Mark your calendars for Thursday, February 13th, 2025! The Good Schools Alliance is kicking off an exhilarating series of weekly Poetry sessions that you won’t want to miss. The GSI Journal proudly presents this vibrant initiative, spreading the joy of creativity and expression to the world through #JoyOfLearning. Join us for an inspiring journey into the power of words!

Brinda's first Poetry Session began with greetings and introductions. Ten participants opened, and soon, we had almost 25!

Sandeep Dutt introduced the session, emphasising the importance of art, music, and poetry in education.

Participants shared their reasons for joining, highlighting the inspirational value of poetry.

Sandeep shared a personal story about rediscovering a Rumi book, which led to the session.

The discussion focused on poetry's essence, its deep connection to life, and its ability to evoke emotions and reflections.

Brinda read Billy Collins' poem, underscoring poetry's personal and practical uses.

The session concluded with a call for future sharing of favourite poems and experiences.

What next?

To encourage more people to explore and share their favourite poems or writings in the GSI journal, you could try the following:

1. Highlight the benefits of sharing - Emphasize that the GSI journal provides a platform for the community to discover new poetry and literature and that sharing their favourites can inspire others.

2. Make it easy to submit - Provide clear instructions on submitting poems or writings to the journal, and ensure the process is straightforward.

3. Feature contributor spotlights - Consider highlighting contributors in the journal or during the sessions, showcasing the diverse range of shared poetry and writings.

4. Encourage discussion and feedback - Foster an environment where participants feel comfortable discussing the poems and writings, providing constructive feedback and insights.

5. Organize themed submissions - You could invite participants to submit poems or writings around specific themes or occasions, making it more engaging.

6. Leverage the community - Encourage participants to reach out to their networks and invite them to contribute to the GSI journal, expanding the pool of contributors.

The key is to make the process accessible, engaging, and rewarding for the participants so they feel motivated to share their favourite pieces with the community.

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Reading Vikas Joshi's book "My Name is Cinnamon," focusing on the last chapter, "Chapter 17: Going Home." Vikas shared insights into the book's creation, including the integration of Usher Syndrome and the emotional journey of the protagonist, Cinnamon. The discussion highlighted the importance of early disclosure of adoption to children and the challenges of bullying. Vikas emphasized the significance of community in his writing and provided advice for aspiring authors, stressing regular writing and resilience. The session concluded with a group photo and a reflection on the book's themes.

In the second part of the session Sandeep reads Chapter 12: Crowd Intelligence from The Inner Life of Animals by Peter Wohlleben, and there is lots to reflect about bees, insect behviour and animal life:

* Collective Behavior

* How do animals benefit from collective decision-making, and what are some examples from this chapter?

* Survival & Adaptation

* In what ways does crowd intelligence help animals survive in the wild? Can you think of a situation where acting alone might be more beneficial?

* Comparison to Human Society

* How does the concept of crowd intelligence in animals compare to human group behavior, such as teamwork or social decision-making?

* Ethical & Environmental Considerations

* What can humans learn from animal crowd intelligence when it comes to solving problems like climate change or resource management?

* Personal Reflection

* Have you ever experienced a moment where working as a group led to a better outcome than working alone? How does this relate to the examples in the chapter?

Sandeep Dutt provided an update on the progress and schedule of "My Good School," a comprehensive educational program. The school hosts various activities on different days of the week: master classes on Sundays, teacher sessions on Saturdays, book readings on Fridays, poetry on Thursdays, music on Tuesdays, and art on Mondays.

The annual fee for the program is 2,500 rupees, which offers a total of 160 hours of learning. Additionally, the program includes a structured internship, a fellowship for teachers, and various workshops. They also share their learning experiences through newsletters, blogs, podcasts, and a YouTube channel. The My Good School Sunday session concluded with a video of the Waggle dance performance and the My Good School School. Check our our Joy Of Learning Diaries at: www.JoyOfLearningDiaries.com.

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In this episode of Reel Reflections, Simar and Oshi dive into the poignant 2018 cinematic adaptation of Laila Majnu, directed by Sajid Ali and co-written by Imtiaz Ali. Set against the mesmerising backdrop of Kashmir, this reimagining of the legendary tale explores love in its most intense and tragic form.

The hosts discuss the film’s layered narrative, which portrays love not as a mere romantic ideal but as a force capable of liberation and destruction. They delve into the stellar performances of Tripti Dimri, who brings depth and nuance to Laila, and Avinash Tiwary, whose portrayal of Qais’s descent into madness is haunting and heartfelt.

Simar and Oshi also examine the film’s stunning cinematography, which transforms Kashmir into a character in its own right, and its evocative soundtrack, which lingers long after the credits roll. From Laila’s symbolic wardrobe to the nuanced depiction of family dynamics, every element of the production enhances the emotional depth of this timeless story.

Tune in as Simar and Oshi explore Laila Majnu's enduring legacy and reflect on its profound questions about the price of true love.

Hosts - Simar Kaur and Oshi Singh (Gyanshree School)

We want to express my heartfelt gratitude to My Good School for their unwavering support and a special acknowledgement to Sandeep Dutt for his invaluable contributions.

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In this episode, Simar and Oshi explore six tracks that resonate deeply with life’s emotions, experiences, and connections. From introspective anthems to playful beats, this episode is a journey through music that inspires, comforts, and moves us.

The duo begins with "Our Way", a nostalgic yet forward-looking track that reminds us to embrace life’s journey rather than rush toward the destination. They then discuss "Roses", a hauntingly beautiful metaphor for love’s fragility and urgency.

Next is "Carry You Home," a tender ode to selfless love and unwavering support. It is followed by "Pretty Slowly," a hypnotic slow burn about savouring life’s moments at one's own pace.

The energy shifts with "Nice to Meet You", a playful and optimistic track about fresh starts and new possibilities. Finally, they delve into "Those Eyes", a poignant song about the silent power of connection and how a simple gaze can hold profound, unspoken truths.

Join Simar and Oshi as they reflect on the stories, emotions, and production behind these tracks, offering insights into how music shapes our lives. Tune in for heartfelt discussions and fresh perspectives.

Do you have a favourite track from the episode? Please share your thoughts with us!

Hosts - Simar Kaur and Oshi Singh, Gyanshree School, Noida, India

Four-generation strong family-operated Bookstore.

Come and experience the joy of reading at our Book Cafe with a warm cup of coffee

The English Book Depot

The Bookstore is owned by the firm M/s Narian Dass and Sons and provides an unmatched experience for book enthusiasts. Visit us, have a cup of coffee, and immerse yourself in the pages of your next favourite book.

The Book Shop has been a cherished institution for book lovers in India for almost a century. It was founded in 1923 in Ferozepur and has been a popular destination for readers of all ages. Now located in the heart of Dehradun, and since 2002, it has become even more exciting with the addition of a cafe. In 2010, EBD acquired Book Cafe, further enhancing the customer experience. In 2020, we established the Learning Forward India Foundation to promote lifelong learning for everyone. Whether you're a regular customer or a first-time visitor, The Book Shop provides an unmatched experience for book lovers. Visit us, have a cup of coffee, and immerse yourself in the pages of your next favourite book.

Snehlata at EBD Since 1971

"I understand that "Brewing Knowledge" means a lot to you. It's not just a blog about books and authors; it's a platform that inspires and encourages people to keep learning and growing. I truly believe that knowledge should be shared generously, and I appreciate your efforts in making that happen. Let's cherish #BrewingKnowledge and share the wealth with others." Snehlata at The English Book Depot, India's premier bookstore since 1923.

Do visit the store at www.englishbookdepot.com

Meet and Greet

We love Meet-and-Greets with authors; last week, we hosted Karan Madhok, who was promoting his latest book, Ananda.

Besides the factual and eye-opening research into every aspect of the narcotic, the author contemplates the concepts of freedom, creativity, spirituality, and paranoia associated with the drug and examines the upsides and problems of decriminalizing ganja in India. Ananda, the first significant study of cannabis in India, is entertaining and enlightening. It is the perfect introduction to an integral aspect of the country that has often gotten a bad rap and is imperfectly understood.

Karan Madhok's Debut novel, A Beautiful Decay, was published in 2022. His creative work and journalism have appeared in Epiphany, Sycamore Review, Bombay Review, Slam magazine, Fifty Two, The Caravan, and Scroll, among other places.

Video credit: Viral Bug Films

Existential Threat to Reading

Rashmi and Sandeep discuss reading habits, education, and the evolving nature of learning. Read more https://www.mentor.lxl.in/post/from-classrooms-to-bookshelves-creating-a-reading-journey-for-children

Sandeep Dutt is an educator and bookstore owner who was born in a bookstore! His life and love revolves around the 101 year old The English Book Depot at Dehradun in India. Founder of Good Schools Alliance, and inspires people to read, reflect and build strong relationships #JoyOfLearning.

Key Takeaways

* Reading is valuable for focus and micro-focusing skills, but shouldn't be overemphasized at the expense of service, skills, and sports

* Traditional schooling models are being challenged; new approaches like Dutt's "Good School Alliance" offer alternative learning methods

* The digital age is changing how we absorb information, requiring adaptation in teaching and learning strategies

Topics

The Role of Librarians and Teachers in Promoting Reading

* Librarians are crucial in attracting students to libraries, more so than the books themselves

* Teachers should be seen carrying and engaging with books to inspire students

* Principals, especially in India, often don't read enough, setting a poor example

Home Environment and Reading Culture

* Having books visible at home, even before a child is born, can foster a reading culture

* Many Indian homes lack books outside of school materials, hindering reading habit development

* Dutt emphasizes reading both physical books and digital content

Evolution of Learning and Information Absorption

* The human mind is adapting to process more stimuli and information from various sources

* Reading is evolving beyond traditional books to include digital media and experiential learning

* The importance of stillness and focus in the midst of constant digital stimulation

Dutt's Good School Alliance Initiative

* Created a cohort-based model working with 25 schools annually

* Offers online reading rooms, reflection spaces, and relationship-building opportunities

* Provides affordable access to reading sessions for schools, teachers, and students

The Future of Education and Reading

* Traditional schooling models and exam-focused systems are being questioned

* Emphasis on service, skills, and sports alongside academic study

* Reading viewed as a tool for developing focus and attention to detail, rather than an end in itself

For more about Sandeep and his life visit www.Sdutt.com

And, yes, please subscribe to the Mentor magazine by LXL

Mentor Magazine - Lxl Ideas

Mentor Magazine

https://www.mentor.lxl.in

A dynamic platform for school principals and educators in India and the Middle East, Mentor Magazine facilitates exchange of ideas, best practices, the conversation in this post is for exclsive use of a post in the magazine and is copyright protected.

For more about the Good Schools Alliance, please visit: www.GoodSchoolsAlliance.com