It’s all about helping teachers, educators, and students access the tools they need to embrace the joy of learning, including reading and critical thinking.
Learning Forward Saturday sessions are held every Saturday at 3:00 PM on Zoom and are open to all members of the Good Schools Alliance
Right vs Wrong
As a teacher, I can utilise this story to teach students important life values along with academic learning. I would use the story to spark discussions about trust, safety, peer pressure, and responsible decision-making, so students can connect the story’s events to real-life situations.
Through the character of Roma, I would explain how a teacher should be caring, approachable, courageous, and supportive towards students. I can also use this story in value education classes, counselling sessions, and group activities such as role plays, debates, and reflective writing to help students develop empathy, confidence, and moral awareness.
The story would help me encourage students to speak openly about their problems and understand that seeking guidance is a sign of strength, not weakness. As a teacher, this story also reminds me to maintain a balance between discipline and compassion, to understand students’ emotional needs, and to create a safe and trusting classroom environment where every student feels respected, protected, and guided.
Regards Ms. Rekha Sharma Sunbeam School Mau
Like vs Unlike
We learn that a teacher should not always react aggressively.
We also learned that students share their problems only when they trust their teacher. Therefore, teachers should keep such matters confidential and not discuss them with everyone. In the chapter, Roma informed the parents, but the matter was kept private among the counsellor, the class teacher, and the parents.
Overall, the chapter teaches us that a good teacher should understand students, guide them positively, maintain confidentiality, and handle every situation with patience, care, and understanding.
My stay at Fig Tree Cottage was nothing less than being at home with copious amounts of hospitality. The staff here made the stay beautiful, comfortable and inviting. Every morning, Mithlesh ji arrived with a fresh cup of coffee. These big windows offer a lush green and a small pond with lotuses about to bloom. Just a few steps away from the pond are Guava-laden trees.
This is a privilege one receives when at Fig Tree Cottage - hospitality. The staff works harmoniously. Each morning, they prepared a homely and healthy breakfast, which is something one rarely finds when away from home.
There are small details to the Cottage that are not to be missed - copper bottles and glasses, cleanliness in every corner, a beautiful bookshelf, and greenery in the space. It didn't feel like a work trip at all; more like a holiday with some work thrown in, all made easy by the presence of these people who ensured your stay was smooth and full of warmth.
The staff meet you every morning with a smile! The Cottage is surrounded by some sweet little cafes, where one can always get more coffee for a change.
Enjoy your stay at the Fig Tree Cottage in Dehradun; they are only on Instagram: www.instagram.com/fig.tree_cottage
Wamly,
Neelashi Mangal Guest at the Fig Tree Cottage September 2025
Mr. Arthur E Foot, the first Head Master of The Doon School in 1935, explained education as follows:
If, at the time of graduating from school, the student cannot differentiate between what is right and what is wrong, they have had no education.
In today's world, where children chase success and marks, they tend to forget the very basics of education, which are human values and being good human beings.
Success comes to those who are kind and compassionate. We need to be considerate and respectful of our peers and the people around us. We often tend to be very selfish and only care for ourselves. Our first service should be to the community. We need to be grateful for what we have. Very often, gratitude is missing, and we end up complaining about everyone and everything.
I feel there is no excuse for rudeness or obnoxious behaviour; there is no need to insult or shout at others.
One must learn to be tolerant and respect the opinions of others. We live in a secular society, and we must have the patience and understanding to respect the culture and beliefs of everyone. Just because others' opinions and beliefs don't match ours, there is no need to be aggressive or intolerant. For example, a person who is a vegetarian is no better or worse than a non-vegetarian. Diversity is our country's strength, and we are proud of it—something we have always been proud of.
Achievements in academics, games and extra curricular activities are very important but just as important is being kind and generous to others. To live in harmony inspite of all our differences we may have in our cultures, religious beliefs and eating habits.
Our present situation can be summed up by taking the metaphor from the Piano:
You can make music with the white keys, and you can make music with the black keys, but to make music in complete harmony you need the black and the white keys.
RP Devgan is the Chairman of Learning Forward India, a long-serving teacher, and the head of schools worldwide.
Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and manage one's emotions. It also involves recognising the feelings of others with compassion. Most children today are unprepared to face the challenges they encounter and give up far too easily. This results from the environment in which they grow up, their exposure to social media, peer influence, and feelings of insecurity.
To be emotionally strong, one must confront occasional failures and setbacks. Those who rise above the odds succeed in life. How does one cultivate emotional intelligence?
Participating in team games, project-based activities, and solving problems together helps build self-esteem. Team games and activities are essential because they teach us to cooperate, plan, and share ideas. In the event of a match loss or setback, the team comes together to strategise on overcoming weaknesses. The sense of togetherness fosters strong relationships, providing a feeling of security while helping to combat challenges.
Sportspersons are generally emotionally intense because they have learned how to cope with losing. Failure is a great teacher. Losing a match or being unsuccessful is not the end of the world. One must be tough and resilient to get up once again and overcome the odds. This teaches us to manage our emotions both in victory and defeat, and emphasises respecting others' feelings.
Compassion, humility, kindness, and helpfulness are the virtues of an emotionally intense person. In today's world, where people tend to be self-centred, relationships and friendships play a crucial role in building confidence and a sense of security. These life skills help to develop emotional strength and prepare one for any setbacks.
RP Devgan is the Chairman of the Learning Forward India Foundation and a lifelong teacher with experience leading schools worldwide. He advises schools and serves on the board of a residential school in India.
My Good School: Where Passion Meets Education, by Sandeep Dutt and published by Rupa Publications Pvt Ltd. Read with us every Friday afternoon.
Quick recap
Sandeep led a discussion on the importance of continuous learning and leadership in education, emphasizing the role of principals and teachers as chief learning leaders. He highlighted essential qualities for educators, including integrity, empathy, and the ability to inspire, while stressing the need for a balanced approach to teaching and administrative responsibilities. The session also covered the significance of mentorship, effective communication, and relationship-building in creating a positive learning environment, with Sandeep encouraging participants to engage in regular reading, reflection, and professional development activities.
Next steps
• Minakshi will note down and remind Sandeep about discussing the book "Schools That Learn" in a future session.
• All participants are encouraged to subscribe to the GSI (Good Schools of India) Journal at gsi. in for weekly updates and session recaps.
• Vidyotma will share the registration information for the Friday session with teachers in her school.
• All participants are to plan to attend the Friday sessions at 5:30 PM for reading and reflection.
• All participants are to look out for the addition of art sessions on Fridays in the future.
Summary
Teacher Proficiencies and Life Purpose
Sandeep discusses the importance of teachers developing proficiencies in reading, art, poetry, and music to become better educators. He emphasizes the need for teachers to continually learn and reflect, comparing it to a daily necessity like eating. Sandeep also shared a passage about the importance of understanding one's purpose in life and the value of the human soul, encouraging the participants to consider why they were present at the session.
Principal's Role in School Leadership
Sandeep discussed the role of a principal as the chief learning leader in schools. He emphasized that the principal should lead by example, motivate, coach, inspire, teach, mentor, be a visionary, ensure teamwork, and lead by example. Sandeep also highlighted the importance of continuous learning and the need for a systems approach. He mentioned the book "Schools that Learn" by Peter Senge, which they plan to read after finishing "My Good School". Sandeep also discussed the limitations of the current schooling system, which Sandeep believes has commoditized education. He suggested that education should be viewed as an intangible wealth rather than a commodity.
Leading by Example in Education
Sandeep emphasized the importance of a chief learning leader being a learner, having good governance, and having active participation from all stakeholders. He highlighted the need for a leader to lead by example for teachers, students, and the community. Minakshi shared her teacher experience and the importance of leading by example, emphasizing the need for virtues and humility. Sandeep also mentioned the need for a leader to fulfill their purpose, otherwise they have done nothing.
Teacher's Role in School Leadership
Sandeep discussed the role of a teacher and principal in a school setting, emphasizing the importance of leadership, mentorship, and creating a positive learning environment. He highlighted the need for a balanced approach encompassing teaching and administrative responsibilities. Sandeep also stressed the significance of effective communication and relationship-building with parents and the community. He concluded by encouraging continuous learning and setting higher standards for oneself, which he believes is essential for a successful learning leader.
Choosing the Right Mentor for Success
Sandeep discussed the importance of choosing a mentor rather than a monitor for a class. He emphasized that a mentor should be someone who can inspire, value their position, and commit to being disciplined. Sandeep also highlighted the challenges of finding the right mentor, such as peer pressure, physical strength, and academic performance. He suggested that a compassionate and loving individual would make the best mentor. Minakshi agreed, emphasizing the importance of empathy in a mentor. Sandeep concluded by mentioning a trophy for love and compassion at his school, suggesting that this quality is crucial for a good mentor.
School Leader Qualities and Student Mentors
Sandeep discussed the essential qualities of a school leader, emphasizing integrity, autonomy, group dynamics, human relations, positioning, and task effectiveness. He highlighted the importance of self-direction, trust, and valuing all individuals in creating a positive organizational environment. Sandeep also mentioned the role of student mentors in promoting a safer school environment and advancing the school's mission.
Introducing Right Side Story and Taurian World School
Sandeep introduced a new partner, Right Side Story, and welcomed Taurian World School. He encouraged participants to subscribe to the weekly newsletter featuring news, reflections, and relationship-building opportunities. He also mentioned that the newsletter will include links to the chapters they've read and the blog where these chapters come from. Sandeep emphasized the importance of reading, reflection, and relationship-building for teachers. He also mentioned that they will start doing art on Fridays and focus on becoming a teacher. Vidyotma agreed to share the session with her teachers and expressed her appreciation for the session.
AI-generated content may be inaccurate or misleading, so please use your discretion to authenticate it and connect with Sandeep Dutt by email at LF@ebd.in for further assistance.
Chapter 9:Ten on Ten from Shomie Das: A Man Who Saw Tomorrow by Naga Tummala
One bright day, I was substituting for a junior class and enjoying the playful chatter of curious minds. To spark a conversation, I asked them a simple question:
“What is the colour of the sky?”
Without hesitation, the students replied, “The sky is blue.”
But one student, sitting quietly at the corner of the classroom and looking outside the window, said, “Ma’am, the sky is grey. Look outside, it’s grey, not blue.”
His answer surprised me. Most children would confidently say “blue,” but this child saw the world differently. Intrigued, I asked, “Why do you think the sky is grey?”
His curiosity sparked the moment when our journey through the Ten Cs began. His willingness to question his observations is a powerful reminder of how curiosity drives learning.
I explained, “The sky is grey because of dust and pollution.”
At that moment, the child was learning science, processing observations, and critically analysing the world around him. Critical thinking was in action.
Our conversation was a two-way exchange, during which we listened and understood each other. Communication is more than just speaking—it’s about listening with empathy and responding thoughtfully.
His honest response showed real courage. Despite knowing most people say the sky is blue, he wasn’t afraid to share what he saw. Encouraging such honesty and bravery helps create a safe learning environment.
I used an analogy to make the idea more relatable: “Think of the sky as a mirror reflecting sunlight, but dust and pollution change its appearance.” Creativity helps simplify complex ideas and makes learning more memorable.
That student chose to share his observation, and I decided to explore it further with him. This is the power of choice in learning—when students feel empowered, they take ownership of their curiosity.
The exchange was also a collaborative effort. He asked. I explained, and together we discovered something new.
While there wasn’t direct competition in this story, there was an inherent drive to learn and grow, which reflects healthy competition in its true sense.
During our discussion, I tied the grey sky to the topic of pollution—an opportunity to talk about responsible citizenship and how our actions impact the environment.
His perspective was respected throughout the conversation, and no one laughed at his observation. Instead, he was guided with care and compassion, fostering a supportive and trusting learning environment.
A Journey of Learning
So, what is the colour of the sky? A child's simple observation of a grey sky became a powerful lesson in the Ten Cs. The sky may have been grey that day, but the lessons we learnt were bright and clear.
Chapter 9:Ten on Ten from Shomie Das: A Man Who Saw Tomorrow by Naga Tummala
Curiosity
How
do you inspire curiosity in your students? Share an example of a lesson or
activity encouraging them to ask more questions and explore
independently.
Some
students struggle to ask questions, while others are overly dependent on
your guidance. How would you create a classroom environment that nurtures
curiosity in all learners?
Creativity
How
do you integrate creativity into your teaching methods to make learning engaging and impactful?
Critical Thinking
What
strategies do you use to help students develop critical thinking skills?
Share an example of how you assess their growth in this area.
A
group discussion in your classroom evolves into a debate about a current
social issue. How would you guide students to analyse the diverse perspectives while respecting others' opinions critically?
Choice
Your
students feel overwhelmed by multiple projects and assignments. How would
you teach them to make informed choices about managing their time and
resources effectively?
Communication
Reflect
on how you foster effective communication in your classroom. What role
does active listening play in your interactions with students?
Some
students hesitate to participate in discussions or group work due to
language barriers or shyness. What strategies can you use to ensure
inclusive communication? How do you model clear and empathetic
communication in your teaching?
Candor and Courage
How
do you encourage students to be honest and brave in sharing their thoughts
and taking risks in their learning journey?
Collaboration
You
are planning a cross-disciplinary project with teachers from other
subjects, but there are disagreements about goals and responsibilities.
How would you collaborate effectively to align goals and divide
responsibilities?
How
do you teach students the value of teamwork and the skills required for
successful collaboration?
Competition
How
do you promote healthy competition to motivate students without fostering
stress or negative feelings?
A
class competition creates tension among students. How can you redesign the
competition to focus on personal growth and team spirit rather than just
winning?
Citizenship
What
practices do you implement to instil a sense of responsible citizenship
and community service in your students?
Your
school is organising a community outreach program. How would you teach
students the value of active citizenship through this initiative? How can
you connect citizenship lessons to everyday classroom activities?
Compassion
A
student in your class struggles with personal issues that affect their
performance and behaviours. How would you show compassion while maintaining
classroom discipline? How can you embed lessons of empathy and compassion
into your curriculum to help students develop these traits?
Please email your Reflections to Gurdeep Kaur at GK@LearningForward.org.in. For assistance, you may contact her on WhatsApp (only for teachers who have registered for the masterclass and are on a paid plan through the school or self).
This touching script delves into the deeply personal and transformative journey of grief and acceptance. Through the heartfelt experiences of Paul, Divya, and Vani, we witness the emotional path of coping with loss. It emphasizes the vital role of compassionate support and the importance of allowing ourselves the space to grieve without fear of judgment. The script also shares a poignant, real-life example of supporting a grieving family, underscoring how empathy, self-care, and connection can play a powerful role in healing. Ultimately, it reflects on how, despite the pain that grief brings, understanding and compassion can help us navigate this challenging process and make it a little more bearable.
Q.C.R&D Group (Sunbeam School) Paul P.V. Vani Vij Divya Upadhyay
Let's take a moment to remember Shomie Ranjan Das (born 28 August 1935) and his profound impact—a life that touched the hearts of teachers and connected with countless children worldwide. An Indian educationist is perhaps one of the architects of independent India's education system. With a wealth of experience working with institutions, boards, and schools, including serving as the Head Of School of three of India's top schools, namely The Doon School, Mayo College, and Lawrence School, Sanawar, his contribution is unforgettable. He also taught at Gordonstoun School in Scotland and established the five Oakridge International Schools as Chairman of People Combine.
Shomie's grandfather, Satish Ranjan Das, founded The Doon School in 1935. After his earlier education at The Doon School, Shomie graduated from St. Xavier's College of the University of Calcutta and the University of Cambridge. Following retirement from The Doon School, he became an educational consultant and contributed his vision to over 80 schools nationwide. I get tempted to add that for every year of his life, he built one school!
Shomie always emphasized the importance of learning and unlearning and how the schools he worked with have prepared students to excel in their pursuits. From a teacher to a headmaster and then a mentor to generations of learners and educators, his story is truly inspiring.
May we carry forward the light he ignited and strive to create a kinder and more compassionate world. It is ironical that "The Man Who Saw Tomorrow" by Naga Tummala was published only a few days ago, beautifully honours his legacy and the joy he brought to others. Let's join together in offering our thoughts and prayers for Shomie and providing comfort to his family and loved ones. #JoyOfLiving
Quality
is a characteristic or feature that someone or something has. Quality means no
compromising. It can also be defined as hard work, sincerity, diligence,
discipline and most importantly, the can-do attitude. Quality is something that
we maintain to secure our future. Quality is not what we serve; it is the
result. It is the result of continuous efforts. It is our responsibility to maintain the qualities and to get better day by day. Someone said it
right-Quality is when the customer returns and the product doesn’t.
Quality
means doing the right things, even when no one is watching us. If the quality
of our thoughts is good, we always remain happy. The life that we live depends
on the quality of our contribution towards our life and work. Our quality
reflects us; it shows what we are. Living a quality of life matters though, many of us chase quantity instead of quality. A positive attitude helps us to maintain quality.
Quality is an ongoing process of building and sustaining relationships by anticipating and fulfilling stated and implied needs.
Love
means showing affection, compassion and concern towards others. It means
showing care for others, respecting and forgiving others and being kind to
others. Love is the foundation of all relationships and values.Love means giving, not expecting; we always
gain when we love.
Love
is unspoken; it is always shown and felt. Loving someone and being loved is a
great feeling. True love is when you love someone and do not expect the same
in return. But there is a difference between love and like; when we like
someone, we want them, and when we love someone, we set them free.
Loving
people live the happiest lives. They are kind and patient. They do not envy and
boast. They are never rude or selfish. They let go the past mistakes and are always
ready to accept them.
Beautiful
lines by Mother Teresa-“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small
things with great love.”
Thus,
Quality and Love are the great virtues we all should have to live
our lives happily. Love is the language of life. So, stop being judgemental and
have the Quality of Being loving because True love never hurt others, even
lift others.
We all want our children to be kind and have compassion in their minds. But the biggest question here is how to teach compassion, kindness to the child. Children develop different levels of empathy at different ages. Compassion and kindness require the development of heart for human behaviour. We should keep talking to the children on this subject continuously.
The thing about children is that if they see kindness and compassion in our behaviour, they will behave the same way. We will have to make many efforts for the development of sympathy. Take the help of children to take care of any sick animal or bird. Teach them to show empathy. Encourage children to help someone in need. Explain to the child why we should be sympathetic towards others. If any classmate of the child is sick or injured, some person is poor or needy, some person is old or disabled, some animal is ill or hungry, then encourage the child to help, which will develop empathy and compassion. And feelings of kindness will be infused in him.
The best way for kids to learn compassion is through watching models of this behaviour. Their teachers, parents, and other adults need to behave this way for children to see it as valuable and find approval in copying it. Finding compassion in moments of adversity is a skill that all adults should be working on mastering. The future generation depends on it.
It is certainly true that an ideal classroom can only be created by a thoughtful teacher. Therefore thoughtfulness is one of the values that help us think about others feelings and let us put them before ourselves. Students are the major part of a classroom, and we teachers can inspire them to participate and learn things with their interests.
More importantly, if we want to inculcate thoughtfulness in the classroom, it can be shown via looking out for activities that encourage tools like compassion, kindness, loyalty, patience, generosity, selflessness, cooperation, discipline among the students.
As said in my class, I would like to implement these 3 tools, .i.e.
Cooperation, Selflessness and Discipline
Class cleanliness can be done, which will generate a model of cooperation. When students work together for a given task, it makes them understand the true meaning of cooperation, and this can also be done by helping out each other in their studies. They'll know about cooperation and teamwork and how to be selfless and help others without any expectation.
Creating situations for students by sharing stationary or food whenever possible, talking politely and letting others share their views first. Give them hints to act with selflessness on their own, as they follow the best from their teachers, we have to make sure they feel happy in their actions.
Giving students the responsibility of small jobs in the class like putting things in order, sharpening pencils, filling their worksheets; helps them to work systematically. Teachers should praise them for being responsible, which will motivate them to have a sense of discipline.
We can always start from a smaller perspective for all the above-mentioned tools. Practising these exercises in a school inspires students to do better with an essence of thoughtfulness in life.
Understanding
Empathy Empowers Understanding
Understanding is a core value that develops an individual's personality. Understanding gives us the power to sense different ideas, and it is built by empathy. Students need empathy to develop understanding towards the world around them, which can be inculcated through these activities:
1. An art activity on emotions after watching a video clip on stray dogs. Which will help the students to know how the dogs are surviving without any shelter. After the video, they'll draw a feeling of emotions to express themselves for those small creatures. Students may also feed at least one meal to a stray dog around their residence with the help of any of their elder family members. Later on, they'll discuss in the classroom how they felt about it.
2. Storytelling is the most interesting way to demonstrate any of the topics in a class. So, a story to the students is the best way of expressing and inbuilt empathy.
A story of homelessness and briefing about the children who are living in orphanages.
We could also visit any of the nearby orphanages for interaction and ask our students to donate their favourite toys.
3. A roleplay activity after taking them for a tour to NIEPVD will sensitize them towards differently-abled at the same time they'll be grateful for the things they have.
Students will walk 20 steps by closing their eyes and understand the difficulty of visually challenged people. And then, they can do a roleplay, where the students will show empathy and compassion for the visually challenged people.
To promote empathy in students, we can use the above activities. They'll develop a sense of better understanding others feelings by relating them with them and acting with a good heart.
Hence it's believed that students will not always do as we say, but they will always do as we do.
As teachers, we should always hear out their doubts and support them. The feeling of empathy empowers understanding among us.
- Ambica Gurung@JMMS, John Martyn Memorial School, Salangaon, Dehradun
Understanding is deeper than knowledge. Many people know you, but very few understand you.
This is one of the many thoughts that tells us that it is not necessary to have a lot of knowledge when understanding others. As nothing makes you a better person than being understanding towards others. A knowledgeable person doesn't need to always understand you. It needs a lot more than knowledge to understand others.
Understanding comes through communication, and understanding we find the way to peace.
Also, if you need people around you and your surroundings to be happy, you first need to understand them and empathize with them. Then, only you will be able to figure out their problems and needs.
As a member of the staff of my school, I know my students. I understand them, their behaviour, their mood, their problems, their attitude and their anger. Everything they are going through. I can do it as I try to understand them and think according to their perspective.
I am also fully aware of the behaviour changes of my family members. Their needs and problems. I know when my sons are happy or sad or angry. I am also able to figure out why they have those mood swings.
I also know how my cows are doing. What they need and why they are behaving strangely.
This is all because I am staying with them from the start. I have been taking care of them since I found them. I have always tried to understand them.
Understanding is fundamental and why it is important is because we live in a world that has become selfish and only thinks about ourselves. The emotions like anger, happiness, sadness, irritation, compassion, and understanding are part of the social world.
To maintain balance in the world, it is essential to have an understanding of nature.
Understanding brings kindness, happiness, compassion and cares to others. Understanding can also help us to reason out our anger also and keep ourselves and the other calm. All the emotions are interlinked with understanding.
Thoughtfulness
To be thoughtful means to be full of thoughts, and it also means to be considerate of others. It also indicates that we are kind or sympathetic towards each other.
We could also say that thoughtfulness includes doing good things for others without any selfish motive and expecting something in return. Sending flowers or gifts to others to make them happy, smile, or wish them whenever you meet them shows your thoughtfulness towards them. Thinking about others is also a part of thoughtfulness. It also means helping others in their difficult times or taking care of your family. Students need to have sympathy, kindness and care towards others, which can only come when they are thoughtful and think about others. For inculcating thoughtfulness in the student's many activities can be done in class, making a student kind, motivated, and helpful.
The activities such as teachers can narrate them moral stories or stories related to kindness or watch movies that motivate them or be aware of others. We can ask them to do role plays where they can show some kindness or the act of caring for others.
Teachers can have fun games for students regarding thoughtfulness. They can make a kindness tree in their class to write good things about their classmates every day. Each day they can write for different people. By doing such activities, they will know what others are doing for them and what they are doing.
Motivation can be inculcated in students through rewards or praises. For example, whenever the students answer in class, they can praise them or provide stars or stickers. The students can also appreciate the kid by giving positive feedback or giving applause to the student. Also, if a student gives a wrong answer, the teacher should not criticise him for the wrong answer but appreciate an answer, and the other students should not laugh or humiliate each other. In this way, students enjoy the class, but they get motivated to answer more and interact more.
So being thoughtful towards your surroundings is the best thing to make the world a better place for you and the people.
- Bharti Dangwal@JMMS, John Martyn Memorial School, Salangaon, Dehradun
Compassion is a feeling of thoughtfulness. It is an emotion that is inborn in them. It is when we think about ourselves and others. You imbibe this value from your environment by seeing others and listening to others.
A compassionate person is influenced and influences others. We can identify compassionate people who are very emotional. They become upset when they see others in pain. Compassionate people understand others, think about others, lend a helping hand. If we are compassionate, we focus on how others feel without dismissing our own feelings. Situations, upbringing and environment, may also lead us away from compassion, so we need to be thoughtful and understanding.
Many times elders stop one to be compassionate by stopping them from doing small acts of kindness. Observing others who are not compassionate may also drive them away from being compassionate. In schools, it is a common sight where children show compassion in the classroom by sharing and showing acts of kindness. But in some situations, when groups come up, compassion is driven away. Then they start bullying others. Family affects one’s behaviour a lot. One learns values from families, peers, elders, and the environment. Many times children’s parents may not be compassionate, but children are encouraged by their friends or school, and they imbibe this value and become compassionate.
We should try to motivate others by going out of the way ourselves and help others; we need to be loving, caring and empathetic. The role of an adult is an important aspect to motivate students to be compassionate. Compassion brings in care, respect, love, kindness. Interaction, encouragement, collaboration, socialism, motivation, observation effects compassion a lot. Compassion is taught and learnt. Family, school, friends & environment churn compassionate people.
Social & Emotional Learning provides a foundation for safe and positive learning. The whole focus of institutions should be more on learning than on teaching. Focus on learning helps to enhance the students’ abilities to succeed in school, career and life.
As Educators, we need to find different motivational ways to engage the students in learning to behave positively and perform academically. We need to find the potential of a student and help him grow accordingly. Mastery of Social & Emotional aspects will help us go a long way, but we need to practice empathy. Empathy needs to be inculcated in the student’s, and they will be able to recognize other’s emotions.
Social & Emotional Learning helps enhance their relationship skills, establishes & maintains a healthy, rewarding relationship. You inculcate the value of empathy and compassion. SEL helps one to become a responsible decision-maker, creates self-awareness & self-confidence. It inculcates communicative & collaborative skills in the students.
As Educators, we know that all our students are different. Hence, we need to understand our students, find their potential, develop their skills according to their ability, invite their experience, and sharpen their dreams. Emphasizes should be laid down on the all-round development of the student. The need of the hour is to develop one’s social and emotional learning in schools and at home, and in society.
Freedom is a mighty word...it is the power to think and act in a way that we feel correct. The word freedom could mean different things for different people. For some going for a dance class or singing in a class could be freedom, while for others wearing a certain type of clothes could mean freedom. Children do need to be supervised, but they also need the freedom and space to grow. Adults sometimes inhibit the children with their prejudices and opinions. We need to give them the freedom and independence to think and make choices. We want children to be their own individuals when they grow up. Of course, they might err at times, but that is the only way they will learn. When we allow children some freedom, we convey that we trust them, and they respect that trust. If there are too many restrictions, they tend to become rebellious at times. Thus it’s important to allow certain liberties, but one should also know where to draw the line.
जीवन बंधनों में बंधकर जीना है अगर,
करना है अपना हर स्वप्न दरकिनार अगर,
तो लगने लगेगी हर सांस एक बोझिल
सफर।
टूटे हुए सपनों की एक इमारत भर ।
इसलिए.........
जिंदगी की जिंदगी से मुलाकात होनी चाहिए,
खुशियो की भी आपस में बात होनी चाहिए,
अस्तित्व है जीवन में कुछ ये एहसास होना चाहिए,
पंखों को उड़ने के लिए आकाश नहीं नया कोई चाहिए,
बस थोड़ा पर फैलाने के लिए आजादी पर अधिकार होना चाहिए ।।
Peace means a calm and composed state of mind. Peace is harmony, freedom from quarrels, wars, arguments; it is inner contentment . . . which is very essential for mental health. We tend to focus on physical health, but very few of us realise the importance of mental health. A calm and peaceful mind helps us think clearly and make better decisions and keep a healthy environment. Kids need to be corrected when they go wrong, but they don’t need constant nagging.
There should be no bullying amongst children for them to be peaceful. Thus all schools should have zero tolerance for bullying. Children should be assured that they are safe. Teachers need to introduce this word right from the beginning of school to be familiar with ‘peace’. We also need to teach the kids to resolve issues and fights without hurting each other.
A peaceful state of mind allows new thoughts and ideas to be developed easily. When people learn compassion and tolerance, only inner peace can be achieved and then there will be no place for hatred, anger, selfishness. How can one forget the role of meditation! Yes, meditation helps in bringing peace and attaining divinity. Practising meditation regularly alleviates stress-related problems, deeply relaxes the mind and rejuvenates the system. This peace will then radiate, create a ripple effect and indeed lead to global peace.
Let's remember this equation:-
peace of mind = calmness, tranquillity, serenity =happiness, So what is the relationship between peace and freedom?
To achieve anyone, the requisite of the other is a must. As Pope John Paul II has rightly said that we should not accept violence as the way of peace. If we respect true freedom, the peace that results will be based on justice," a peace founded on the incomparable dignity of the free human being." Whatsoever may be your field, whether you are at home or in a public space, if you feel free to express your thoughts or ideas and not succumb to outside forces, then you will attain peace of mind and body.
Dynamic DGS @ The Doon Girls School, Dehradun - Reena Gusain, Reah Sikand, Meenakshi Panwar, Rachna Bharrdwaj and Sumali Devgan
Happiness is essential in life, and it comes from us only. We should not overthink. We should not hate anyone around us. We should always try to help people around us, then naturally we will have peace of mind and peace of mind is only happiness.
7 Remarkably Powerful Keys to Happiness
Live (or work) at the moment. Don't get stressed thinking about things you have to do later on. ...
Find resilience. ...
Manage your energy. ...
Do nothing. ...
Treat yourself well. ...
Venture outside your comfort zone. ...
Show compassion outwardly.
We can say that Happiness is the feeling of truly enjoying your life and the desire to make the very best of it. Happiness is the "secret sauce" that can help us be and do our best. It has also been found that: Happy people are more successful.
Toleranceis also an essential thing in life. Tolerance does not mean giving up one's own way of life. Tolerance is following the motto 'Live and let Live'. Tolerance just understands another person’s beliefs and practices, and habits without necessarily accepting them or following them.
It is adjusting to others a little, giving up just a little to make someone else happy. It understands that everyone has more or less the same basic needs as oneself. It realises that ultimately everyone wants to be happy and peaceful. We should understand that following does not help others alone. It helps oneself greatly when one is tolerant, the mind expands, habitual selfish junk is replaced with fresh peacefulness and calmness.
Tolerance is an important concept that helps people to live together peacefully. Tolerance also means that you don't put your opinions above others, even when you are sure that you are right. Tolerant people show strength in that they can deal with different opinions and perspectives.
Listen Carefully Without Jumping to Conclusions. ...
Try to Understand the Other Person's Point of View. ...
Agree to Disagree.
Tolerance is patience toward a practice or opinion you disapprove of — Tolerance is being agreeable—listening carefully and treating the person with dignity and respect—while you disagree. ...
Tolerance has limits—Reality is beyond opinion.
How one can achieve Tolerance?
Tolerance comes by practice. Nothing comes on its own; practice yourself to listen, wait and approach rules. This can be explained by the following examples:-
Tolerance is nothing in front of a mother who carried us in her womb for 10 months. That is the most beautiful as well painful tolerance ever one can compare.
Think about a soldier who is waiting for his next gunshot to hear by hiding inside the bushes.
A beggar hardly earns in a day and returns with an empty pocket and wake up with the tolerance level of hope to survive.
A photographer who waits for a year to just capture the fish to come out from the water.
In contrast, precocial birds spend hardly any time in the nest and are often seen wandering in search of food alongside their parents only hours after hatching.
There is no level called Zero tolerance. Life goes on its flow. Show your patience towards it and replace the word tolerance.
