YES Workshop with Shikha Agnihotri of Right Side Story
Discussion on puberty, growing up, and adolescence with high school students, led by Shikha Agnihotri from Right Side Story.
Key Takeaways
Puberty involves both physical and emotional changes that are beyond one's control; understanding these changes helps normalise the experience ("puberty is not a race")
Students shared insights on mood swings, emotional changes, and physical transformations during puberty, demonstrating awareness but also misconceptions
The session emphasised communication as a crucial strategy for managing challenging emotions and relationships during adolescence
Gender differences during puberty were discussed, including societal expectations and biological variations, with an emphasis on respect for all genders
Topics
Understanding Puberty and Growth
Puberty is defined as a "software update" in the mind and body, signalling the transition from childhood.
Students recognised that puberty is influenced by genetics and occurs at different ages for different people.
Physical changes discussed included body odour, voice changes such as the Adam's apple in boys, and muscle development.
Brain "rewiring" during puberty leads to feelings of independence and new emotional experiences.
Girls and boys experience different physical changes, but both face hormonal shifts (testosterone vs. estrogen)
Emotional Changes During Puberty
Students identified negative emotions experienced: anxiety, jealousy, frustration, irritation, depression.
Positive emotions noted: happiness from recognition, validation, success, and achievement.
Discussion of mood swings affecting both genders, not just girls, as commonly believed
Students expressed challenges with controlling emotions during puberty
Shikha emphasised that emotions during puberty are often temporary but intense, requiring patience
Friendship and Relationships During Adolescence
Students debated whether friendship affects puberty or puberty affects friendship
Trust issues in friendships were highlighted as a challenge during puberty
Advice given: when hurt by friends, communicate within 24 hours rather than avoiding the issue
Self-inflicted independence during puberty can strain relationships with parents and authority figures
Importance of finding trusted adults to discuss difficult decisions emphasised
Self-Image and Body Awareness
Students noted increased focus on appearance during puberty (clothes, hygiene, physical features)
Discussion about boys becoming more conscious about their physical appearance (muscles, height)
Girls discussed increased attention to skincare, makeup, and fashion choices
The importance of hygiene is emphasised, especially regarding body odour, which increases during puberty
Both genders experience increased self-consciousness and concern about how others perceive them
Reading Session: Animal Behaviour and Taste with Brinda Ghosh
The second half of the meeting featured a reading from "The Inner Life of Animals" focusing on taste in animals
Discussed how animals have different taste preferences than humans (example: crows eating seeds from horse excrement)
Explored how taste is adapted to different species' needs and evolutionary history
Reading skills were emphasised, including proper use of punctuation and expression while reading
Importance of regular reading beyond textbooks (15-20 minutes daily) was encouraged
Next Steps
Shikha proposed separate follow-up sessions for boys and girls to discuss puberty more openly
Future session on pronunciation and reading skills to be conducted by Brinda
After completing the current book, the group will read Gerald Durrell's works about animals
Students are encouraged to practice communication skills when dealing with emotional challenges
Students advised to develop reading habits beyond textbooks (15-20 minutes daily)
The session for the 'My Good School' program aims to enhance students' 6 C's through reading and reflection and emphasises the importance of student-centric learning and personal and social development. Discussions also revolved around traditional Indian practices, assertiveness, the practice of dowry, and the benefits of reading and learning from various books. The conversation ended with plans for upcoming presentations and the introduction of the My Good School program for teachers.
Next steps
• Sunbeam Lehartara students to prepare and present their YES Workshop presentations at the last Sunday session in January.
• Century School students must attend at least 3 months of My Good School sessions before preparing presentations.
• Manisha to share the Amazon link for "The Inner Life of Animals" book.
• Ila will encourage her students to read "The Inner Life of Animals" and "My Name is Cinnamon" books.
• Ila will consider bringing a group of teachers to Dehradun for a live session at the Joy of Learning studio.
• Students should explore the My Good School website and consider applying for internships after attending 5-6 weeks of sessions.
• Teachers interested in certification should submit 11 assignments in the year through the Teachers Academy program.
• Ila will send her students' poems and stories to be published in the Joy of Learning Diaries.
• Sunbeam schools will prepare YES Workshop presentations for the last Sunday session in January.
• As discussed in the chapter, all participants must reflect on the differences between urban and rural life and observe during monsoon season.
Summary
Introducing 'My Good School' Program
Sandeep welcomed Rajani Singh from Sunbeam Ballia. Manisha introduced the meeting's purpose: to discuss the 'My Good School' program, which aims to enhance the students' 6 Cs.
Pedagogy, Reflection, and School Alliance
In the meeting, Manisha and Sandeep discussed the importance of reading and reflection in their pedagogy, focusing on critical and creative thinking. They introduced two books, "In a Life of Animals" and "The Inner Life," for the community to read and reflect on. Sandeep also announced the addition of new schools to their Good School Alliance, emphasising the importance of student-centric learning and personal and social development. He encouraged the participants to volunteer in various programs, including professional learning programs and the Teachers Academy. The conversation ended with Sandeep and Manisha preparing to read from the books and the participants' reflections on the joy of learning for the year.
Cinnamon's Emotional Breakfast Encounter
In the meeting, Jugjiv discussed the book's previous chapter, focusing on the emotional moment when Cinnamon met his birth mother and stepfather. The group then discussed the events of the next chapter, where Cinnamon and his family had breakfast together. The breakfast consisted of spicy food, which Cinnamon struggled to eat, and the family's reactions to the food were discussed. The conversation ended with discussing the gifts Cinnamon and his family exchanged.
Exploring Indian Traditions and Cuisine
In this discussion, Jugjiv shares insights on the health benefits of traditional Indian practices like yoga poses, squatting toilets, and eating on the floor. He believes these practices promote better posture, flexibility, and digestion. The group discusses regional specialities like the Shaniwar Wada palace in Pune and textiles like Banarasi silk and Paithani sarees. They also discuss famous local food items such as malai, kachori, and tomato chaat. Jugjiv highlights the move away from nature and towards processed foods and medication in modern city life. The group exchanges views on ways to reduce spiciness in food, with milk and salt being recommended over water.
Assertiveness and Effective Communication
Jugjiv led a discussion on assertiveness, defining it as communicating directly, honestly, and respectfully while standing firm on one's point of view. He emphasised the importance of assertiveness in achieving goals, improving communication, and building relationships. He also highlighted the journey to becoming assertive, starting with self-reflection and setting boundaries. The group discussed various ways to become more assertive, including affirmations, clear communication, and confidence in one's knowledge and decisions. The discussion also touched on the role of self-reflection and clear thought in assertiveness.
Dowry's Origins and Reading Techniques
Jugjiv discusses the practice of dowry, which originated in Greece and the Roman Empire and spread to other parts of the world, including Latin America, due to European migration. He explains that dowry is present in Brazil and other Latin American countries because Portuguese colonisers brought the custom there. Jugjiv and Sandeep also discuss improving reading and pronunciation skills by following along with the text and Jugjiv's narration. Additionally, Jugjiv reads a passage about Cinnamon's observations of village life and his conversation with Aditi about his late father.
Explorers, Games, and Cultural Differences
Sandeep asks students to list five great explorers and the countries they came from as a reflection activity. Students mention Vasco da Gama from Portugal, Christopher Columbus, Ferdinand Magellan, and the Sikh guru Nanak Dev Ji. Jugjiv explains the meaning of the phrase "stark warning". They discuss traditional Indian games like marbles, hopscotch, and "ice and water". Jugjiv reads excerpts from a novel describing a boy named Cinnamon visiting his tribal relatives in a village, observing their way of life, food, and local fruits like mahua. The chapter highlights the cultural differences between urban and rural lives.
Reflecting on Books and Retreat Experiences
The students and teachers reflect on the benefits of reading and learning from various books. Sandeep emphasises the importance of reflection, sharing thoughts, and presenting learning. He outlines a structure for the monthly meetings, including student presentations on the last Sunday. The students present their experiences from a retreat program organised by the Good School Alliance, including activities like art competitions, team building, visiting schools, exploring farms, and interacting with local communities. They discuss the key themes and lessons from books like "The Inner Life of Animals," "My Name is Cinnamon," the Jataka Tales, and "The Hidden Life of Trees," highlighting the importance of empathy, different perspectives, and connections with nature.
Reflection and Learning Opportunities
Shaurya explains the benefits of reflection, such as promoting active learning and enhancing understanding. He thanks the organisers for the opportunities provided through the program. Shubhangi and Anmol also thank the organisers for facilitating learning and growth experiences. Sandeep encourages participation beyond the classroom, reading good books and practising the joy of giving. He invites schools to send students for an upcoming retreat. Deepa suggests having students read aloud during sessions for English practice. Sandeep explains the rationale for having professional readers instead but welcomes students to speak during the sessions. Ila shares her plan to motivate students to read books during the holidays, and Sandeep recommends specific book titles.
Sandeep's Office and My Good School
In the meeting, ILA and Sandeep discussed the location of Sandeep's office in Dehradun and his work at the Joy of Learning Studio above the iconic 101-year-old bookstore The English Book Depot. ILA expressed interest in visiting the studio and was invited to attend a live session on January 8th. Sandeep also introduced ILA to the My Good School program, which focuses on reading, reflection, and relationships and offers a certified program for teachers. ILA was encouraged to apply for the program and submit assignments for certification. The conversation ended with Manisha announcing the next month's presentations and the upcoming Yes program.
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Reading Session: Animal Behaviour and Taste with Brinda Ghosh