctly. He told us that when writing a review, we should be clear so that the reader does not misunderstand our writing. We learned the difference between fact and opinion — facts are information from the book, and opinions are our personal ideas about it. Sir also encouraged us to express our thoughts confidently in the review. The session was fun and useful, and it helped me understand how to think and write more clearly.

Thanks 😊
Vansh – 5C

—-

Today’s session with Kartik Sir was very informative. He explained how to write a proper book review. I learned that a book review is not just about saying whether we liked the book or not, but also about explaining why. Sir told us that we must clearly separate facts from opinions so that the reader does not get confused. Facts are true details from the book, while opinions are our personal thoughts. This session helped me understand how to think carefully before writing. I really enjoyed learning this new skill.

Aditya Yadav – 5C

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In today’s session, we learned about writing book reviews. Kartik Sir guided us step by step and told us that a good review should have a short summary of the story and our honest opinion about it. He also explained that there should not be any ambiguity in our writing. Readers should clearly understand what fact is and what opinion is. I learned that expressing opinions confidently is important, but we should not present them as facts. This session improved my writing skills and confidence.

Adarsh – 5B

GSA Reflections – 15th Feb

Today’s session was very knowledgeable and interesting. Brinda Ma’am read a chapter from My Family and Other Animals titled “A Treasure of Spiders.” The story is about a boy named Gerald who lives in Corfu, Greece. He goes swimming with his dog Roger in a beautiful bay. After swimming, he feels hungry and decides to visit Yanni, an old shepherd. Gerald cleverly wakes Yanni by making his dog bark.

Yanni warmly welcomes him and offers him food and wine. He shows Gerald a scorpion preserved in olive oil and explains that the oil can be used as a remedy for scorpion stings. He also shares a frightening story about a shepherd who died due to a scorpion sting in his ear. The chapter encourages critical thinking as Gerald observes nature and reflects on Yanni’s traditional beliefs about scorpions.

After that, Manisha Ma’am read a Hindi story titled “Shimla Mein Khel Ka Maidan.” The story is about a boy’s experiences in a boarding school in Shimla. It describes the house system and mentions a character named Moni Baba. The narrator talks about his school life and playing football as a goalkeeper.

Thank you 😊
Aditya Yadav – 5C

—-

Today’s session was very knowledgeable and engaging. Brinda Ma’am read a chapter from My Family and Other Animals titled “A Treasure of Spiders.” The story describes Gerald’s life in Corfu. After swimming with his dog, Roger, he visits an old shepherd named Yanni, who warmly welcomes him and offers him food. Yanni shows Gerald a preserved scorpion in olive oil and explains its medicinal uses. The story also promotes critical thinking, as Gerald balances folklore with observation and reasoning.

Later, Manisha Ma’am read the Hindi story “Shimla Mein Khel Ka Maidan.” It talks about a boy’s boarding school life in Shimla, the house system, and his experience as a football goalkeeper. The story highlights teamwork and discipline.

Thank you 😊
Disha – 5A

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Today’s session was very interesting and enjoyable. Brinda Ma’am read the chapter “A Treasure of Spiders.” Gerald explores life in Corfu, Greece. After swimming with his dog Roger, he visits Yanni, an old shepherd, who warmly welcomes him. Yanni shows him a scorpion preserved in olive oil and explains how it is used as a remedy. He also shares a frightening story that made the chapter memorable.

Later, Manisha Ma’am read the Hindi story “Shimla Mein Khel Ka Maidan.” It described a boy’s boarding school life in Shimla, the house system, and his experience playing football as a goalkeeper. The story highlighted teamwork and discipline.
Overall, the session was fun and helped us learn through stories. 

😊
Adarsh – 5B

—-

Today’s session was very interesting and enjoyable. Brinda Ma’am read the chapter “A Treasure of Spiders.” After swimming with his dog Roger, Gerald visits an old shepherd named Yanni, who warmly welcomes him. Yanni shows him a scorpion preserved in olive oil and explains how it is used as a remedy. He also shares a frightening story that made the chapter memorable.

Then Manisha Ma’am read the Hindi story “Shimla Mein Khel Ka Maidan.” It discusses life in a boarding school in Shimla, the house system, and the narrator’s experience playing football as a goalkeeper. The story emphasised teamwork and discipline.
Thank you 😊

Akrit Tiwari – 5C

—-

Today’s session was very interesting and enjoyable. Brinda Ma’am read the chapter “A Treasure of Spiders.” After swimming with his dog Roger, Gerald visits an old shepherd named Yanni, who warmly welcomes him. Yanni shows him a scorpion preserved in olive oil and explains how it is used as a remedy. He also shares a frightening story, which made the chapter memorable.

Then Manisha Ma’am read the Hindi story “Shimla Mein Khel Ka Maidan,” which is about life in a boarding school in Shimla.

Thank you.
Vansh – 5C

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.

The Importance of Reading in a Student’s Life - Sunbeam School Ballia

Jai Hind all,

The discussion on the book My Family and Other Animals helped me understand how reading can deepen our understanding of nature, family relationships, and human emotions. Through the session, I realised that books are not only helpful for academic learning but also play an essential role in shaping our thoughts and feelings.

The session encouraged me to read more carefully and reflect on the messages embedded in stories. Overall, the reading session was enjoyable and informative, and it helped me understand the true importance of reading in a student’s life.

Deenshah
IX
Sunbeam School Ballia

Reflections on Today's Sunday Session

At the beginning of the session, Kartik Sir taught us two important aspects of book writing through examples and small tasks: creating the mood of a story and describing a person without actually naming them. Later, Brinda Ma’am introduced a new chapter from the new book, which was based entirely on these two concepts. It served as a perfect example of what we had just learned. Through this session, I learnt new things, new words, and new ways of writing. Along with them, Jugjiv Sir, Vikram Sir, Minakshi Ma’am, and Manisha Ma’am all contributed to making the session smooth and engaging.

Akanksha Rai
9th ‘C’
Sunbeam School Ballia

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.

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

Sunbeam My Good School Retreat 2025 - Opening Ceremony and Highlights

 

My Good School Retreat 2025 opened today at Sunbeam Gramin School, Varanasi, in the presence of distinguished members of the Sunbeam Group of Educational Institutions, the Good Schools Alliance, and other esteemed guests. With 117 students and mentors from 16 outstation and core Sunbeam branches, the grand opening set the tone for four inspiring days of learning, reflection, and collaboration — where students from diverse and marginalized backgrounds come together to learn, share, and grow through experiential and value-driven education.

Anchored gracefully by Sunbeam Gramin School students, the day witnessed soulful chanting, music, dance, and dialogue — beautifully capturing the spirit of education beyond classrooms, one that nurtures empathy, equality, and real-world understanding.

The GSA Retreat 2025 an enriching confluence of learning, leadership, and culture! 🌟 Over five remarkable days, participants explored new ideas, engaged in reflective workshops, and experienced the spiritual and cultural essence of Varanasi. From teamwork to self-discovery, every moment inspired growth, connection, and purpose — truly embodying the spirit of the Good Schools Alliance. 💫

Honesty: A Timeless Value from the Good School Session- Sunbeam School, Ballia

Today's Reflection on Good School Session

Today's session was truly inspiring and encouraging. In our reading session with Manisha Ma’am and Jugjiv Sir, we explored the book “ईमानदारी” (Honesty) through the exemplary lives of Lal Bahadur Shastri, Abraham Lincoln, and others. We learned about the significance of honesty in a student’s life and how parents and teachers can instill this value in young minds.

One key takeaway that resonated with me was: “We should always be honest and follow the right path, regardless of what others think about us.” This lesson has left a lasting impact on me, and I am grateful for the opportunity to reflect on it.

Thank you to Manisha Ma’am and Jugjiv Sir for such a thought-provoking session.

Ifra Wahid, IX-F
Sunbeam School, Ballia

Jai Hind, dear readers

I am Aayush Kumar Singh, writing this reflection on the session taken by Manisha Khanna Ma’am.

In today’s session, Manisha Ma’am shared how people still carry deep faith and honesty. She told us how, during namaz, shopkeepers leave their shops open and go for prayer. Customers come, take what they need, and leave the money there before going.

This really touched me because it shows that even in today’s world, where we often hear about dishonesty and selfishness, there are still places and people where trust is alive. It is inspiring to see that values like honesty, responsibility, and respect are still being practiced today.

The session reminded me that trust is not just an old value but something we can live by even now. If we act truthfully and responsibly, we can also strengthen this culture of faith and honesty in our surroundings.

Aayush Kumar Singh, X-A
Sunbeam School, Ballia

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

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.

My Good School, first-ever Webinar

📚 Session Summary – Book Reading Webinar

Date: 13th July 2025
Platform: We moved from Zoom Meetings to Webinars
Occasion: Weekly Reading Session

Special Mention: Ms. Manisha Khanna has completed one year with My Good School. Congratulations on this achievement!

🎯 Meeting Purpose

• Promote emotional literacy, giving mindset, and expression through reading and reflection.

• Provide upcoming creative platforms to nurture student writing and publishing skills.

📘 Books Discussed

1. The Inner Life of Animals
   Chapter: Something Special in the Air

   • Highlighted animals' emotional sensitivity and how they use droplets like perfume to express themselves.

2. क्या आपका बच्चा दुनिया का सामना करने के लिए तैयार है?
   Chapter: देने का जज़्बा

   • Focused on the joy of giving—not only financially, but through acts of time, care, and compassion.

🗝️ Key Takeaways

• Emotional Communication in Nature: Understanding that animals also feel and communicate in invisible but powerful ways.

• Giving with Heart: Students related to the broader meaning of generosity and contribution.

• Reflections Shared: Students participated by reading and discussing their blogs, despite initial technical challenges.

• Gratitude and Confidence: The webinar format initially posed challenges, but students appreciated the opportunity to speak and be heard.

ℹ️ Information Shared with Students

• The session was converted into a webinar due to attendance exceeding 100, as Zoom meetings have a participant limit.

• Students were informed in advance to prepare accordingly.

✍️ Upcoming Opportunities 

1. Story Writing Competition

   • Last Date for Submission: 19th July

   • Registration Required: https://dreamtimelearningcommunity.com/the-friendship-story-challenge/

   • Winners Announcement: On Friendship Day via the My Good School community website

2. Publishing Course

   • Start Date: 9th August

   • Duration: 10 weeks

   • Schedule: Every Saturday, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

   • Mode: Zoom (link shared after registration)

   • If unable to register online, centre coordinators can share school-wise lists with names and ages of interested students.

⚠️ Things to Work On

• Equip students for smooth webinar interaction.

• Introduce more speaking opportunities in large groups.

• Streamline future communication about technical and platform changes.

My Good School, Sunday the 8th June 2025

Watch a recording of the session on YouTube

https://youtu.be/MyGoodSchool

Critical thinking question. 

Focus on values such as kindness, uncertainty, responsibility, fairness, and choice.

🌱 1. The Umbrella and the Smile

 Anaya gave an extra umbrella to an old woman in the rain. She felt good but worried, "What if I need it later?"

अनाया ने बारिश में अपनी एक अतिरिक्त छतरी एक बुज़ुर्ग महिला को दे दी। उसे अच्छा लगा, लेकिन सोचा, "अगर बाद में मुझे इसकी ज़रूरत पड़ी तो?"

Q: Why do you think people help others even when they're unsure about the future?

प्रश्न: लोग दूसरों की मदद क्यों करते हैं, जब वे भविष्य को लेकर अनिश्चित होते हैं?

🧃 2. The Last Juice Box

 Aarav had only one juice box in his bag. His friend was tired and thirsty, so Aarav gave it to him.

आरव के पास बैग में केवल एक जूस था। उसका दोस्त थका हुआ था और प्यासा भी, इसलिए आरव ने उसे दे दिया।

Q: Was Aarav’s choice wise? Why or why not?

प्रश्न: क्या आरव का निर्णय सही था? क्यों या क्यों नहीं?

⏰ 3. The Group Project

Riya did all the work for the group project because her teammates didn't help. They all got the same grade.

रिया ने ग्रुप प्रोजेक्ट का सारा काम अकेले किया क्योंकि उसके साथी मदद नहीं कर रहे थे। फिर भी सभी को समान अंक मिले।

Q: Do you think it's fair when everyone gets credit for one person's effort?

प्रश्न: जब एक व्यक्ति का काम सबको समान रूप से सराहा जाता है, तो क्या यह उचित है?

💧 4. The Forgotten Bottle

 Rahul forgot his water bottle. His classmate offered to share, even though she had little left.

 राहुल अपनी पानी की बोतल भूल गया। उसकी सहपाठी ने थोड़ा ही पानी होने पर भी उसे साझा किया।

Q: What does this tell you about sharing during difficult times?

प्रश्न: यह कठिन समय में साझा करने के बारे में आपको क्या सिखाता है?

🖍️ 5. The Broken Crayon

Meera accidentally broke another student's crayon. She felt bad and gave her a replacement crayon.

मीरा ने गलती से किसी और की क्रेयॉन तोड़ दी। उसे बुरा लगा और उसने अपनी क्रेयॉन उसे दे दी।

Q: Why is it important to take responsibility for our mistakes?

प्रश्न: अपनी गलती की जिम्मेदारी लेना क्यों ज़रूरी है?

🕊️ 6. The Bird on the Window

A bird sat quietly on the classroom window. Everyone wanted to scare it away, but Ishaan said, "Let's just watch it."

एक चिड़िया चुपचाप कक्षा की खिड़की पर बैठी थी। सब उसे उड़ाना चाहते थे, लेकिन ईशान ने कहा, "आओ, बस इसे देखें।"

Q: What does this moment teach us about patience and respect for life?

प्रश्न: यह पल हमें धैर्य और जीवन के प्रति सम्मान के बारे में क्या सिखाता है?

Echoes of Experience: Student Insights from the Retreat

Peer Learning in Action: Reflections from the My Good School Retreat 2025

We all learn best through shared experiences—with peers who walk alongside us and mentors who guide us thoughtfully. From April 11 to 14, 2025, students from various schools gathered for the My Good School Retreat at the serene and lush Khan Farm, located near Rajaji National Park in Haridwar.

Set against the backdrop of nature, this Retreat was a celebration of fun, friendship, learning, and a lifetime of memories. Over four days, students engaged in enriching conversations, collaborative tasks, reflective journaling, and soulful moments that nurtured not just their intellect but also their hearts.

More than just an event, the Retreat was a journey of self-discovery, shared values, and meaningful connection. With this experience, learning flowed freely, not through textbooks, but through dialogue, activities, and quiet moments under the open sky.

Let us now hear directly from those who experienced it—the students themselves. Their journal entries, carefully penned and compiled into a digital folder, offer a glimpse into their minds and hearts. Through their reflections, we see the impact of learning beyond the classroom, shaped by empathy, understanding, and inspiration.

Step into their stories and experience the magic of the My Good School Retreat 2025—through the voices that matter most.

Students united in nature, discovering joy, learning, and lifelong bonds at the My Good School Retreat.
Visit www.inyouth.in for more details. Keep following us for Reading, Reflection, and building Relationships.

"As mentors, we don't just teach—we listen, guide, and grow alongside our students."

The YES Way (TYW) - Service, Skill, Sport and Study - our log books for the My Good School Retreat.

The students and teachers from the participating schools formed teams to cherish the #JoyOfLearning at the Retreat. The groups shared their journey of learning in four presentations, the first, The Fastest Cheetah, is followed by three more in the following posts:

• The Fastest Cheetah - TYW 1

• The Lion King - TYW 2

• Black Cat Group - TYW 3

• The Brave Dog - TYW 4

Manisha Khanna
GSA Ambassador

The YES Way: The Fastest Cheetah - TYW 1

TYW 1

PYDS Learning Academy.pdf by Learning Forward India Foundation

AI vs. Teacher: The Perfect Pairing for Student Success! 🤖👩‍🏫✨_ Adya Agrawal

AI and teachers each play unique roles in a student's life. 🤖 AI offers instant access to information and personalized lessons 📚, available 24/7 ⏰ without tiring. It can quickly assist with homework and research 📝, providing quick answers and resources 🌐. However, it lacks the human touch 💔, and its understanding of emotional needs and personal challenges is limited. On the other hand, teachers 👩‍🏫 bring emotional intelligence 💖, guiding students not only in academics but also in their personal and social development 👫. They create a supportive, motivating environment 🏫, adapt to each student's learning style 🎨, and offer real-world experiences 🧠 and encouragement 🌟. While AI is an incredible tool for instant assistance, teachers nurture students' overall growth and well-being in ways AI cannot replicate. ✨

Adya Agrawal
Sunbeam Suncity Hostel

Through Young Eyes - Shubhangi, Sunbeam Lahartara

Reading: A Gateway to Knowledge ✨

Reading is more than just deciphering words on a page; it’s an adventure for the mind and soul. 📖✨ It opens doors to new worlds, expands horizons, and enriches our understanding of life.

Why Read? ❓

1. Boosts Imagination 🎨

   • Books transport us to magical lands, historical events, and futuristic realms. Every word paints a picture in our minds.

2. Enhances Knowledge 📚

   • Whether it’s science, history, or art, reading is a treasure trove of information.

3. Improves Focus and Concentration 🔮

   • Reading requires undivided attention, training our minds to concentrate better.

4. Builds Empathy ❤️

   • By stepping into characters’ shoes, we learn to understand and share others’ feelings.

5. Strengthens Language Skills 🌍✌️

   • The more we read, the better our vocabulary and comprehension skills become.

Shubhangi
Sunbeam Hostel Lahartara

My Good School Retreat 2024

My Good School Retreat 2023

Reflections 

“ Like every chapter in the book has its own ending, our Retreat also ended with memorable experiences and friendly relations. But the chapter containing our memories will be the best I have read and experienced.” Tenzin Nyingsel

“Seeing all the teachers and friends leaving with whom I spent an excellent time for four days, I almost cried. After spending four days together, I felt like we had been together for a very long period, and during this time, I became very close with them; I suppose that we all became so close that we were much more than best friends and because of this bond I emotional when everyone was leaving, the only thing which  I could say was " goodbye " and " best wishes ahead " I wanted to say many things, but the words were not coming from my mouth, one after one everyone started leaving and only HPS (Hyderabad Public School) group were left, for few minutes we talked and after a while, they were also nowhere to be seen.” - Tenzin Jambey

‘I have got many great opportunities in my life. The excellent My Good School Retreat is one of the best opportunities, giving me many life lessons. This will be an unforgettable part of my life. I had never been so excited about many things, but this was the opposite. I have described below my experiences and what I learned during this retreat” Nishan Karki

—-

Dear Teachers,

Hope you had a nice day.

When I got a chance to attend the My Good School Retreat in the Doon Girls School, first l was very excited to see the people from various parts of India whom I had only heard or seen on the screen. On the other hand, I needed clarification about interacting with them. But who knew that I would talk to everyone and enjoy with them. 

On the first day, we walked to Khalanga War Memorial, Nalapani, accompanied by Col Vikram Thapa and two more people. One of them was around the 70s and was very kind and friendly. We learnt many things from him, like about the Khalanga War etc. After the walk, we returned to The Doon Girls School, where we had the Icebreaking session, held after the tasty lunch in the school. In the evening, we had presentations by various schools which were knowledgeable, but at the same time, I was scared too, as it was my first presentation in public.

            

We left for The Doon School the next day, which was a great life opportunity for me. There we had our breakfast, and I liked the school system as it was different from regular schools; all the activities done in the school were looked after by the students and even the school assembly. After the walk in the school, we went forward to Khan Farm, Biharigarh. We had a nature walk and played many games, including the talent show, team building and leadership activity. Through those games, we learned how a leader should act.

It was the second last day when we returned from Biharigarh. Then back in school, we had to reflect on our two-day journey. And I had many things to say, but couldn't I be nervous to say things in front of others. When it was my turn to speak, I said something funny, which made everyone laugh. After that, we had our friendly basketball match between the retreat team and the Doon Girls School. Fortunately, we won the game by one point. There was a situation when I snatched the ball from a girl, but later in the game, she took revenge, which was fun.

On the last day, it was Earth Day celebrations in which many schools came and sang songs based on nature, and we also sang the song "Somewhere In The World".

I am very thankful to the Director of Pesstalozzi for giving us such a great opportunity, Shelja Ma'am, and Minaxi Ma'am for supporting us.

Thanking you 

Yours faithfully,

Monika Singh Pundir 

Pestalozzi India Children’s Village

Check out the Retreat 2023 Album

https://photos.retreat.2023