War vs. Peace: Reading Chapter 2

Learning Forward Saturday

To read and discuss Chapter 2 of Wanted Back Bencher, Last Ranker Teacher.

Key Takeaways

• The Brain’s Limits: The brain has a finite capacity for information. Overload prevents processing and memory formation, while physical movement is essential for oxygenated blood flow to the brain.

• Respond from Intellect, Not Gut: Counter-aggression escalates problems and fulfils a student’s desire for attention. A calm, intelligent response maintains teacher control and de-escalates conflict.

• Proactive Engagement: Roma de-escalated a chaotic class by proactively engaging students with compliments and small acts of care (e.g., clipping hair, offering tissues) and by building rapport before entering the room.

• Turn Disruption into Dialogue: When a student made a provocative comment, Roma didn’t punish the student. Instead, she used it to spark a relevant discussion on relationships, connecting it to the day’s poem.

Topics

Staff Room: Teacher Perspectives

• Experienced teachers (Sumita, Ranjita, Ria) discussed a difficult class, noting that only Sumita could control it.

• Ria’s Frustration: Asked how to respond to “ridiculous” questions (e.g., “Why do we need math with calculators?”).

• Counsellor Uttara’s Advice:

  • Validate the Question: Acknowledge the student’s perspective.

  • Provide a Smart Answer: Explain the value (e.g., math builds confidence, prevents over-reliance on tech).

  • Respond from Intellect, Not Gut: Avoid counter-aggression, which escalates conflict.

Classroom: “War vs. Peace”

• Students delayed class and engaged in a water fight, makeup application, and skirt-folding to defy rules.

• Roma’s Proactive De-escalation:

  • Greeted students individually in the corridor.

  • Offered tissues to a wet student (Jeevan).

  • Complimented a student’s (Supriya) eyes and clipped her hair.

  • Gently adjusted another student’s (Simi) skirt.

• Outcome: These small acts of care built rapport, disarming the students before class began.

Counsellor’s Insights: Brain-Based Learning

• Uttara explained the science behind student behaviour to Roma.

• Brain’s Capacity: The brain can only absorb information for a limited time. Overload prevents processing and memory formation.

• Need for Movement: Young learners require physical movement for oxygenated blood flow, which fuels the brain.

  • Recommendation: Integrate movement via theatrics, role-play, and educational visits.

• Seating Arrangements: Varying seating arrangements (e.g., U-shape) break monotony and improve engagement.

Classroom: Handling a Provocative Comment

• A student (Ajit) made a provocative comment about physical relationships.

• Roma’s Response:

  • Avoided anger, counting to 10 to respond calmly.

  • Engaged the student directly, asking if physical relationships are the only important part of life.

  • Used the comment to launch a discussion on trust, faith, and respect.

• Outcome: The discussion naturally led into the day’s poem, demonstrating how to turn a disruption into a learning opportunity.

Next Steps

• All Participants:

  • Read the remainder of Chapter 2 for the next meeting.

  • Prepare to share personal stories of “war vs. peace” in the classroom.

• Sandeep Dutt:

  • Renamed the WhatsApp group to “The Teacher’s Academy” for better searchability.

• Next Meeting:

  • Date: March 14, 2026 (Saturday)

  • Time: 3:00 PM
    
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Masterclass Saturday 9th November 2024

Warning - AI-generated notes and E.&O.O.E., please.

Quick recap of the concluding part of Chapter 11 

Wanted back-bencher last-ranker teacher by Kavita Ghosh

The session focused on the emotional farewell to a beloved teacher, Roma, and her subsequent job offers and adoption journey. The discussion also revolved around the importance of teachers, their love for their students, and the sessions' impact on the participants' relationships with diverse people. The conversation ended with the announcement of Sandeep’s departure and the final assignment for the 11-session learning program on diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

Next steps

• All teachers are to submit a video essay (5-6 minutes) by November 20th reflecting on how the 11 sessions on diversity, inclusion, and belonging have impacted them.

• Teachers to complete any outstanding assignments from previous chapters.

• All participants are to attend the next session at the farm location on Friday, November 15th.

• Manisha will share the assignment details with the Telegram group.

• Teachers to prepare for reading the new book "Joy of Learning" at the upcoming retreat.

Summary

Roma's Emotional Goodbye and Surprise

In the meeting, Learning and Manisha discussed the agenda for their session, which included reading and discussing a book and assigning tasks. They also discussed the emotions and experiences of a character named Roma, a teacher preparing to leave her job. The discussion touched on the contrast between Roma's current job and her previous one and the emotional impact of saying goodbye to her students. The conversation ended with a surprise from the students, who were waiting for Roma and holding coloured balloons.

Farewell to Beloved Teacher Roma

In the meeting, Learning discussed the emotional farewell to a beloved teacher, Roma, who had been with the team for six months. The staff, including Uttara, Mrs. Kapoor, and Jacob, expressed gratitude and affection for Roma, a dedicated and selfless teacher. The management also gave Roma a bonus voucher as a token of appreciation for her support during a tragic event. The discussion highlighted teachers' importance and love for their students, emphasising that their work is not just about the money but the joy and fulfilment they get from helping children.

Emotions in Legal Documents and Success

In the meeting, Learning discussed Roma's emotions when she received a legal document instead of a voucher. The document turned out to be a copy of the agreement her father had signed with Mountain Residency, Spa, and Resort, which would make her father the exclusive poultry supplier for both outlets in Missouri. The emotional response was attributed to her sense of fulfilment and pride in her father's success. The discussion also touched on teachers' emotional experiences when their students succeed.

Roma Receives Heartfelt Appreciation and Bonus

In the meeting, Jacob presented Roma with a bonus, which included a recommendation letter for adoption. The other teachers also expressed gratitude and admiration for Roma's work, offering her more recommendation letters. The children also presented Roma with a heartfelt card filled with messages of love and appreciation. The conversation ended with Roma expressing her gratitude and feeling enriched by the love and care she received from the teachers and children.

Roma's Adoption Journey and Support

Roma, a teacher, receives five recommendation letters needed to adopt a child named Fee. Simon, the school director known for being strict, surprises Roma by bringing Fee to meet her, along with Surya and Supriya, who helped arrange it. Fee innocently shares how Simon scared someone on the plane for misbehaving, revealing his kind nature beneath his tough exterior. Roma is overwhelmed with gratitude for everyone's support in her adoption journey.

Roma's Job Offers and Adoption Support

Roma is offered two job opportunities: one as the head of human resources for the Roderick International group of institutions, and another as the head of operations at the Mountain Manor spa and resort chain. Simon and Jacob present these offers to her, along with the recommendation letters she needed to adopt a child from the Angels of Earth adoption home. Roma expresses her gratitude for their support in the adoption process.

Gurdeep's Return to Teaching Position

In the meeting, Sandeep and Gurdeep discussed the possibility of Gurdeep returning to her teaching position at the school. Despite being offered more lucrative positions, Gurdeep expressed her desire to continue teaching at the school. The students were overjoyed at the news, and Gurdeep was welcomed back with open arms. The conversation ended with Gurdeep and Learning reaffirming their commitment to the school and its students.

Modern Teacher Roles and Responsibilities

The meeting revolved around the discussion of a book highlighting the modern definition of a teacher. The speaker emphasized that a teacher should be selfless, teach life skills beyond the school gates, and be a role model for students. The speaker also mentioned that teachers are expected to be fit and be able to protect their students. The conversation ended with a discussion about the book's chapters and the creation of a separate space for them. The speaker also shared a personal anecdote about a childhood memory with a friend. The conversation ended with a reading of a Confucius saying about a true teacher.

Final Assignment for the Masterclass 2024

In the session, Sandeep announced his departure to catch a flight, and Manisha and Gurdeep took over to discuss the final assignment for the 11-session learning program on diversity, inclusion, and belonging. The assignment requires participants to create a video essay, not exceeding 6 minutes, reflecting on how the sessions had impacted them and how they had improved their relationships with diverse people. They were also asked to share changes they had incorporated in their classes and their future plans for building inclusive learning communities. The deadline for submission was set for the 20th of the month. Manisha also reminded the participants that the next session would be on a Friday due to The Retreat and a new book reading. Mizan clarified that the video essay was to be a group effort.

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Live recording Masterclass 2024 Session II

#HappyTeachers

Welcome to the first episode of season 16, where we meet Sandeep Dutt, a School Improvement Coach and the mastermind behind The Teacher's Academy at the Learning Forward India Foundation. 

Don't miss out on the Masterclass 2024, inspired by Kavita Ghosh's book "Wanted Back­Bencher Last Ranker Teacher." This unique program facilitates collaborative efforts among teachers in reading, writing, and research. By sharing real-life learning experiences, teachers create presentations that improve student learning outcomes.

Equip yourself with the tools you need to thrive through the power of reading, reflection, and building relationships. As teachers, your happiness should be a priority, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Let's embark on this journey together! (The photo used for representational purposes is from The Fabindia School, and a Professional Learning - PLP - session is in progress).

Enjoy the live recording of the session hosted on the 3rd of February, 2024.

Forgiveness - Sunita Mehta

The community reading program helps inspire you by reading and reflecting, sharing examples of where children and adults in real life are using values and is very useful to stimulate discussion and philosophical debate. The Joy Of Reading Program is only one part of our Life Skills Program - Reading, Speaking and Writing.

On Sunday mornings at 11.00 AM, you can join us for live reading sessions. Best you attend with a copy of the book and experience the Joy of Reading.  #ReadToLead 

Forgiveness Chapter 18, narrated by Sunita Mehta, Headmistress Gyanshree School Noida, India