Reflection: Book Reading Session with Sandeep Dutt

Learning Forward Retreat in Dehradun

Attending the book reading session with Sandeep Dutt, founder of the Good School Alliance, was a genuinely enriching experience. I read My Good School, a book that beautifully weaves together ideas on becoming a more effective teacher and, just as importantly, on nurturing a love of reading in children. Sandeep sir’s own passion for books was infectious and set the tone for the entire session.

One of the highlights was creating a flipchart based on the book, in which I didn’t just summarise the chapters but also wove in my own reflections and classroom experiences alongside the author’s ideas. This exercise helped the concepts feel personal and immediately applicable.

The session also reinforced something I’ve always believed but rarely paused to articulate: reading isn’t just something I should encourage in children; it has to be visible in me as a teacher too. Children learn far more from what I do than from what I tell them to do. When a student sees me genuinely absorbed in a book, unhurried and unprompted, it communicates something no reading chart or assigned novel ever could: that reading can be a source of real pleasure, not just a task to be completed.

Sandeep sir’s own infectious love for books was proof of this in action; his enthusiasm was the best advertisement for reading I encountered that day. It made me realise that if I want children to become genuine readers, I first have to let them catch me being one myself.

The day wasn’t only about structured learning, though. I had unhurried time to read in the garden, sip coffee while flipping through pages, and browse the bookstore at leisure, a rare and refreshing way to reconnect with reading itself. It struck me that this is exactly the kind of experience I so rarely give myself as a teacher, yet it’s precisely what recharges my relationship with books. That relationship eventually spills over into my classroom.

Looking ahead, I want to bring back into my classroom a stronger emphasis on modelling reading behaviour myself, being seen reading, talking about what I’m reading, letting my own enthusiasm show, alongside creating cosy reading corners and giving students more unstructured time to simply enjoy books. If I want my students to love reading, the most powerful thing I can do is let them see that I love it too.

Mahima Bissa
Mayoor School Jaipur

Learning Forward Saturday

Lesson Planning Strategy - hosted on Friday the 31st of October 2025!

Neelashi and Minakshi discussed various teaching activities and lesson planning strategies, focusing on incorporating games, memory exercises, and interactive methods to engage students and improve learning outcomes. They emphasised the importance of structured lesson plans that accommodate different subjects and activities while considering students' learning styles and needs.  the importance of structured lesson plans that accommodate different subjects and activities while considering students' learning styles and needs. The conversation ended with plans for teachers to develop lesson plans in groups, with a focus on incorporating Hindi language instruction and coordinating activities for implementation.

Next steps

• Lalita, Sakshi, and Rahima: Submit two items to Neelashi - finger ring and original storybook
• Lalita: Start creating lesson plan for the coming week
• All three teachers : Create lesson plans for five days covering Hindi, Math, English, Activities, and Games
• Minakshi ji: Send picture of Lalita's lesson plan to Neelashi and post it on the group for documentation
• All three teachers: Exchange and review each other's lesson plans
• Lalita: Decide which story to tell and prepare questions in advance, including critical thinking questions
• Lalita and Sakshi: Use Rahima's activities in their classes
• Sakshi: Prepare materials for counting activities before class
• Rahima: Prepare questions using internet resources for introducing the number 1 concept
• All three teachers: Decide together when to send completed lesson plans to Neelashi by tomorrow

Summary

Word Association Game Discussion

Neelashi and Minakshi discussed a game activity involving word association and memory, where participants were asked to recall words related to a theme. Minakshi clarified that the game involved recalling nouns and verbs, while Neelashi explained the rules and encouraged participants to focus and maintain a steady heart rate. They also discussed the importance of a structured lesson plan, with Neelashi emphasizing the need to improve plans based on past experiences and the specific needs of different subjects and activities.

Lesson Planning and Implementation Strategies

The meeting focused on lesson planning and implementation strategies for the upcoming week. Neelashi and Minakshi discussed the importance of creating detailed lesson plans that incorporate activities for body coordination, reading, math, and English, as well as incorporating games and drawing. They emphasised the need to observe students' learning styles to tailor teaching methods effectively. Minakshi and Neelashi also addressed the importance of implementing lesson plans consistently and reflecting on their effectiveness to improve future planning.

Game-Based Teaching Strategy Discussion

Minakshi and Neelashi discussed plans for a teaching session, focusing on using games and activities to engage students. They decided to divide the teachers into groups and have them develop lesson plans, with an emphasis on incorporating Hindi language instruction. Neelashi suggested that Meenakshi would circulate among the teachers to provide support and gather feedback. The session was scheduled to last 10-15 minutes, with plans to reconvene later.

Lesson Plan Progress and Challenges

Neelashi and Minakshi discussed the progress of a lesson plan, with Arthur noting that while it would be beneficial in the long run, the current implementation was challenging due to the participants being "raw" to the process. Arthur mentioned being occupied with work related to the Anvil Day function, which Neelashi confirmed was not a problem.

Art Corner Lesson Planning Discussion

मीनाक्षी and Neelashi discussed plans for an art corner and lesson activities. They agreed to review a lesson plan with Lalitha and discuss potential improvements. Neelashi requested that Minakshi send a picture of the lesson plan to the group for documentation purposes. They also briefly touched on ticket availability and a new experience related to a project.

Lesson Planning and Teaching Strategies

Neelashi and Minakshi discussed lesson planning and teaching strategies, focusing on incorporating activities and questions to enhance student engagement and comprehension. Arthur was tasked with preparing and presenting a lesson plan, which Neelashi emphasized should include critical thinking-based questions and factual content. They also discussed the use of visual aids and interactive methods to teach numbers and counting, with Neelashi suggesting the use of internet resources for additional support. The conversation ended with Neelashi asking Minakshi to coordinate with other teachers to finalise the lesson plan and activities, with a plan to review them before implementation.

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