The SPECIAL Joy of Storytelling and Reading- Sunbeam School Lahartara

 

Sunbeam Lahartara by Manisha Khanna

Students at My Good School love storytelling and reading sessions because stories spark imagination, strengthen language skills, and make learning joyful. Reading plays an important role in education by building knowledge, empathy, and critical thinking. These sessions are truly SPECIAL as they nurture Self-confidence, Patience, Expression, Creativity, Imagination, Empathy, and Lifelong learning, which are essential qualities that help students grow into thoughtful, responsible, and well-rounded individuals.

कहानी, प्रकृति और सीख - सनबीम ग्रामीण स्कूल

आज के क्लास में हमने “My Family and Other Animals” के Chapter 2 “The Strawberry Pink Villa” के बारे में पढ़ा। यह किताब में वर्णित एक गुलाबी रंग का छोटा चकोर विला है, जो कोर्फू पर स्थित है। यहाँ रंगीन फूलों की बग़ीचे हैं। यह जंगली वनस्पतियों और एक अनोखे माहौल के लिए जाना जाता है और इसे परिवार के नए घर के रूप में वर्णित किया गया है।

प्रिया पाल (7th)

द रोज़ बीटल मैन का आशय है गुलाब के रंग वाला आदमी या गुलाब के भृंग बेचने वाला व्यक्ति। यह चरित्र जेराल्ड ड्यूरेल की किताब “My Family and Other Animals” का एक अजीबोगरीब पात्र है, जो अजीबोगरीब कपड़े पहनता है और बोलता नहीं, लेकिन बाँसुरी बजाता है तथा जानवरों को पालतू बनाकर उन्हें बेचता है। यह हमें जानवरों एवं प्रकृति को क़रीब से जानने एवं समझने का एक सुनहरा मौका देता है।

अंशिका वर्मा (7th)

आज के सेशन में जेराल्ड ड्यूरेल की पुस्तक “My Family and Other Animals” के पाठ “The Rose Beetle Man” के अंतर्गत जेराल्ड अपने कुत्ते के साथ रोज़ कोर्फू नामक गाँव में घूमने जाते हैं। वहाँ वह एक अजीबोगरीब व्यक्ति से मिलते हैं, जिसे वे रोज़ बीटल मैन कहते हैं। वह आदमी बाँसुरी बजाता है, अजीबोगरीब कपड़े पहनता है और उसके पास कई जानवर जैसे कछुआ, कबूतर आदि होते हैं। वह जानवरों को पालतू बनाता और उन्हें बेचने का काम करता था।

इससे हमें यह सीख मिलती है कि जानवरों की जिम्मेदारी लेना कितना ज़रूरी है। इससे प्रकृति और जीवों के प्रति संवेदनशीलता बढ़ती है। जानवरों के भी अपने अनुभव और भावनाएँ होती हैं। इससे जानवरों के प्रति दया भाव सीखने को मिलता है। प्रकृति और जीवन को प्यार, सम्मान और देखभाल की आवश्यकता होती है। साथ ही इससे जिम्मेदारी का भाव भी बढ़ता है। जब हम किसी जीव को अपने घर लाते हैं, तो उसकी सुरक्षा और देखभाल करना हमारी जिम्मेदारी होती है। जिज्ञासा एवं अवलोकन शक्ति बढ़ती है और प्रकृति को क़रीब से देखने व समझने का ज्ञान बढ़ता है। विविधता और विभिन्नता के प्रति प्रेम विकसित होता है।

गुलाबी, शिक्षिका,सनबीम ग्रामीण स्कूल

Memories, Stories, and Learning - Sunbeam School Ballia

Today, I attended a session of my Good School, and it was a pleasant and meaningful experience. Manisha ma’am read a beautiful story by Ruskin Bond about a station 🚉, which felt simple yet very touching.

She asked us thoughtful questions about remembering places and how some places create memories that stay with us forever 💭💗. We also had a small discussion about stamps 📨, through which I learned that even small things can hold stories and value.

The session was very nice and informative, and Manisha ma’am shared many good thoughts. Overall, I really enjoyed the session and learned something meaningful from it 🌼.

Ishika Singh, Class IX

In today’s session, firstly Mrs. Brinda Gosh ma’am read Chapter 2 of the story “My Family and the Other Animals”. It was such an interesting story, and ma’am also asked some questions related to the chapter.

This session was so amazing and knowledgeable, and we also learned many new things ✨.

In the next session, Mrs Manisha Khanna ma’am read the story about a station 🚉 from the Ruskin Bond book. After finishing the adventure chapter, we discussed some questions about reading with Mr. Jugiv Singh, sir and Mrs Manisha Khanna, ma’am. They gave us some tips on the topic.

Thank you ☺️

Talat Bano

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

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

GSA Calendar January 2026

 My Good School

January 4th 2026

Book Reading- What You Are Looking For Is in the Library

Book Reading- दी व्हिसलिंग स्कूलबॉय और अन्य कहानियाँ

11^th January 2026

Book Reading- My Family and Other Animals
Book Reading- दी व्हिसलिंग स्कूलबॉय और अन्य कहानियाँ

18th  January 2026

We aim to inspire young minds, helping them navigate their dreams and aspirations as they embrace their goals. 

The YES workshop on Communication with Kartik Bajoria

Book Reading- What You Are Looking For Is in the Library

25^th January 2026

Book Reading- My Family and Other Animals

Book Reading- दी व्हिसलिंग स्कूलबॉय और अन्य कहानियाँ

The Teachers Academy

Learning Forward Saturday
Early Childhood Development training sessions for teachers at 3:00 PM every Saturday - Hosted by Brinda Ghosh and Neelashi Mangal. You may join the cohort from The Teachers Academy website www.DilJeeto.com

Saturday Masterclass 
Read And Lead at 5:30 PM: Co-hosted by Gurdeep Kaur and Sandeep Dutt, for subscribers only. We are reading The Courage To Be Disliked. Sign up on The Teachers Academy website at www.DilJeeto.com.

GSA Meetings and Events

GSA Squad

We review programs and plan for the coming week.

At 5:30 PM every Monday on Zoom - GSA Coordinators, Volunteers, and Mentors. #JoyOfGiving 

Brewing Knowledge Friday
Fridays at 5.30 PM: Book Reading with Neelashi Mangal, entry by invitation from The English Book Depot. We are currently reading: What Did You Ask At School Today: A Handbook Of Child Learning.

Meet and Greet 
5:30 PM on Zoom on January 9th 2026
With Neha Negi, author of When Birds Talked

Folklore of the Hills | Illustrated Himalayan Folk Tales of Birds & Nature | Uttarakhand Legends Filled With Myth, Magic & Transformation

#BrewingKnowledge Hosted by The English Book Depot

Governing Council Meeting

The meeting will be held at PYDS Learning Academy, with hospitality provided by the Fig Tree Cottage in Dehradun, on January 19 and 20, 2026. 

Sunbeam Ballia and Arthur Foot Academy Exchange
Three girls and one teacher from Sunbeam School, Ballia, will visit the Arthur Foot Academy from January 19th to 23rd, 2026. They are volunteers for the Jaabaaz Kishori Project of the Learning Forward India Foundation.

AFA Monthly Review 

Zoom Meeting for Arthur Foot Academy Special Projects Review: 4th Friday of Every Month

Good Schools of India

Are you signed up for the Good Schools of India Weekly? Don't miss valuable insights—published every Monday at 7:00 AM! #JoyOfLearning. Subscribe at: www.GSI.in

Open to All

Follow the Brewing Knowledge WhatsApp Group. If you wish to join, please send a request by WhatsApp to Vikram Kumar at +91 97331 97341 or email vk@ebd.in

Enjoy the latest edition of the Weekly, the last one of 2025!

Good Schools of India by Sandeep Dutt

Joy of Learning Weekly #45

Read on Substack

Good Schools of India (GSI) Joy of Learning Weekly emphasises reading, reflection, and building meaningful relationships, fostering a sense of community and lifelong learning. Join a lively community of like-minded individuals who share your interests. Engage in discussions or subscribe to support Good Schools Alliance. Whether you're an educator, parent, or someone concerned about your children, we have something for you. Good Schools of India is a reader-supported publication, and we'd be thrilled if you could become a free subscriber. By doing so, you'll get access to our latest posts and help us make a positive impact on the lives of individuals seeking personal and social development. Imagine the satisfaction you'll feel when you help young people prepare to face the world with a joy of learning. If you're a fan of our work and want to support us, join the #JoyOfLearning movement with Good Schools of India! Together, let's inspire you to explore our innovative ideas and insights #BrewingKnowledge.

A Purpose, Reinstated!

 

When I decided I wanted to teach and dedicate a significant part of my life to students, learners, and curious minds, I was in my early 30s, reasonably well settled in a media career in Bombay. I did not know what I would teach. I did not know how I would teach. I did not know where I would teach! 

 

All I knew was that I wanted to interact with students. It was this deep desire that made me forsake what would ostensibly evolve into a successful stint in ‘Bollywood’, perhaps including directing a film or two, and move back to my hometown in Jaipur. Why move back? Because crossing this existential bridge in the Maximum City is painfully expensive. And because having been away from home for the better part of two decades, I suspected, quite strongly, that a return home would help centre me.

 

Perhaps a cosmic conspiracy played its hand when, during the first school summer holidays since returning to Jaipur in the winter of 2013, a friend graciously hosted a fairly rigorous Communication Skills Workshop with her own high-school daughter & son, and a few of their peers, at her primary school.

 

That month-long workshop was twelve years ago! It is difficult, if not impossible, to encapsulate my journey into and out of Education since. Suffice it to say that the years have brought wisdom, understanding, insight, and a clarity of purpose. That, truly, my entire teaching & mentoring endeavour has been a uniting of two profound influences in my own life. First, a deeply emotionally deficient relationship with my biological father has led to a fractured self-concept. Second, and subsequently, my Master's at The Doon School, which didn’t serve merely as subject-teachers but rather as life-mentors, creating an environment of completely uninhibited self-exploration, and then a self-exemplified ethos (not a preached or theoretical one) which espoused courage of conviction, to doggedly pursue passions one had unearthed through the aforementioned self-discovery!

 

More recently, and in case you’re wondering why I am essaying a mini-autobiography, I have had the privilege of knowing Jugjiv Sir and Sandeep Sir. Sandeep Sir is someone I have known for many years. At some point after my return to Jaipur, he’d generously invited me to The Fabindia School, where I was most struck and inspired by the incredible work he’d done. Would have loved to visit and interact routinely with the students had it not been for logistical limitations. Jugjiv Sir, I met more recently in the context of another education-allied project. And as I became more invested in the work that My Good School (MGS) has been doing, the plans & projects that are active, the vision of the organisation, the collaborative spirit of the cohort, I got the same feeling I did, many decades ago, as a young student at The Doon School, all over again. I could feel palpable excitement from these two senior gents, who were refreshingly exuberant and passionate, untarnished by life's numerous drudgeries and challenges. It awakened a renewed sense of purpose in me, and a small step they allowed me to take was to start a series of interactions at and through the Sunday My Good School sessions. 

 

Those have been some of my most memorable sessions, and, if I may say so myself, amongst the literally hundreds I’ve mentored now across schools, NGOs, colleges, and hallowed institutions like the NIFT and the Indian Institute of Crafts & Design. Why? Because the children who attend these sessions of The Sunday School, their investment, their ingenuity, their self-motivated zeal, their hunger & curiosity, are infectious. Because all the external resources and domain-experts who associate with MGS bring with them, in addition to the given heightened subject-awareness, a sincerity that is nowadays seldom seen. And because the manner in which this entire entity is in singular service to ensuring quality education to those who need it, and arguably deserve it the most, is intensely inspiring.

I am so honoured to have been made a member of the alliance and look forward to contributing in several ways. I’d be lying if I didn’t share my recent and growing dismay looking at any number of the allegedly ‘best’ schools out there. Now, however, with MGS, I am of renewed hope, vigour and purpose.

 

Kartik Bajoria is a member of the Good Schools Alliance #JoyOfGiving is a Jaipur-based Writer, Educator, & Mental Health Advocate

Teaching of Guru Nanak Dev Ji - Sunbeam Gramin School

Introduction –

Guru Nanak Dev Ji was the founder of Sikhism and the first Guru of the Sikhs. He was born on 15 April 1469 in Talwandi, which is now known as Nankana Sahib in Pakistan. He was a great spiritual leader who taught people to live a truthful, simple, and meaningful life.

Early Life –

From childhood, Guru Nanak Ji was very intelligent and thoughtful. He was not interested in rituals or material things. He believed in equality and asked deep questions about God and life. His parents noticed that he was different from other children.

Teachings of Guru Nanak Ji

Guru Nanak Ji taught that there is only one God, who is present everywhere. He believed in:

• Equality of all human beings

• Honest living (Kirat Karo)

• Sharing with others (Vand Chhako)

• Remembering God (Naam Japo)

He strongly opposed the caste system, superstition, and discrimination.

Travels –

Guru Nanak Ji travelled to many places in India and abroad to spread his message of love, peace, and unity. He spoke to people of different religions and encouraged them to live in harmony.

Later Life and Legacy –

Guru Nanak Ji settled at Kartarpur, where he spent his last years teaching his followers. He passed away in 1539, but his teachings still guide millions of people today.

Conclusion

Guru Nanak Dev Ji was a great saint and reformer. His life and teachings inspire us to be kind, truthful, and respectful towards everyone.

Swati Tripathi

गुरु नानक देव जी की जीवन-गाथा पर आधारित यह श्रृंखला केवल एक प्रस्तुति नहीं, बल्कि आत्मचिंतन की यात्रा रही। इसने मुझे यह गहराई से समझाया कि सच्चा धर्म बाहरी आडंबर में नहीं, बल्कि प्रेम, सेवा, समानता और मानवता में निहित है। गुरु हमें सही दिशा दिखाते हैं, ताकि हम अपने भीतर झाँक सकें। यह अनुभव मेरे लिए भावनात्मक, प्रेरणादायक और एक शिक्षक के रूप में स्वयं को बेहतर बनाने वाला रहा।

न मंदिर में, न मस्जिद में,

ईश्वर बसता है हर एक दिल में।

गुरु नानक जी ने राह दिखाई,

मानवता ही सबसे बड़ी सच्चाई।

सेवा में शक्ति, प्रेम में प्रकाश,

यही जीवन का सच्चा आकाश।

रवि प्रकाश

गुरु नानक की शिक्षाओं ने मुझे सिखाया कि सच्चा आचरण करने के लिए चेतना को चंचल मन के विचार ,विकारों से बचाना आवश्यक है। जब मन विचलित होता है तो वह हमें सही मार्ग से भटका देता है, लेकिन जब हम अपनी चेतना को जागरूक रखते हैं ,तो हम सच्चे आचरण की और बढ़ सकते हैं। मैं अपने जीवन में इस क्षण को लागू करने का प्रयास करूंगी, और अपने मन को शांत और जागरूक रखने का प्रयास करूंगी गुरु नानक की शिक्षाओं ने मुझे अपने जीवन में एक नए दृष्टिकोण को अपनाने के लिए प्रेरित किया है ।उनकी कहानियों ने मुझे सिखाया की जीवन में सबसे बड़ा धन दूसरों के लिए करना है, और सबसे बड़ा सुख दूसरों के साथ जीने में है। जीवन में सकारात्मक आशा और विश्वास को बढ़ाने में मदद की । मैंने सीखा की जीवन में सबसे बड़ा धन आत्मविश्वास है। अपने जीवन में सच्चाई न्याय और समर्पण के महत्व को समझने में मदद की। 

 सुनीता त्रिपाठी

Rooted in the Word, Growing in Relationship - Lotus Petal Foundation

 

Reading plays a vital role  as it expands knowledge, strengthens vocabulary, and improves comprehension. It helps students think critically, understand different perspectives, and develop imagination and creativity. Regular reading also builds concentration, discipline, and confidence, making learning more effective. Beyond academics, reading shapes character, inspires values, and prepares students to face challenges with wisdom and understanding