happiness_class_v
happiness_class_v
©SCERT, Delhi
January 2022
ISBN: 978-93-93667-75-5
1100 Copies
Patron
Sh. Manish Sisodia
Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Education, Govt. of NCT of Delhi
Chief Advisor
Sh. H. Rajesh Prasad, Principal Secretary (Education), Govt. of NCT of Delhi
Advisors
Sh. Himanshu Gupta, Director of Education Govt. of NCT of Delhi
Sh. Rajanish Singh, Director SCERT, Govt. of NCT of Delhi
Guidance
Sh. Nahar Singh, Joint Director Academic SCERT, Delhi
Chief Editor
Dr. Anil Kumar Teotia, Chairman, Happiness Curriculum Committee
Editors
Dr. Shyam Sundar, Assistant Professor, DIET Daryaganj
Dr. Karamvir Singh, Assistant Professor, DIET Daryaganj
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Teacher’s Handbook for Happiness
Class-V
ISBN : 978-93-93667-75-5
Chief Editor
Dr. Anil Kumar Teotia
Chairman, Happiness Curriculum Committee
Editors
Dr. Shyam Sundar
Assistant Professor, DIET Daryaganj
Dr. Karamvir Singh
Assistant Professor, DIET Daryaganj
Contributors
Ms. Shujauddin Mr.Rajeev Jha
Asst. Professor, DIET Daryaganj, Delhi Asst. Professor, DIET Moti Bagh, Delhi
Ms. Geetika Ms. Neeru Puri
Asst. Professor, DIET Rajender Nagar, Delhi Mentor Teacher,
Ms. Supriya Dte of Edn, GNCT of Delhi
Mentor Teacher, Ms. Preeti Kaul
Dte of Edn, GNCT of Delhi Translator, Freelance
Ms. Manju Ms. Shweta Kumar
Learner English, GGSSS No.1 Najafgarh, Delhi TGT English, SKV Mohan Garden , Delhi
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Dr. Anil Kumar Teotia
Chairman
Acknowledgement
At the outset I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Sh Manish Sisodia, Hon’ble Deputy
Chief Minister and Minister of Education to the Government of the NCT of Delhi for his consistent
guidance and support in developing this document. I am grateful to Sh. H. Rajesh Prasad, Principal
Secretary (Education) to the Government of the NCT of Delhi for continuously motivating my team to
work untiringly in developing the translated version of the Happiness Curriculum Handbooks.
I am grateful to Sh. Himanshu Gupta, Director of Education, government of NCT of Delhi for
continues support in every endeavour of Happiness Classes. It gives me immense pleasure to be grateful to
Sh. Udit Prakash Rai, the then Director of Education to the government of NCT of Delhi as he has been
extending his unconditional support in materialising the vision of the Happiness Curriculum.
My sincere thanks are due to Sh. Rajanish Singh, Director, SCERT for guiding us and providing
necessary amenities for developing this material to be delivered at the international level. It would not have
been possible without the continuous support received from Dr Nahar Singh, Joint Director (SCERT), so
our gratitude is due to him equally.
We are grateful to Sh. A. Nagraj Ji, propounder of the philosophy called Madhyasth Darshan or Co-
existentialism. This Darshan is the core basis of the Happiness Curriculum. Besides, we are grateful to Sh.
Som Tyagi, who has been putting in his best efforts to build the capacity of team education of Delhi
My sincere thanks are due to Abhibhavak Vidyalaya, Raipur (Chhattisgarh), Abhyuday Sansthan,
Dhanora, Hapur (Uttar Pradesh), Abhyuday Sansthan, Achhoti, Raipur (Chhattisgarh) and Maanav
Teerth, Bemetra (Chhattisgarh) as these organisations have played a pivotal role in providing foundational
knowledge and skill for developing this material.
We are thankful to Mr. Shailander Sharma, Advisor to Director of Education, Govt. of NCT of Delhi
and Dr. B.P. Pandey, Nodal Officer Happiness Curriculum, Directorate of Education for their consistent
support & guidance at every moment.
I am grateful to the support staff and the ministerial staff for making the process smooth for creating
this document.
Last but not the least I am grateful to the members of the families, of the team involved in developing
handbooks, for their patience and cooperation and sparing the team for working in this pious task of
humanisation of education.
Thank you all
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Index
1. Mom’s Specs 98
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2. Learning is Happiness 100
4. Dilemma 104
7. Wheelchair 110
5. Cooperation 146
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9. Gift of Inventions 155
1. Gratitude 185
2. Affection 192
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Session 2.5 196
3. Care 200
4. Respect 202
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Brief Outline of Happiness Curriculum
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and one develops a deeper insight not only of the self, but also of others. Consequently, a happy being with
deeper insight tends to have greater inclination for self-discovery and lower self-deception.
The schools in India need to implement a curriculum which not only promotes development in
cognition, language, literacy, numeracy and the arts but also addresses wellbeing and happiness of the
students. Thus, a combination of building capabilities in scholastic areas of Literacy, Maths, Science and
other subjects with huge emphasis on co-scholastic skills of mindfulness, self-awareness, critical thinking,
reflection and inner-stability seem to be the need of the hour. Against this backdrop, the need to raise and
prepare future citizens who are mindful, aware, awakened, empathetic, firmly rooted in their identity with
wings that can help them thrive in this uncertain world, seems to be necessary now, more than ever before.
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In this context, we can see an increasing emphasis on building awareness and mindfulness amongst
learners around the world. Mindfulness is “paying attention in a particular way; on purpose, in the present
moment, non-judgmentally” (Jon Kabat Zinn, 1982). It is the practice of bringing attention to our thoughts,
feelings and actions as they arise from moment to moment.
Mindfulness is rooted in the science of cognitive neuroscience and child development. It is a highly
researched and proven practice by neuroscientists to enhance attention and self-regulation. The amygdala
is a region of the brain that determines how much stress we experience and is central in modulating our
fear responses. In a study conducted by the National Institute of Health, mindfulness meditation has been
shown to reduce the activity of the amygdala and even change the size of this area of the brain. Further,
mindfulness improves decision making, leads to greater emotional stability, abstract planning and less
reactivity. Regular short practice of mindfulness rewires the neural connections of the part of the brain
which enables us to feel happier, calmer, less anxious and stressed.
UNESCO’s fundamental principles (four pillars of learning) for reshaping education provide
guidelines for educators for fundamental aspects of learning. They are –
Learning to know: to provide the cognitive tools required to better comprehend the world and its
complexities, and to provide an appropriate and adequate foundation for future learning.
Learning to do: to provide the skills that would enable individuals to effectively participate in the
global economy and society.
Learning to be: to provide self-analytical and social skills to enable individuals to develop to their
fullest potential psychologically, affectively as well as physically, for an all-round complete person.
Learning to live together: to expose individuals to the values implicit within human rights,
democratic principles, intercultural understanding and respect and peace at all levels of society and human
relationships to enable individuals and societies to live in peace and harmony.
Aristotle is often cited to have said: ‘Happiness is the meaning and purpose of life, the whole aim
and end of human existence’ (Crisp, 2000) and that Happiness is the only self-sufficient achievement of
learning.” Indeed, all human endeavours, starting from birth and throughout life, are pursued to this end,
and require happiness to be embedded within them. Happiness is seen as something that is based on
positive friendships and strong relationships.
The need for interventions that provide meaningful experiences for present wellbeing and future
success appears indispensable. Dorothy Nolte says, ‘children learn what they live’, and it seems to be
something both theory and wisdom agree with. The quality of what children experience in their childhood
is a key determinant of how they learn develop and live.
Henceforth, taking a step further to address these long-term societal issues and issues of mental
health and wellbeing among students, the Delhi government has initiated this project on “Happiness
Curriculum” from Nursery to Vlll. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “If we want to reach real peace in this world,
we should start educating children.” Thus, the introduction of the Happiness Curriculum in schools is to
educate children to ensure harmony with their inner being and discover self in the process of learning. If
we inculcate happiness in the children right from their childhood, they will grow up to become stress-free
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and happier adults. This curriculum is just a stepping-stone towards establishing a better, positive and
vibrant society with happy individuals.
CONCEPT:
Happiness is the underlying aspiration behind every human activity. Indeed, there is unanimous
consensus among human beings. Is happiness something to be understood, experienced and achieved,
or does it just come to us at its own time? Do possibilities of happiness lie within us or outside? These are
questions that concern adults and children alike.
According to A.Nagraj (1999),’a state of no-conflict, synergy, or a state of being in acceptance is
happiness.’ He also stated that, when one is in harmony within and with the world outside, one experiences
absence of struggle or synergy, and feels the need to make this state sustainable and continuous. Further,
an inner state of happiness promotes factors that allow individuals, communities and societies to thrive
and flourish.
The concept of sustainable happiness was developed by O’Brien (2008). It is defined as “happiness
that contributes to individual, community or global well-being without exploiting other people, the
environment or future generations.”
Happiness at the outset can be seen to come from the fulfillment of our desires. Many of our desires
are to do with fulfillment through the five senses such as when we play a game, listen to pleasant music,
eat tasty meal, smell a flower, etc. The satisfaction we derive out of such actions is in the form of pleasure.
In addition to such sensory pleasures, we also experience happiness and satisfaction, when our desire for
feelings such as security, love, affection and care are fulfilled in all our relationships.
From a developmental perspective, as children grow up, their cognitive, psychomotor and affective
abilities develop further. As per Piaget’s theory of cognitive and affective development (1970), theoretical
and hypothetical thinking, and abstract reasoning start to develop. There is a strong desire to seek
knowledge, to understand the world and to find meaning and purpose.
A.Nagraj (1999) proposed a model for happiness, in which he addresses the four dimensions of
human living as an integrated form of the material, behavioral, intellectual & experiential aspects. These
correspond to our senses, feelings, learning (understanding) and awareness. Put together, these form a
‘Happiness Triad’. In other words, human beings seek fulfillment from all these aspects of living, which
correspondingly results in happiness, peace, satisfaction, etc. that together constitute ‘human happiness’:
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2. Feelings in relationships: Humans intrinsically desire sustained feelings of affection, care, love,
gratitude and values of trust, respect, confidence etc., in relationships with friends and environment.
When we feel affection, trust, respect or love for someone, satisfaction from such feelings stays with
us for a longer time. We say we feel happy, when we feel these positive emotions towards a person.
This is Deeper Happiness, to do with contentment and peace. Their impact on our inner state is
longer and helps us ‘be’ in a relationship.
3. Learning (change in behaviour according to constructive understanding) and Awareness: This
is to do with being aware of our thoughts, being mindful of our actions and having no conflicts
within. This happiness is what we experience when we solve a problem, learn something new,
understand a concept or some meaning that stays with us for a much longer period. Hence,
Sustainable Happiness, involves clarity of thought, deeper understanding of self, being able to
focus, being mindful, finding cause, purpose and interconnectedness in our living, etc.
Sustainable happiness that is born of such understanding is an antidote to social, emotional and
behavioural difficulties. A person who derives happiness from learning (constructive understanding
reflective from changed behaviour) and awareness and is able to sustain his/her happiness, is
balanced in the face of difficult situations and is able to retain a sense of calm and peace. This
individual will also be empathetic, compassionate and will be able to find meaning and purpose in
life.
Learning
and
Awareness
Harmony
Happiness in
Feelings
Through
the Senses
Mindfulness plays a key role in moving towards sustainable happiness. Mindfulness involves
acceptance, that is, paying attention to our thoughts and feelings without judging them- without believing,
for instance, that there’s a “right” or “wrong” way to think or feel in a given moment. In practicing
mindfulness, we become aware of our current thoughts and experiences, observe them carefully accept
them. This allows us to let go off our thoughts in order to attend to another present moment and experience.
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Today, learners are exposed to a high level of sensory happiness in its different varieties and forms.
This seems to have become the primary goal to attain in life. We hence see a thrust for higher incomes,
which education seeks to fulfill with intense levels of skill building. However, the crucial aspects of
harmony, feelings in relationships understanding and awareness are largely ignored in the current education
system. The focus is thus partial (only material) leaving the aspects of feelings/relationships and learning/
awareness unaddressed. The resulting happiness too, thus, tends to be partial and short lived. Thus, even a
highly skilled and competent individual can remain unhappy and dissatisfied, despite excellent academic
qualifications, due to conflicting emotions within and lack of clarity of lasting happiness.
This Happiness Curriculum seeks to bridge the above mentioned gap. It is an endeavour to guide the
attention of students towards exploring, experiencing and expressing happiness in not just the Momentary
but deeper and sustainable forms as well. This will enable the learner to comprehend happiness within self,
relationships and society. This will be a paradigm shift where a learner moves from searching happiness
externally from senses to be able to ensure it within oneself through learning and awareness and ensure
continuity of positive emotions and feelings.
3. SYLLABUS OUTLINE:
The curriculum outline is designed on the basis of the Happiness Triad. The overall purpose is
to support students in their journey to Sustainable Happiness through engagement in meaningful and
reflective activities. Regular happiness classes will enable students to reflect on the relationship between
their feelings, thoughts, behaviour and their impact on themselves, family, other people and natural
environment. The syllabus is universal and designed age appropriately. Like any other subject, students
(for classes l to Vlll) will have a happiness period every day. The Happiness Curriculum Teacher Manual
includes description of mindful activities, stories, activities and reflective questions. The intended outcome
is to enhance students’ level of awareness, mindfulness and deepen learning to lead a happier, meaningful
life
CLASS V
The happiness curriculum designed for Class III to V consists of developmentally age appropriate
mindfulness activities, evocative stories and reflective activities. The students learn to cooperate in group
settings, are more expressive and begin to develop their own point of view.
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2 Experiencing happiness in Happiness in Family:
relationships through Feelings 1. Trust, Respect
2. Gratitude and Care
3. Exploring Similarities and Uniqueness between others
and myself
Happiness in Teacher- Student relationship:
1. Respect
2. Gratitude
Happiness in peer relations:
1. Trust
2. Affection
3. Cooperation and Supportive behaviour
4. Communication and Collaboration
3 Happiness through Active 1. Creative expression of oneself
Participation 2. Communication and Collaboration
3. Joy in participation in school
4. Joy in participation in family
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Note For Teachers
Every human being wants to be happy irrespective of the caste, creed, religion, sex, area or a sect one
belongs to. Happiness is the ultimate desire of everyone. In spite of it when we ask someone weather
he or she stays happy all the times, the facial expression of the person gets changed. Different people
respond differently to this question. So there is a contradiction between the desire and the reality of life.
Everyone wants to be happy but everyone is not. In order to unfold this riddle and find an amicable and
universal solution to this typical question as to why one cannot be happy forever, the SCERT Delhi along
with dedicated educationists from non government sectors of the society has prepared this Happiness
Curriculum. Regular practice of the Happiness Curriculum in the class will not only help students to be
happy always but will also create interest in teaching learning process and students will start focusing on
their studies. The content of this curriculum has been divided into Mindfulness, Stories, Activities and
Expression. Happiness teachers are expected to practice with their students as per the guidelines given in
the Teacher’s Handbook.
Happiness can also be practiced and developed into a habit just like the practice of Science, Mathematics,
History, Language, etc. in a formal education system. Teaching and practice of Happiness in the classroom
might have been a ridiculous terminology two decades ago but now such practices are being undertaken
in various corners of the world. Through Happiness Curriculum, we try to imbibe into our students the
habit of being happy all the times and contribute towards the happiness of others.
In order to ensure the practice of happiness among students this subject has been introduced as a compulsory
subject at elementary school level in the govt schools of Delhi. Our happiness is primarily governed by
thoughts and feelings and state of mind. So the components of this curriculum address all these issues in
depth. The material in mindfulness section focuses on awareness where as the primary emphasis of story
section is to develop critical thinking among students. Activities focus on thoughtfulness and expression
section lays emphasis on the expression of human tendencies and feelings.
The content material of this Teacher’s Handbook has been divided into four sections:
1. Section 1: Mindfulness
2. Section 2: Story
3. Section 3: Activities
4. Section 4: Expression
During the mindfulness practice we become aware of our surroundings, our thoughts, feelings and
sensations. The regular practice of mindfulness help students perform better. They get emotional stability
and progress towards peace and happiness. Regular practice of mindfulness enables students not to react
in odd situations rather to respond after giving an in-depth thought to the various aspects of the concept.
This curriculum contains stories which are primarily deemed to bring desirable changes in the behaviour
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of students. These stories have been created and collected in order to make students think deeply and
Critically. The primary objective of the stories is to develop students into a better human being through
self evaluation.
The activities of Happiness Curriculum will help students learn about their role towards their self, family,
society and nature through games and activities. This will certainly develop better analytical ability, logical
reasoning and decision making among our students. This will further help them look at the universal
entities as they are. This curriculum is an attempt to create such an environment where happy and socially
useful human beings are developed.
Under the component of Expression every student will be provided with an opportunity to express one’s
feelings on the last day of the week. During this period they are sharing the positive changes in them.
Students will also share with their counterparts the positive changes coming into their own lives, so that
others get motivated. Questions under expression section have been designed in such a manner that these
questions help students to recognise the contribution of others into their own lives and to get motivated
to contribute into other’s lives. Teachers will observe the changes occurring in their students’ behaviour
during the entire process.
Weekly Schedule
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Daily Mindfulness Check-in and Check-out
• Everyday the Happiness class will begin and end up with mindfulness practice. On Monday or the
first working day of the week mindfulness activity will be undertaken as per the guidelines given
under this section in this handbook
• Mindful check-in will be for 2 to 3 minutes in the beginning of the class where the students will be
asked to focus on their breath. The primary purpose of mindful check-in is to prepare the class for
the daily routine.
• During the first few days the duration of mindful check-in should be kept 1 minute which can be
extended to 2 to 3 minutes in the due course. However on the first working day, which is generally
Monday, of the week, mindfulness activity will be undertaken as per the guidelines given in the
mindfulness section of this handbook.
• In mindfulness, on the days of stories or activities, students are supposed to be instructed to focus on
their breath only and no questions are to be asked on mindfulness on these days.
• During the check out students will be asked to sit silently for 1 to 2 minutes at the end of the class
and to focus on whatever had been done in the class during that period.
• Initially this practice can be started with 1 minute duration which can be extended to 2 minutes in
the due course.
• Teachers are emphatically requested to start everyday with mindful check-in and end up the happiness
class with mindful check out daily.
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Mindfulness Section
Note for Teachers: All teachers should read the chapter before taking a class on mindfulness. With the help
of this section chapter you will be able to take classes on mindfulness trough out the year
What is Mindfulness?
To understand this, read the sentence given below-
Are you mindful or mind-full?
• To be mindful means to be aware of the present moment.
• To be mind-full means to be stuck in different thoughts and to be unaware of the present
moment.
Therefore, Being aware of and focusing on the present moment is Mindfulness.
Mindfulness is the basis of Happiness
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Mindfulness has several benefits:
• Helps students maintain attention during class/studies.
• Helps to be attentive towards what the teacher is saying.
• Helps in being focused during studies at home/school.
• Improvement in understanding and learning.
• Helps in concentrating on any task,be it studies or anything else.
• Increases awareness span.
• Helps in putting a check on what we do, eat, speak or act which in turn keeps us aware of
whether our actions are justifiable or not.
Points to remember:
• Take care that students are not asked to chant a mantra or utter a word during this time.
• Don’t exercise any kind of pressure on students, be it non verbal or non verbal, during the
mindfulness/ happiness class. Eg, Scolding a student or using harsh words, etc.
• Ensure that all students participate in the discussion.
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Session 1: Introduction to Mindfulness
Distribution of time:
1. a. Mindfulness Check-in: 2 to 3 minutes
b. Discussion on Mindfulness: 10 minutes
2. Introduction to Mindfulness: 20 to 30 minutes
3. Silent check-out: 1 to 2 minutes
Objective: Through this activity teacher will prepare students to get ready
for the class.
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• Ask students to focus on when the breath is going in and when it is going out. Is there any
difference between the breath going in and breath going out? Is the breath cold or warm, fast
or slow, low or deep? (Wait for 20 seconds)
• Now ask students to slowly shift their focus to their sitting posture and open their eyes
whenever they feel comfortable
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Do’s and Don’ts
• Ask students to bring good articles on mindfulness that can be discussed in the class.
• Motivate all students to answer.
• Students who hesitate in sharing their experiences can write it down somewhere.
• Teacher should accept all answers of students.
Mindfulness Practice
Teacher can discuss with students in the following manner:
• “Welcome to the happiness class. As you all know last year in happiness class every week on
the first day you used to have a mindfulness class in the same way, every week on the first day
you will be doing different activities of mindfulness .”
• “Would anyone like to tell me what is mindfulness?”
• “Last year what did you gain after knowing about mindfulness?”
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• During studying students' focus is maintained in the class. While studying at school or home
students' focus improves.
• Improvement in paying attention to the teacher.
• Decrease in tension, sadness, stress, loneliness.
• If our attention is on the current task the task will get over soon, it will be done in a better
manner and without stress.
•••
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Session 2: Mindful Belly Breathing
Distribution of time:
1. a. Mindful Check-in: 3 to 5 minutes
b. Discussion on Mindfulness: 10 minutes
2. a. Mindful Belly Breathing: 5 minutes
b. Discussion on Mindful Belly Breathing: 15 minutes
3. Silent check-out: 2 minutes
Objective: Through this activity teacher will prepare students to get ready
for the class.
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• Ask students not to change their breathing patterns. Just be aware of their breathing. (Wait
for 10 seconds)
• Ask students to focus on when the breath is going in and when it is going out. Is there any
difference between the breath going in and breath going out? Is the breath cold or warm, fast
or slow, low or deep? (Wait for 20 seconds)
• Now ask students to slowly shift their focus to their sitting posture and open their eyes
whenever they feel comfortable.
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Do’s and Don’ts
• Ask students to bring good articles on mindfulness that can be discussed in the class.
• Motivate all students to answer.
• Students who hesitate in sharing their experiences can write it down somewhere.
• Teacher should accept all answers of students
Objective: The focus of students should stay on the in and out breath.
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2.b. Discussion on Mindful Belly Breathing: 15 minutes
•••
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Session 3: Temperature of the Breath
Distribution of time:
1. a. Mindful Check-in: 3 to 5 minutes
b. Discussion on Mindfulness: 10 minutes
2. a. Temperature of Breath: 5 minutes
b. Discussion on Temperature of Breath: 15 minutes
3. Silent check-out: 2 minutes
Objective: Through this activity teacher will prepare students to get ready
for the class.
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• Ask students not to change their breathing patterns. Just be aware of their breathing. (Wait
for 10 seconds)
• Ask students to focus on when the breath is going in and when it is going out. Is there any
difference between the breath going in and breath going out? Is the breath cold or warm, fast
or slow, low or deep? (Wait for 20 seconds)
• Now ask students to slowly shift their focus to their sitting posture and open their eyes
whenever they feel comfortable.
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Do’s and Don’ts
• Ask students to bring good articles on mindfulness that can be discussed in the class.
• Motivate all students to answer.
• Students who hesitate in sharing their experiences can write it down somewhere.
• Teacher should accept all answers of students
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Proposed points of discussion following the activity:
• How did the in breath feel? (Cool or warm)
• How did the out breath feel? (Cool or warm)
• What new did you learn about your breathing?
• How did you feel after knowing about your breathing?
•••
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Session 4: Mindful Listening I
Distribution of time:
1. a. Mindful Check-in: 3 to 5 minutes
b. Discussion on Mindfulness: 10 minutes
2. a. Mindful Listening: 5 minutes
b. Discussion on Mindful Listening: 15 minutes
3. Silent check-out: 2 minutes
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• Ask students not to change their breathing patterns. Just be aware of their breathing. (Wait
for 10 seconds)
• Ask students to focus on when the breath is going in and when it is going out. Is there any
difference between the breath going in and breath going out? Is the breath cold or warm, fast
or slow, low or deep? (Wait for 20 seconds)
• Now ask students to slowly shift their focus to their sitting posture and open their eyes
whenever they feel comfortable.
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Do’s and Don’ts
• Ask students to bring good articles on mindfulness that can be discussed in the class.
• Motivate all students to answer.
• Students who hesitate in sharing their experiences can write it down somewhere.
• Teacher should accept all answers of students
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• Teacher should accept all answers and should not categorise them as right or wrong.
• Teacher can get this activity done many times with different set of students.
•••
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Session 5: Mindful Listening II
Distribution of time:
1. a. Mindful Check-in: 3 to 5 minutes
b. Discussion on Mindfulness: 10 minutes
2. a. Mindful Listening II: 5 minutes
b. Discussion on Mindful Listening II: 15 minutes
3. Silent check-out: 2 minutes
Objective: Through this activity teacher will prepare students to get ready
for the class.
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• Ask students not to change their breathing patterns. Just be aware of their breathing. (Wait
for 10 seconds)
• Ask students to focus on when the breath is going in and when it is going out. Is there any
difference between the breath going in and breath going out? Is the breath cold or warm, fast
or slow, low or deep? (Wait for 20 seconds)
• Now ask students to slowly shift their focus to their sitting posture and open their eyes
whenever they feel comfortable.
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Do’s and Don’ts
• Ask students to bring good articles on mindfulness that can be discussed in the class.
• Motivate all students to answer.
• Students who hesitate in sharing their experiences can write it down somewhere.
• Teacher should accept all answers of students
Objective: Students will be able to focus on the sounds coming from the
surroundings.
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Get this activity done for 2 to 3 minutes.
•••
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Session 6: Mindful Seeing I
Distribution of time:
1. a. Mindful Check-in: 3 to 5 minutes
b. Discussion on Mindfulness: 10 minutes
2. a. Mindful Seeing-I: 5 minutes
b. Discussion on Mindful Seeing-I: 15 minutes
3. Silent check-out: 2 minutes
Objective: Through this activity teacher will prepare students to get ready
for the class.
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• Ask students not to change their breathing patterns. Just be aware of their breathing. (Wait
for 10 seconds)
• Ask students to focus on when the breath is going in and when it is going out. Is there any
difference between the breath going in and breath going out? Is the breath cold or warm, fast
or slow, low or deep? (Wait for 20 seconds)
• Now ask students to slowly shift their focus to their sitting posture and open their eyes
whenever they feel comfortable.
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Do’s and Don’ts
• Ask students to bring good articles on mindfulness that can be discussed in the class.
• Motivate all students to answer.
• Students who hesitate in sharing their experiences can write it down somewhere.
• Teacher should accept all answers of students
Objective: To prepare the students to see the things with focus around
them.
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3. Silent Check-out: 2 Minutes
•••
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Session 7: Mindful Seeing II
Distribution of time:
1. a. Mindful Check-in: 3 to 5 minutes
b. Discussion on Mindfulness: 10 minutes
2. a. Mindful Seeing-II: 5 minutes
b. Discussion on Mindful Seeing-II: 15 minutes
3. Silent check out: 2 minutes
Objective: Through this activity teacher will prepare students to get ready
for the class.
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• Ask students not to change their breathing patterns. Just be aware of their breathing. (Wait
for 10 seconds)
• Ask students to focus on when the breath is going in and when it is going out. Is there any
difference between the breath going in and breath going out? Is the breath cold or warm, fast
or slow, low or deep? (Wait for 20 seconds)
• Now ask students to slowly shift their focus to their sitting posture and open their eyes
whenever they feel comfortable.
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Do’s and Don’ts
• Ask students to bring good articles on mindfulness that can be discussed in the class.
• Motivate all students to answer.
• Students who hesitate in sharing their experiences can write it down somewhere.
• Teacher should accept all answers of students
Objective: To prepare the students to see the things with focus around
them.
Teacher in the class can take students’ attention to different perspectives about any object.
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2.b. Discussion on Mindful Seeing-II: 15 minutes
•••
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Session 8: Mindful Seeing III
Distribution of time:
1. a. Mindful Check-in: 3 to 5 minutes
b. Discussion on Mindfulness: 10 minutes
2. a. Mindful Seeing-III: 5 minutes
b. Discussion on Mindful Seeing-III: 15 minutes
3. Silent check-out: 2 minutes
Objective: Through this activity teacher will prepare students to get ready
for the class.
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• Ask students not to change their breathing patterns. Just be aware of their breathing. (Wait
for 10 seconds)
• Ask students to focus on when the breath is going in and when it is going out. Is there any
difference between the breath going in and breath going out? Is the breath cold or warm, fast
or slow, low or deep? (Wait for 20 seconds)
• Now ask students to slowly shift their focus to their sitting posture and open their eyes
whenever they feel comfortable.
42
Do’s and Don’ts
• Ask students to bring good articles on mindfulness that can be discussed in the class.
• Motivate all students to answer.
• Students who hesitate in sharing their experiences can write it down somewhere.
• Teacher should accept all answers of students.
Objective: To prepare the students to see the things with focus around
them.
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2.b. Discussion on Mindful Seeing-III: 15 minutes
•••
44
Session 9: Mindful Drawing
Distribution of time:
1. a. Mindful Check-in: 3 to 5 minutes
b. Discussion on Mindfulness: 10 minutes
2. a. Mindful Drawing: 5 minutes
b. Discussion on Mindful Drawing: 15 minutes
3. Silent check-out: 2 minutes
Objective: Through this activity teacher will prepare students to get ready
for the class.
45
• Ask students not to change their breathing patterns. Just be aware of their breathing. (Wait
for 10 seconds)
• Ask students to focus on when the breath isgoing in and when it is going out. Is there any
difference between the breath going in and breath going out? Is the breath cold or warm, fast
or slow, low or deep? (Wait for 20 seconds)
• Now ask students to slowly shift their focus to their sitting posture and open their eyes
whenever they feel comfortable.
46
Do’s and Don’ts
• Ask students to bring good articles on mindfulness that can be discussed in the class.
• Motivate all students to answer.
• Students who hesitate in sharing their experiences can write it down somewhere.
• Teacher should accept all answers of students.
Note for Teachers: Teachers should accept all answers and they don’t have to judge them as right or wrong
or give feedback.
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• No instructions to be given during this period.
• Students can choose to close their eyes or lower their gaze.
•••
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Session 10: Mindful Smelling
Distribution of time:
1. a. Mindful Check-in: 3 to 5 minutes
b. Discussion on Mindfulness: 10 minutes
2. a. Mindful Smelling: 5 minutes
b. Discussion on Mindful Smelling: 15 minutes
3. Silent check out: 2 minutes
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• Ask students not to change their breathing patterns. Just be aware of their breathing. (Wait
for 10 seconds)
• Ask students to focus on when the breath is going in and when it is going out. Is there any
difference between the breath going in and breath going out? Is the breath cold or warm, fast
or slow, low or deep? (Wait for 20 seconds)
• Now ask students to slowly shift their focus to their sitting posture and open their eyes
whenever they feel comfortable.
50
Do’s and Don’ts
• Ask students to bring good articles on mindfulness that can be discussed in the class.
• Motivate all students to answer.
• Students who hesitate in sharing their experiences can write it down somewhere.
• Teacher should accept all answers of students.
• The teacher tells students that they shall practice mindful seeing for which they will focus on
various smells coming from their surroundings.
• The teacher asks students to sit comfortably and close their eyes, inhale 2-3 long deep breaths
through their nose and breathe exhale through their mouth.
• With the next breath take your attention to the smells present in your surroundings.
• Keep your focus on the smell and explore how does it make you feel?. How do you feel when
you smell it?
• Do you feel any particular emotion due to a smell? Try to stay with that emotion. (teachers
wait for 30 seconds)
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• The teacher tells the students to bring back their focus on the smell, if it has shifted somewhere
else
• The teacher asks students to open their eyes whenever they feel comfortable.
52
• No instructions to be given during this period.
• Students can choose to close their eyes or lower their gaze.
•••
53
Session 11: Mindful Standing
Distribution of time:
1. a. Mindful Check-in: 3 to 5 minutes
b. Discussion on Mindfulness: 10 minutes
2. a. Mindful Standing: 5 minutes
b. Discussion on Mindful Standing: 15 minutes
3. Silent check out: 2 minutes
Objective: Through this activity teacher will prepare students to get ready
for the class.
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• Ask students not to change their breathing patterns. Just be aware of their breathing. (Wait
for 10 seconds)
• Ask students to focus on when the breath is going in and when it is going out. Is there any
difference between the breath going in and breath going out? Is the breath cold or warm, fast
or slow, low or deep? (Wait for 20 seconds)
• Now ask students to slowly shift their focus to their sitting posture and open their eyes
whenever they feel comfortable.
55
Do’s and Don’ts
• Ask students to bring good articles on mindfulness that can be discussed in the class.
• Motivate all students to answer.
• Students who hesitate in sharing their experiences can write it down somewhere.
• Teachers should accept all answers of students.
56
Do’s and Don’ts
• Motivate all students to answer.
• The teacher must accept all the answers given by students.
• The teacher must respect all the thoughts of students and should not give any negative
feedback.
•••
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Session 12: Mindful Walking
Distribution of time:
1. a. Mindful Check-in: 3 to 5 minutes
b. Discussion on Mindfulness: 10 minutes
2. a. Mindful Walking: 5 minutes
b. Discussion on Mindful Walking: 15 minutes
3. Silent check out: 2 minutes
Objective: Through this activity teacher will prepare students to get ready
for the class.
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• Ask students not to change their breathing pattern. Just be aware of their breathing. (Wait for
10 seconds)
• Ask students to focus on when the breath is coming in and when it is going out. Is there any
difference between the breath going in and breath going out? Is the breath cold or warm, fast
or slow, low or deep? (Wait for 20 seconds)
• Now ask students to slowly shift their focus to their sitting posture and open their eyes
whenever they feel comfortable.
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Do’s and Don’ts
• Ask students to bring good articles on mindfulness that can be discussed in the class.
• Motivate all students to answer.
• Students who hesitate in sharing their experiences can write it down somewhere.
• Teachers should accept all answers of students.
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2.b. Discussion on Mindful Walking: 15 minutes
Note for Teachers: Teachers should accept all answers given by students and not to judge them as right or
wrong.
•••
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Session 13: Heartbeat
Distribution of time:
1. a. Mindful Check-in: 3 to 5 minutes
b. Discussion on Mindfulness: 10 minutes
2. a. Heartbeat: 5 minutes
b. Discussion on Heartbeat: 15 minutes
3. Silent check out: 2 minutes
Objective: Through this activity teacher will prepare students to get ready
for the class.
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• Ask students not to change their breathing patterns. Just be aware of their breathing. (Wait
for 10 seconds)
• Ask students to focus on when the breath is going in and when it is going out. Is there any
difference between the breath going in and breath going out? Is the breath cold or warm, fast
or slow, low or deep? (Wait for 20 seconds)
• Now ask students to slowly shift their focus to their sitting posture and open their eyes
whenever they feel comfortable.
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Do’s and Don’ts
• Ask students to bring good articles on mindfulness that can be discussed in the class.
• Motivate all students to answer.
• Students who hesitate in sharing their experiences can write it down somewhere.
• Teacher should accept all answers of students.
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Do’s and Don’ts
• If any student feels uncomfortable while jumping then there should be no pressure on them
to do so.
•••
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Session 14: Mindfulness of Feelings I
Distribution of time:
1. a. Mindful Check-in: 3 to 5 minutes
b. Discussion on Mindfulness: 10 minutes
2. a. Mindfulness of Feelings-I: 5 minutes
b. Discussion on Mindfulness of Feelings-I: 15 minutes
3. Silent check out: 2 minutes
Objective: Through this activity teacher will prepare students to get ready
for the class.
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• Ask students not to change their breathing patterns. Just be aware of their breathing. (Wait
for 10 seconds)
• Ask students to focus on when the breath is going in and when it is going out. Is there any
difference between the breath going in and breath going out? Is the breath cold or warm, fast
or slow, low or deep? (Wait for 20 seconds)
• Now ask students to slowly shift their focus to their sitting posture and open their eyes
whenever they feel comfortable.
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Do’s and Don’ts
• Ask students to bring good articles on mindfulness that can be discussed in the class.
• Motivate all students to answer.
• Students who hesitate in sharing their experiences can write it down somewhere.
• Teacher should accept all answers of students.
Objective:
• To identify the feelings.
• To discuss about the feelings and understand them better.
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Do’s and Don’ts
• Create a safe environment. Accept and respect each student’s feelings.
• Don’t show any appreciation for positive thinking or behaviour.
• Don’t be biased and judgemental.
•••
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Session 15: Mindfulness of Feelings II
Distribution of time:
1. a. Mindful Check-in: 3 to 5 minutes
b. Discussion on Mindfulness: 10 minutes
2. a. Mindfulness of Feelings-II: 5 minutes
b. Discussion on Mindfulness of Feelings-II: 15 minutes
3. Silent check out: 2 minutes
Objective: Through this activity teacher will prepare students to get ready
for the class.
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• Ask students not to change their breathing patterns. Just be aware of their breathing. (Wait
for 10 seconds)
• Ask students to focus on when the breath is going in and when it is going out. Is there any
difference between the breath going in and breath going out? Is the breath cold or warm, fast
or slow, low or deep? (Wait for 20 seconds)
• Now ask students to slowly shift their focus to their sitting posture and open their eyes
whenever they feel comfortable.
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Do’s and Don’ts
• Ask students to bring good articles on mindfulness that can be discussed in the class.
• Motivate all students to answer.
• Students who hesitate in sharing their experiences can write it down somewhere.
• Teacher should accept all answers of students.
Objective:
• To identify the feelings.
• To discuss about the feelings and understand them better.
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2.b. Discussion on Mindfulness of Feelings II: 15 minutes
•••
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Session 16: Breathing Colours
Distribution of time:
1. a. Mindful Check-in: 3 to 5 minutes
b. Discussion on Mindfulness: 10 minutes
2. a. Breathing Colours: 5 minutes
b. Discussion on Breathing Colours: 15 minutes
3. Silent check out: 2 minutes
Objective: Through this activity teacher will prepare students to get ready
for the class.
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• Ask students not to change their breathing patterns. Just be aware of their breathing. (Wait
for 10 seconds)
• Ask students to focus on when the breath is going in and when it is going out. Is there any
difference between the breath going in and breath going out? Is the breath cold or warm, fast
or slow, low or deep? (Wait for 20 seconds)
• Now ask students to slowly shift their focus to their sitting posture and open their eyes
whenever they feel comfortable.
75
Do’s and Don’ts
• Ask students to bring good articles on mindfulness that can be discussed in the class.
• Motivate all students to answer.
• Students who hesitate in sharing their experiences can write it down somewhere.
• Teacher should accept all answers of students.
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2.b. Discussion on Breathing Colours: 15 minutes
•••
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Session 17: Happy Experiences
Distribution of time:
1. a. Mindful Check-in: 3 to 5 minutes
b. Discussion on Mindfulness: 10 minutes
2. a. Happy Experiences: 5 minutes
b. Discussion on Happy Experiences: 15 minutes
3. Silent check out: 2 minutes
Objective: Through this activity teacher will prepare students to get ready
for the class.
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• Ask students not to change their breathing patterns. Just be aware of their breathing. (Wait
for 10 seconds)
• Ask students to focus on when the breath is going in and when it is going out. Is there any
difference between the breath going in and breath going out? Is the breath cold or warm, fast
or slow, low or deep? (Wait for 20 seconds)
• Now ask students to slowly shift their focus to their sitting posture and open their eyes
whenever they feel comfortable.
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Do’s and Don’ts
• Ask students to bring good articles on mindfulness that can be discussed in the class.
• Motivate all students to answer.
• Students who hesitate in sharing their experiences can write it down somewhere.
• Teacher should accept all answers of students.
80
2.b. Discussion on Happy Experiences: 15 minutes
•••
81
Session 18: Word Association
Distribution of time:
1. a. Mindful Check-in: 3 to 5 minutes
b. Discussion on Mindfulness: 10 minutes
2. a. Word Association: 5 minutes
b. Discussion on Word Association: 15 minutes
3. Silent check out: 2 minutes
Objective: Through this activity teacher will prepare students to get ready
for the class.
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• Ask students not to change their breathing patterns. Just be aware of their breathing. (Wait
for 10 seconds)
• Ask students to focus on when the breath is going in and when it is going out. Is there any
difference between the breath going in and breath going out? Is the breath cold or warm, fast
or slow, low or deep? (Wait for 20 seconds)
• Now ask students to slowly shift their focus to their sitting posture and open their eyes
whenever they feel comfortable.
83
Do’s and Don’ts
• Ask students to bring good articles on mindfulness that can be discussed in the class.
• Motivate all students to answer.
• Students who hesitate in sharing their experiences can write it down somewhere.
• Teacher should accept all answers of students.
84
Do’s and Don’ts
• Teachers should use a calm voice when giving instructions.
• If any student does not want to do this activity then don’t force them to do.
•••
85
Session 19: Mindfulness of Thoughts
Distribution of time:
1. a. Mindful Check-in: 3 to 5 minutes
b. Discussion on Mindfulness: 10 minutes
2. a. Mindfulness of Thoughts: 5 minutes
b. Discussion on Mindfulness of Thoughts: 15 minutes
3. Silent check out: 2 minutes
Objective: Through this activity teacher will prepare students to get ready
for the class.
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• Ask students not to change their breathing patterns. Just be aware of their breathing. (Wait
for 10 seconds)
• Ask students to focus on when the breath is going in and when it is going out. Is there any
difference between the breath going in and breath going out? Is the breath cold or warm, fast
or slow, low or deep? (Wait for 20 seconds)
• Now ask students to slowly shift their focus to their sitting posture and open their eyes
whenever they feel comfortable.
87
Do’s and Don’ts
• Ask students to bring good articles on mindfulness that can be discussed in the class.
• Motivate all students to answer.
• Students who hesitate in sharing their experiences can write it down somewhere.
• Teacher should accept all answers of students.
88
2.b. Discussion on Mindfulness of Thoughts: 15 minutes
89
Steps of the Process:
• The class should be concluded with silent sitting for 1-2 minutes
• During this silent sitting, students will reflect upon the activities done throughout the class
• No instructions to be given during this period.
• Students can choose to close their eyes or lower their gaze.
•••
90
Session 20: Thoughts as Traffic
Distribution of time:
1. a. Mindful Check-in: 3 to 5 minutes
b. Discussion on Mindfulness: 10 minutes
2. a. Thoughts as Traffic: 5 minutes
b. Thoughts as Traffic: 15 minutes
3. Silent check out: 2 minutes
Objective: Through this activity teacher will prepare students to get ready
for the class.
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• Ask students not to change their breathing patterns. Just be aware of their breathing. (Wait
for 10 seconds)
• Ask students to focus on when the breath is going in and when it is going out. Is there any
difference between the breath going in and breath going out? Is the breath cold or warm, fast
or slow, low or deep? (Wait for 20 seconds)
• Now ask students to slowly shift their focus to their sitting posture and open their eyes
whenever they feel comfortable.
92
Do’s and Don’ts
• Ask students to bring good articles on mindfulness that can be discussed in the class.
• Motivate all students to answer.
• Students who hesitate in sharing their experiences can write it down somewhere.
• Teacher should accept all answers of students.
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2.b. Discussion on Thoughts as Traffic: 15 minutes
94
Do’s and Don’ts
• Teachers should not ask any questions at the end.
• If any student wants to share his/her experience, the teachers should give them a chance for
the same.
•••
95
Story Section
Story has been the most popular pedagogy of teaching since humans started to speak. We present
our point of view or learning to others in the form of a story. It has been used in the classrooms abundantly
and students focus on the content easily, which is narrated to them through a story. They love listening to
stories told by parents and grandparents, and love repeating them too.
While creating the content for ‘Happiness Curriculum’, the question about selection of stories was quite
pertinent. We all have been listening to stories of fantasy in which the characters are imaginative. Animals
speak, plants think and walk etc. Such stories have not been included in the happiness curriculum. The
reason behind this is that we want our students to relate to the situations and characters of the story and
develop some qualities with the help of motivational stories included in it. Each story connects to the
day to day situations of students. Some of these stories contain dialogues among elderly which give the
students a chance to think and reflect appropriately.
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similar situations at home or in the neighborhood and take the discussion of the class to their
families and friends.
• Instructions to be given for the second day have been provided at the end of each story.
Students must be provided the opportunity to reflect upon and for discussion accordingly.
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1. Mom’s Specs
STORY
Mridu’s maa ,with her spectacles on, was stitching a suit for Mridu
Direction of Discussion:
since morning. It was Mridu’s birthday after all. Mridu, a brilliant
We all are busy in fulfilling
child, always cared for her mother. She participated in all the activities
our basic needs and forget
of school very enthusiastically.
to pay attention to our
relationships. We also Mridu’s mother had to go for the ‘Parents Teacher Meeting’ after
become ignorant of the stitching the suit.
troubles and challenges our Quickly she finished the suit and started for Mridu’s school to attend
beloved ones pass through. the meeting. There she met Mridu’s class teacher. She said that all the
We also forget what they annual day participants were given some prize money and when asked
expect from us. We will try where they had spent that money, someone said,’’ I bought a video
to sensitise the students with game”. The other said, ‘’I bought a cricket bat”. Someone said, ‘I bought
the help of discussion. a lovely doll”. Other one said,’’ I bought books for myself ”.
The discussion should bring Mridu was lost in her dreams. When I asked her what she was thinking
students’ attention to their about, and where she spent that money, she said,” my mother does
usefulness at their homes. tailoring work and without specs, she faces a lot of problems. She
Recognising this usefulness sometimes pricks her finger because of low vision. She takes a lot of
will ultimately make them time in threading the needle. I bought specs for my mother”.
happy.
When I said that your father also could get the specs for your maa, she
replied,” papa has told her many times but maa always postpones it to
next month”.
Her mother felt delighted to hear about her daughter’s thoughtfulness. She proudly wore those specs there.
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Day 1: Questions for Discussion
• Name some things that you know your family members need, but they don’t have them.
• Has it happened to you that you wanted to buy something of your choice but your parents did not
buy it for you? What could be the reason for doing so?
• Give an example from your life when your parents have given up something to get something else
for you
• How is it decided in your house what to buy first and what to buy later?
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
Day 2:
Begin the class with Mindful Breathing for 2-3 minutes.
• The recapitulation has to be done by the students; the teacher can help them, if needed. Students
may discuss in small groups based on the feedback received from their homes.
• The previous day’s questions can be discussed with the remaining students again (who hadn’t
answered in the last session).
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
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2. Learning is Happiness
STORY
Suraj, a fourteen year old boy roamed about in the village and wasted
Direction of Discussion:
his time. He did not enjoy going to his fields. If someone asked him to
Students are expected to live
get something from the market, he simply ignored it.
what they have learnt. With
the help of discussion, their If people asked him why he doesn’t go to school, his reply would be,”
attention would be brought huh, I go there but there is no use of studying”.
to the fact that learning in One day when his father was talking to labourers about how much
school and understanding/ paint would be required to paint the walls of their house, they were
realising our duties towards arguing on the issue. Suraj remembered mathematics class when his
family and society is more teacher taught him how to calculate perimeter. With this thought, he
important than scoring suddenly stood up and brought his maths book. After turning a few
good marks. It gives us trust, pages and looking at the formula of perimeter, Suraj could understand
respect and happiness. it and quickly calculated the amount of paint required for the job and
said, two litres would be required.
His father was surprised and proud of him at that moment. Suraj was happy and enjoyed the moment too.
At that very moment he heard his mother telling his sister, “Leela, please keep the pan on the gas stove to
cook the vegetable for lunch.
To this Suraj said,” please use the pressure cooker for cooking because it saves the fuel and preserves the
nutrition value of the vegetables”.
His mother appreciated his advice and replied,” Thank you son for reminding”.
That day, Suraj realized that our learnings in school help us in our day to day lives and also become a reason
for happiness. He told his mother that he will go to school regularly.
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Day 1: Questions for Discussion
• When you learn something new in school, with whom do you talk about it?
• Share something that you learnt from the school and how it helped you outside the class.
• What learning did you share with your family members which proved to be useful for them?
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
Day 2:
Begin the class with mindful breathing for 2-3 minutes.
• A recapitulation of the story by the students. The teacher may help in revising it. Students may
have discussions in smaller groups on the basis of feedback from their homes.
• The questions of Day 1 can be asked from those students who did not answer the previous day.
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
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3. Raju’s Intent
Objective: Students would understand that while doing good they must
also be aware and alert about the surrounding so that no harm is caused
to anyone.
STORY
Raju was very fond of plants, birds and animals. There was a peepal
Direction of Discussion: We tree near his house. Birds had built a nest on the tree. One day
generally forget if our deeds are the wind blew so fast that the nest fell down. While coming back
causing harm to others by any from school Raju saw the nest on the ground. He could see two
chance, for which ultimately little baby birds (chicks) also in the nest. Their mother was chirping
someone else ends up paying. loudly near the fallen nest. Raju felt pity for the bird. He put down
During the discussion, we would his bag and took off his white shirt. He then picked up the nest and
help the students to do their put it back on the branch of the tree.
work in a relaxed way so that it
may not cause harm to others. Rohit,a friend of Raju, saw him doing all this. He asked Raju,” Why
did you take off your shirt on the road? You could have done that
job with the shirt.
Raju told him, “ If I had climbed the tree by wearing my white shirt, it could have been soiled. My mother
does a lot of hard work and I didn’t want to give her much trouble.”
Rohit appreciated his friend’s idea by patting his back and both friends headed towards their homes.
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Day 1: Questions for Discussion
• Has it ever happened with you that you wanted to help someone and spoilt your clothes in the
process? What reactions from parents or grandparents did you face when you reached home?
• Has it ever happened that you tried to help someone but because of your being inattentive you
caused harm to something?
• Narrate an incident of someone helping somebody but it caused some harm or damage to that
person.
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
Day 2:
Begin the class with Mindful Breathing for 2-3 minutes.
• A recapitulation of the story by the students. The teacher may help in revising it. Students may
have discussions in smaller groups on the basis of feedback received from their homes.
• The questions of Day 1 can be asked from those students who did not answer the previous day.
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
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4. Dilemma
STORY
Today the English exam papers were shown to students in the class.
Direction of Discussion: Everyone was calculating his/ her marks. Meena also calculated her
We have taken education marks. This was the third time that she was adding and turning pages
as only reading and writing frantically. The teacher had given her 37 marks instead of 34 marks by
whereas it has an objective of mistake. She calculated one more time and now she was sure that she
making a good human being. had been given more marks due to miscalculation.
Then only the decision can
be taken rationally. We feel She thought of telling her teacher, but then she knew her marks would
happy when we do so. drop down.
Education would be a success Finally she decided to tell this to the teacher . She was about to get up
if we become good humans and go but Mamta,who was sitting next to Meena, stopped her from
and contribute towards a doing so. She could, by now, make out the situation that Meena had
wonderful society been given more marks. She told Meena,” Why do you want to go and
get your marks deducted? Sit quietly.”
Meena stopped for a moment but then said,’’ I would like to be honest
than getting more marks. She went to the teacher and said,” My total comes to 34 marks but you have given
me 37 marks”. The teacher was happy at her honesty. She took her copy and started to write something on
it.
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Day 1: Questions for Discussion
• What do you think Meena’s teacher might have written on her paper?
• Has this ever happened to you? What did you do?
• Share a situation when you were in a fix whether to tell someone or not. How did you take that
decision?
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
Day 2:
Begin the class with Mindful Breathing for 2-3 minutes.
• A recapitulation of the story by the students. The teacher may help in revising it. Students may
have discussions in smaller groups on the basis of received feedback from their homes.
• Questions of Day 1 can be asked from those students who did not answer the previous day.
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
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5. Problem or Solution
STORY
Akram would get nervous and start crying whenever faced with a
Direction of Discussion:
problem. His father never appreciated this behaviour. He wanted
Most of the time we get
Akram to face the problems in a better way and find their solutions.
nervous when we face some
problem. These problems One day he saw Akram crying. He went to him, gently caressed his
seem hard to overcome. We head and asked,” Why are you crying?”
generally blame ourselves or Akram replied,” I didn’t go to school last week because I had a fever and
others for the situation. We couldn’t complete my homework. I borrowed Surjeet’s notebook to do
shall be in a better position if my work and when I was doing my work I spilt milk on his notebook
we focus on finding various and it got spoilt.` Father tried to console him,” Crying will not help in
alternatives to deal with the mending the notebook. But if you think with a calm mind, you may
problem find a solution because we always have the solution to our problems.”
With regular efforts, our Akram asked,” Do we really have the solution to our problems?”
problems shall turn into
challenges and we would be Yes, every problem has a solution. We should look at a problem from all
able to handle our problems the angles which might help us in getting many alternatives. Now you
thereby becoming happy on tell me what solutions do you see to your problem.”
finding the solution. Akram thought for a few moments and said,”I will not go to school for
a few days and Surjeet might forget that I have taken his notebook.”
Noticing his father’s expressions he quickly changed the statement and
said,” I’ll tell Surjeet that I have lost his notebook.”
Again, after a while he said, “Papa, the best solution would be to do his work in a new copy and tell him
about the whole incident. I shall hand over the new notebook to him”.
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Quickly, he took out a new copy from his drawer and started to do the work. His father went out smiling.
While Akram was doing the work, Surjeet came to him. After listening to the whole story he said,” Whatever
happened was not your fault. You have already done half of the work and rest of it I’ll do myself.
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
Day 2:
Begin the class with Mindful Breathing for 2-3 minutes.
• The recapitulation has to be done by students; the teacher can help them, if needed.
• Students may talk in small groups on the basis of the feedback received from home
• The previous day’s discussion questions can be used with the remaining students again (who
hadn’t answered the previous day).
• Do you feel happy when you find a solution to a problem? Give examples.
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
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6. Little Yet Significant Things
STORY
It was the third day that Azra didn’t come to school. The class teacher
Direction of Discussion:
got worried about her. She called Azra’s mom. Her mother said that
If all of us could understand
Azra was not well and the doctor has advised rest for another five days.
our role and responsibility
towards our family, school, The teacher thought that Azra will have a loss of five days of study. She
society and then earth would wanted some solution to this suffer, so she put all this in front of the
remain suitable for living in class. And said,” We all should help Azra”.
a harmonious way. We must
As soon as she finished her talk, Geetu stood up and said, “Teacher,
maintain an environment for
I live near her house. I’ll help her. A few days ago I too fell sick and
the growth of everyone. We
Bunti helped me with my work. The Teacher asked,” How will you help
should promote cooperation
Azra?”.
over competition.
Geetu replied,” I’ll help her by sharing all that I will learn in class and
also help her in doing her homework”.
All the students in the class liked the way Geetu came up with the idea. The teacher also praised Geetu. She
advised Geetu to tell his plan to his parents at home.
Geetu did the same. He helped Azra in every way with her mother’s permission. The teacher too enquired
about Azra’s progress daily..
Azra joined the school after a week. She thanked Geetu for helping her in front of everyone. The class was
delighted when Azra announced,” I’ll be the first one to help anyone in need”. The class teacher said,” We
can help each other anytime not only at the time of need”.
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Day 1: Questions for Discussion
• Has it ever happened to you that you had to take a long leave? How did you finish your work in
such a situation?
• How Geetu must have adjusted her timetable to help Azra? Think and share.
• Have you helped anyone at the time of need? What did you do and how?
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
Day 2:
Begin the class with Mindful Breathing for 2-3 minutes.
• A recapitulation of the story by the students. The teacher may help in revising it. Students may
have discussion in smaller groups on the basis of received feedback from their homes.
• The questions of day 1 can be asked from those students who did not answer the previous day.
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
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7. Wheelchair
STORY
Two friends, Roopam and Kanchan lived nearby. Roopam
Direction of Discussion: We are
would sit in her wheelchair and roam around to see Kanchan
able to understand our utility when
and other students go to school. She thought,‘‘I wish, I could go
we are helpful to others and this way
to school like them”.
we get happiness too. We should not
be busy with our own work in such On the other hand, Kanchan would think about Roopam not
a manner that we become unaware going to school. How much she wished for Roopam to go to
of the requirements (needs) of school.
others. Many times people are not
One day, she mustered the courage to ask Roopam. She replied
in a position to disclose their needs
that she suffered from polio when she was very small and was
to others so as to not disturb them.
crippled. Her wish to attend school could not be fulfilled.
Being aware in such situations
and assuring others about your A few days later, the teacher told everyone to bring the students
availability when required is crucial. of their respective localities to school. Kanchan told the teacher
about Roopam and asked if Roopam could also join the school.
If we are able to develop the feeling
of ‘ let live and live’ instead of ‘live The teacher said,” Why not, every child has the right to
and let live’ then everybody would education”. Kanchan was happy to know this.
think about others’ comfort. An That day she went to Roopam in the evening and told her that
appropriate environment would be she will take her to school the next day.
available for all to live.
The next day, Roopam went to school with Kanchan and got
admission there. All the students in the class welcomed her and
helped her in all the possible ways.
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While sitting in the class, Roopam thought,” I always considered this wheelchair to be my only friend and
thought that no one would help me. Here all the students are so good and helpful.”
As the school got over; Anjali, Kanchan and Monica brought her wheelchair and helped her to sit on the
chair and carried her bag and helped her to the school gate.
Roopam was thinking it’s not only her wheelchair but also all these people are with her.
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
Day 2:
Begin the class with Mindful Breathing for 2-3 minutes.
• The recapitulation has to be done by students; the teacher can help them, if needed. Students may
talk in small groups on the basis of the feedback received from home
• The previous day’s discussion questions can be used with the remaining students again (who
hadn’t answered the previous day).
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
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8. Neeta’s Pen
STORY
Kirti was a student of class five. She was a loving child of her parents.
Direction of Discussion:
Whatever she asked for, she would get it immediately. She was very good
Everyone should pay
in studies. Everyone used to help her but she had a habit. Whatever she
attention to the fact that no
liked, her mind used to get stuck on it, even if she did not require that
one wants to make a mistake,
thing.
but it's not always due to lack
of mistakes are committed. If One day Nita brought a new pen and all the students were admiring
there is a mistake, it is not to her pen. Kirti also saw that pen and liked it. By this time, the prayer
be hidden, but by accepting bell rang. All the students went to the prayer ground. Kirti stopped
the mistake, care should be for a while and took out that pen from Nita’s bag and started looking
taken that it is not repeated. at it. Suddenly, she got nervous on hearing the sound of someone’s
For this, we should try to footsteps. In the state of panic, she kept the pen in her pocket. She saw
increase our ability. Vibha coming back from the prayer ground, the teacher sent her to
class because she wasn’t feeling well. Keerti did not get the chance to
keep the pen back and she quietly kept it in her own pocket and went
to the prayer meeting.
When she started her work in the first period, Nita noticed that her pen was not in her bag. Everyone
suspected it was Vibha because she was sent back to class. And no one suspected Kirti. Vibha cried a lot.
Sitting on her seat, Kirti observed everyone for some time.
Before Vibha said anything, Kirti stood up and confessed her mistake in front of everyone and returned
the pen to Nita.
She promised that she would never make such a mistake again and she apologized to both Vibha and Neeta.
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Day 1: Questions for Discussion
• Why do you think Kirti accepted her mistake?
• What would have happened to the rest of the students’ relations with Kirti otherwise? Please
discuss.
• Why do we try to hide our mistakes?
• What is the difference between the results of hiding the mistake and accepting the mistake? Give
an example from your life of both the cases.
• How does it feel when others don’t believe in us? Give an example.
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
Day 2:
Begin the class with Mindful Breathing for 2-3 minutes.
• A recapitulation of the story by the students. The teacher may help in revising it. Students may
have talks in smaller groups on the basis of received feedback from their homes.
• The questions of Day 1 can be asked from those students who did not answer the previous day.
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
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9. Finding Happiness
STORY
Seema was an intelligent student but today she was sad and could not
Direction of Discussion:
concentrate on her studies. She didn’t have a pen because her father had
Whatever we do involves
gone out of station and she knew that mother did not have money to
a lot of effort from others.
buy her a pen.
Helping others and taking
help from them can make The Hindi teacher had given homework to be shown the next day.
your life successful. In nature She was worried about how she would do her work. She shared her
too, plants, animals and problem with her seat partner and Anita could overhear from the back.
humans are interdependent. She thought of a prank.
After a while, Seema went out to drink water and Anita thought of
hiding one of Seema’s notebooks so she won’t be able to show her work
to the teacher. It would be a lot of fun. She took out Seema’s Hindi notebook. Kusum noticed her doing all
this. She politely said,”Seema doesn’t have money to buy a pen and you will double her trouble by hiding
her notebook. Please don’t do this. If you want to have fun, you may keep a pen in her bag and watch. Just
notice which of the acts give you happiness. And I know you have two pens.”
After listening to Kusum, Anita kept a pen in Seema’s bag.
Next day, the teacher praised a few students for their good handwriting. Seema was one of them. She
became emotional. The whole class was surprised to see this. When asked by the teacher; Seema replied,”
I did not have a pen to complete my homework but when I went home I found a pen in my bag. I pay
my heartfelt thanks to the one who did this to me.” Anita listened to all this and she was going through
different feelings and thinking, “a small act of mine has given a lot of happiness to her”. A feeling of peace
and satisfaction could be seen on her face. She looked at Kusum as if she wanted to say something but could
not utter a word.
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Day 1: Questions for Discussion
• What qualities of Seema, Kusum and Anita did you like?
• Have you ever helped a friend without even telling him/ her?
• How can friends help each other not only by sharing things at the time of need but also by
cooperating?( Sometimes friends need advice, motivation or help).
• What is the difference between ‘helping by giving things’ or ‘helping to understand’? Discuss with
your friend.( Hint: what is likely to be finished if shared, goods or knowledge?
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
Day 2:
Begin the class with Mindful Breathing for 2-3 minutes.
• A recapitulation of the story by the students. The teacher may help in revising it. Students may
have talks in smaller groups on the basis of received feedback from their homes.
• The questions of Day 1 can be asked from those students who did not answer the previous day.
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
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10. Happy Person Spreads Happiness
Duration: Minimum two days or till the teacher is satisfied.
Objective: To draw the attention of students towards the fact that we can
spread happiness only if we are happy.
STORY
Pankaj and Kavya were busy. Their aunt was getting married and
Direction of Discussion:
the day was approaching. Guests were pouring in. Students in a
We can only share what we possess.
family event had taken the responsibility of serving edibles. A lot
For example, if you have twenty
of noise could be heard from grandparent’s room because all the
oranges and you start giving them
guests were going there. Their mother called them to serve tea
one by one to your friends. You
to their uncle and auntie. Both of them followed the instructions
might be left with no orange but
happily and sat with their uncle and aunt to chat about their
if you are happy, your friends and
school.
teachers are also happy with you.
You will go home happily and They heard their aunt (mausi) shouting from outside. She had
this happiness remains with you just reached and lost one of her bags in the train. When mother
the whole day. It doesn’t decrease told them to serve tea to aunt (mausi) they looked at each other
or finish when you give it away as if not interested in serving this time. Who will listen to her sad
to others. Happiness is the only story?
thing to be spread continuously.
Two days later when Pankaj was walking to school, he was nervous
A ‘Happy Person’ will spread
if he had left something important as the house was scattered. He
happiness and the ‘Sad Person’ will
wasn’t in a good mood that day. When his friends wished him, he
spread sadness.
didn’t even respond. He didn’t talk to anyone properly. No one
Also focus on how the negative
came to him but talked about his bad mood in low volume. By the
environment where you don’t
time school got over, he was fed up with this kind of behaviour
prefer to be present can be made
of his friends. That day he understood his aunt’s (mausi) changed
better without spoiling the mood.
behaviour.
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Day 1: Questions for Discussion
• Has it ever happened with you that you distanced yourself from someone due to his/her bad
mood? Share your thoughts.
• Have you noticed that if the other person is in a good mood, you feel free to talk to him or meet
him?
• Recall and share when your mood was not good and you found people not talking to you or
meeting you.( Maintaining distance with you)
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
Day 2:
Begin the class with Mindful Breathing for 2-3 minutes.
• Recapitulate the story of the previous day. The recapitulation has to be done by students; the
teacher can help them, if needed.
• On the basis of the feedback received from home, while keeping in mind the discussion questions
of the previous day, students have to talk in small groups.
• The previous day’s discussion questions can be used with the remaining students again (who
hadn’t answered the previous day).
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
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11. Don’t Worry, When I Am Here!
Objective: To draw students’ attention towards the fact that we don’t feel
sad because of our problems but because of the absence of a solution.
STORY
Sonu was a sensitive boy so he could not see anybody upset. One
Direction of Discussion: We
day, when he saw his grandfather perturbed, he quickly rushed
often find ourselves surrounded
towards him and said, “Grandpa, what are you thinking? Today, you
with problems. We feel sad
are not even reading the newspaper which is there in your hands.”
because of not being able to
Grandfather answered, “Son, my spectacles fell on the floor and got
find solutions. Sometimes, it
broken so I’m unable to read anything without them .” After listening
happens that others suggest
to this, Sonu replied quickly, “Grandpa, don’t worry, I am here to
an appropriate solution for
find a solution!” He quickly ran and brought his box. He took out a
a particular problem and we
magnifying glass from the box. He handed it over to his grandfather
feel that the solution was quite
and said, “If you use it, you will be able to see
easy or obvious. Actually, we
already have a solution but we everything big and clear. You can read the newspaper with it.
are not able to find it because Meanwhile l will get your specs repaired by this evening”.
our focus is not on finding the
Similarly, when he saw his grandmother looking for something in
solution. There are only events
the kitchen he quickly rushed to help her. Grandma said, “I have to
and incidents in the world
pour oil into a bottle from this packet. Don’t know where I have put
outside, but when we don’t have
the funnel. I am unable to find it. I don’t understand how to pour oil
solutions we perceive them
into this bottle?”
as problems. When we have
solutions we see the same event Sonu took up an empty bottle of a cold drink and cut it from the
as an opportunity. Solutions centre with the help of a knife. He handed over the part with the rim
can make us happy and we can to his grandmother and said, “Take it grandma! Use it to pour the
find them only by means of true oil. You will have no problem”.
understanding. One fine day, his mother was hemming the clothes. While threading
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the needle it fell off from her hands. She got anxious and started searching for the needle as she was afraid
that it might hurt somebody. Instantly, Sonu reached there. Mother told him that she has lost her needle
somewhere.
“Don’t worry, I am here mother!” saying this he went running somewhere and brought back a magnet with
him. He tied the magnet with a thin wooden stick and started moving it everywhere above the ground.
During this activity the needle got stuck to the magnet. Mother became very happy and said,” No problem
can stay for long if you are with us .”
The shine of confidence that he can get through any problem in life could clearly be seen on Sonu’s smiling
face.
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
119
Day 2:
Begin the class with Mindful Breathing for 2-3 minutes.
• A recapitulation of the story by the students. The teacher may help in revising it. Students may
have talks in smaller groups on the basis of feedback received from their homes.
• The questions of Day 1 can be asked from those students who did not answer the previous day.
• The previous day’s discussion questions can be used with the remaining students again (who
hadn’t answered the previous day).
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
120
12. My Dear Dad
STORY
Once, Mita was looking out of the window of her house. Students were
Direction of Discussion:
playing with their father in the garden of the front house. Mita was
Often parents, elders get
thinking, “Are there also fathers who play and laugh with their students
angry with kids in order to
and feel happy to throw splashes of water on each-other?” While
bring out expected behavior
thinking like this, she fell asleep.
in them. But children forget
that elders expect them to “Mita, where are you?” her eyes opened to listen to the loud voice of
behave in a desirable way her father.
because they love them. They
Scared and hesitant, she entered the living room. Her father was sitting
both share a relationship like
on the sofa. He said “Mita, bring me a newspaper and a cup of tea,
a kite and its string. A string
quickly.” After giving tea and newspaper to her father, Mita went into
when attached to the kite,
her room soon. She was still lost in her thoughts and wondered whether
shows it the right direction
a father could be like the one whom she saw from the window of her
and at the same time helps it
room. Just after two days of this incident, her grandma fell sick and was
to fly high in the sky. If we
admitted to a hospital. Mita used to sleep with her grandma. Today, she
have a relationship, we get
was feeling terrified to sleep alone. As soon as she closed her eyes, she
trust and if we get trust, we
started to imagine fierce faces and got scared.
will surely get happiness.
Suddenly, the light went off. Now, she was feeling all the more terrified.
But then, she saw a streak of light in the dark and heard her father’s
voice, “Mita, are you asleep?”
Mita said, “I am scared.”
Mita’s father sat on the bed, put his hand on her head and while putting his hand on her forehead he said,”
It seems, you have high fever.”
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He kept putting cold strips on her forehead all night. Mita fell asleep. When her eyes opened in the morning
she saw that her father had slept on a nearby chair.
She thought,” Papa has a lot of work to do, therefore he isn’t able to give me much time. How safe I am
feeling today with my father! “
Mita’s trust in her father strengthened. She started listening to her father more carefully after that incident
and her fear also ended.
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
Day 2:
Begin the class with Mindful Breathing for 2-3 minutes.
• A recapitulation of the story by the students. The teacher may help in revising it. Students may
have talks in smaller groups on the basis of received feedback from their homes.
• The questions of Day 1 can be asked from those students who did not answer the previous day.
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
122
13. Let’s Go For Picnic
Objective: To bring student’s attention towards the fact that we are able
to share our feelings easily with those people with whom we acknowledge
our relationships and accept them.
STORY
This was the day for a picnic. All the students were excited to go for a
Direction of Discussion:
picnic. Although, they used to go for a picnic every year yet they were
The story emphasises on
always enthusiastic to learn more by visiting new places
coming out of the feeling
of “ mine and ours’ and All the buses had arrived in time. Everybody wanted to sit with their
developing a feeling of friends for enjoyment.
humanity. Also, with the
As it was time to start, the teacher came and told them,” The tyre of
help of questions, bring
one bus is punctured and so we’ll have to co-operate by sharing seats
student’s attention to the
with other students. Please cooperate with everybody.” Three students
fact that we are in a state
adjusted in place of two on almost all the seats. Some students were still
of happiness when we are
left out.
with our people. Therefore,
when we develop a feeling When Riya got into the bus and tried to sit with Sheetal, who refused
of humanity, we’ll be able to her by saying that we three are already sitting on the seat meant for
stay happy all the time with two, so you please find a seat somewhere else. Riya requested again but
everyone. Sheetal didn’t move a bit from her seat. After two minutes, Sheetal’s best
friend Nidhi got into the bus. She was still trying to find a place when
Sheetal caught sight of her. Sheetal became very happy to see Nidhi and
shouted from a distance, “Nidhi, come here, I have some space”.
Very easily four students adjusted in a seat for two . Riya was still looking here and there for a seat. Teacher
was noticing everything. Although she didn’t say anything to Sheetal but called out to Riya, “Riya, come to
me, a place can be made here on my seat”.
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Day 1: Questions for Discussion
• Why in your opinion Sheetal didn’t face a problem in making adjustments for Nidhi?
• Do you share your things with everybody or only with those people whom you consider as your
own?
• On what basis do you consider somebody as your own? Discuss with examples from your own life.
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
Day 2:
Begin the class with Mindful Breathing for 2-3 minutes.
• Recapitulate the story of the previous day. The recapitulation has to be done by the students, and
the teacher can help them, if needed.
• Students may have talks in smaller groups on the basis of received feedback from their homes.
• The questions of Day 1 can be asked from those students who did not answer the previous day.
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
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14. Inner Thoughts
STORY
Direction of Discussion:
All of us want equality and Binni saw that, this time too, only her grandmother and grandfather
justice in our relationships. had come for her birthday. Other relatives hadn’t come. On the other
But sometimes we feel that hand, all their relative always visited on her sister’s birthday, every
we are denied justice. If we year. She wondered whether her parents liked her sister more as they
look into our relationships call all their relatives on her birthday. Although she was annoyed with
with awareness, we’ll find her parents and sister, she never told anyone about it.
that we are able to mindfully Next day, when her friend Anu saw her unhappy, she asked, “What is
understand the other person’s the matter?” She shared her inner thoughts with her. Anu thought for
situation. Circumstances a while and said, “ Dear, your birthday falls on 26th February, tell me
when students’ feel that which month does your sister’s birthday fall?” Binni told, “In August”.
they were denied justice in
their school or family, could Anu said, “And do you remember, these days my brother’s exams are
be discussed with them, and going on and your sister’s too. Isn’t it?”.
they could also be asked about “Yes, it’s true!” Just by saying this, Binni understood everything.
their efforts to understand Whatever she was thinking was all wrong, and she ran to her mother.
that particular situation. If (what do you think,” why did Binni run to her mother?”)
we get justice , we are able to
respect others. Binni went close to her mother and said, “Do you call everybody on
my birthday, too?”
As soon as her mother said “yes”, she hugged her mother and started
crying. When her mother asked, Binni told her the whole story about her sad feelings . But now she knew
that due to exam time around her birthday many people couldn’t come whereas everyone came on her
sister’s birthday because no exams were held during those days.
Listening to her, mother hugged Binni and said, “Whenever you get any such doubt, never keep it to
125
yourself. Talk to us about it”.
Binni said smiling , “Ok, mummy ji”!
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
Day 2:
Begin the class with Mindful Breathing for 2-3 minutes.
• Recapitulate the story of the previous day. The recapitulation has to be done by the students, and
the teacher can help them, if needed.
• Students may have talks in smaller groups on the basis of received feedback from their homes.
• The questions of Day 1 can be asked from those students who did not answer the previous day.
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
126
15. The Man with a Sticker
STORY
Suman was going to school by van. It was time for the school. A vehicle
Direction of Discussion:
was moving very slowly in front of the van. Like always, the driver of
It is not always possible
the van was in a hurry. He wanted to overtake the vehicle. His hand was
to understand all the
repeatedly honking. Suman was staring at the vehicle hoping it would
people’s conditions, who
make way for their van.
are around you. For this
reason, unwanted events Suddenly, a sticker pasted on the back of the vehicle grabbed her
happen due to reactions. attention. There was written: “Physically challenged- drive slowly”.
If we become sensitive Suman read it loudly, grabbing the attention of all students sitting in the
towards others’ situation, van. She went to the person sitting in that vehicle, which was moving
knowing the reason behind slowly. and felt sorry for her lack of patience.
their behavior, then we will
The driver not only slowed down the van but his behavior also changed.
understand that he / she is
He became protective towards that vehicle.
exhibiting bad behaviour
due to some reason. Nobody Somehow they reached the school. Suman was not able to forget about
wants to commit mistakes that van. Time and again her thoughts were being overpowered with
knowingly but mistakes the thoughts about the incident.
happen. Then only we would
Not only had it impacted Suman but all the other students were also
behave appropriately.
talking about the same incident.
Pardeep said, “ Imagine if there was no sticker in the car then what
would have happened!”.
Supriya said, “The driver of our van was in such a hurry that even a fight could have happened”. Gita said,
“ I am scared of quarrels, guys”.
127
Neha said thoughtfully, “It is not a matter of quarrel, I am thinking that many people of this kind must be
driving on road without such stickers”.
Everybody went into deep thoughts.
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
Day 2:
Begin the class with Mindful Breathing for 2-3 minutes.
• A recapitulation of the story by the students. The teacher may help in revising it. Students may
have talks in smaller groups on the basis of received feedback from their homes.
• The questions of day 1 can be asked from those students who did not answer the previous day.
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
128
16. The Umbrella
STORY
Whenever it rained, Taraana and her brother would walk to school
Direction of Discussion:
under the same umbrella. Most of the students of her village could not
We often keep ignoring a
buy an umbrella, so they often shared umbrella on their way. Most of
majority of problems, the
the students, who shared the umbrella, would get completely drenched
solutions to which are not
before they reached the school. On most occasions, students would
that difficult. By finding
reach school either completely drenched or didn’t go to school, at all.
their solutions, a big section
Taraana, often, used to think about how she could help these students.
of the society could be
It didn’t take her much time to find a solution to this problem. After
benefitted. The discussion
working hard for a few days, she made such an umbrella which if held
will, at least, bring students’
by two students from the two sides, would cover many students under
attention towards those
it, and they could reach school without getting wet.
problems from which a lot of
people are suffering. A thought of such an umbrella, of eleven years old Taraana, proved
to be very effective. This innovative umbrella could be held by two
students from either side and the rest of the students could stay safe
from rain by staying under it. In this way, they could go to school
without getting wet.
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Day 1: Questions for Discussion
• Discuss small problems which you face in your daily routine. (Teacher can make a list on the
board).
• Have you solved any of your small problems using your wisdom? Share with an example, how you
felt after doing that?
• Give one example from your life when any of your friends helped you to solve your problem.
• What did you get by helping someone to solve his/her problem? Discuss with an example.
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
Day 2:
Begin the class with Mindful Breathing for 2-3 minutes.
• Recapitulate the story of the previous day. The recapitulation has to be done by the students, and
the teacher can help them, if needed.
• Students may have talks in smaller groups on the basis of received feedback from their homes.
• The questions of Day 1 can be asked from those students who did not answer the previous day.
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
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17. It Makes a Difference
Objective: To inspire the students that even a little step put forward by
them, makes a difference. Therefore, they should not abandon any work
by thinking,” What difference can their individual contribution make?”
STORY
Shastri ji was the head (Sarpanch) of the village which was situated
Direction of Discussion:
near a sea-shore. A primary school, a hospital and a small post
A small step can bring about
office on the road side…. only this much was available to the
change. It makes a difference. Do
village in the name of government facilities. Being the head, Shastri
not leave a work thinking you
ji realized his responsibilities but a lot of complaints by the people
alone cannot do it.
made him restless. Whenever people gathered in the village council
(Panchayat) it could be often heard, “Alas! There are a lot of things
to be set right, how can it be done? Where should we start from ? Who all can be helped? Everybody is
unhappy here!”
One day he was roaming near the sea shore with similar thoughts, when suddenly he saw some fishes on
the sea shore. Some boys of the village were playing there too. Shastri ji saw that a boy, Subhash was picking
up the fishes one by one and throwing them into the sea. Then and there, a tide came up and left many
more fishes on the shore. Subhash, without getting demotivated, picked the fishes and kept throwing them
into the sea, just like before. Subhash’s friends were watching him. One of the friends,Ramesh, asked him,
“You are throwing fish one by one in the sea, what difference will it make by doing so?” How many fishes’
lives will you be able to save?” Subhash answered with confidence, “It will, at least, make a difference to
that one fish whom I am throwing into the sea.” After saying this, he picked up one more fish and gave it to
Ramesh. As Ramesh saw the ‘suffering fish’ in his own hands, he quickly threw it into the sea. After seeing
this, the rest of his friends, too, started picking up the fishes and started throwing them into the sea.All of
them were saying together, “It makes a difference to these fishes”.
Shastri ji was watching everything silently ,as if it had given him a solution to his problems.
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Day 1: Questions for Discussion
• Have you ever taken an initiative to do a work which nobody else was doing? Narrate with an
example.
• Share some work which you think nobody is doing but the work is not that difficult too.
(There are many plants found on the road which are getting dried up because nobody is watering them,
a sharp iron nail is protruding out from the gate of a nearby park which hurts people passing by, people
throw garbage outside-around the road-dustbin.)
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
Day 2:
Begin the class with Mindful Breathing for 2-3 minutes.
• Recapitulate the story of the previous day. The recapitulation has to be done by the students, and
the teacher can help them, if needed.
• Students may have talks in smaller groups on the basis of received feedback from their homes.
• The questions of Day 1 can be asked from those students who did not answer the previous day.
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
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18. Gift-Wrap
STORY
It was Irfaan’s birthday. Mira, Puneet, Gurmeet, John, everybody
Direction of Discussion:
gathered at Irfaan’s house. Irfaan’s mother had made many dishes. All
Today, while choosing any
the friends were enjoying the party. Irfaan’s elder brother had arranged
object we get influenced by
many games for their entertainment. Some gifts were kept packed in
its physical beauty instead of
the next room. Some were wrapped in a newspaper, some in colourful
its utility. Everybody tries to
paper and some in polythene. Gurmeet’s attention was repeatedly going
enhance the external beauty
there. He was thinking that surely, they must be return-gifts for all the
rather than paying attention
kids. He looked at them again and again and decided to take the most
to its usefulness. In this
colourful packet.
context it is important that
we should value things on Entertainment was in full swing. Then, the elder brother called out,
the basis of their usefulness “Now, everybody take one packet each from me, it contains a gift for
and admire them. Usefulness you.”
exits just in things only All the kids gathered around him with curiosity.
but in humans as well. It
is important to recognize The brother gave one packet to everybody! Gurmeet got the gift
and value the usefulness wrapped in a newspaper. Gurmeet knew that all the packets will be
of somebody because having similar gifts, but he didn’t know why, he wasn’t feeling happy
happiness believes in your on receiving his gift.
own usefulness.
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Day 1: Questions for Discussion
• When you go to a shop to purchase a pen for yourself, what aspects do you consider while choosing
it?
• Share one experience from your life when you or any of your family members paid more attention
to the external beauty of an item while buying it.
• Do you give more importance to the packaging of an item or its quality? Why?
• Do you give more importance to the dress of a person or his qualities? Why?
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
Day 2:
Begin the class with Mindful Breathing for 2-3 minutes.
• Recapitulate the story of the previous day.
• The recapitulation has to be done by the students, and the teacher can help them, if needed.
• On the basis of the feedback received from home, while keeping in mind the discussion questions
of the previous day, students have to talk in small groups.
• The previous day’s discussion questions can be used with remaining students again (who hadn’t
answered the previous day).
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
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19. Road Block
STORY
Mayank was going to school with his father. It was his daily routine.
Direction of Discussion:
He saw that cars, scooters, buses, trucks, rickshaws were standing
All of us remain busy in our
everywhere on the road. No vehicle was moving. He asked,“ What is
everyday life and we become
the matter, Papa? Why is the traffic not moving?”
insensitive towards people
around us. Sometimes Papa said, “ I don’t know. Perhaps the road is blocked”.
we even wait for others
Yes, the road was blocked because a tree had fallen in the middle of
to complete a petty work
the road due to last night’s storm. All the people in the cars, buses,
because we don’t consider
rickshaws were waiting, and blaming either the government or other
it as our responsibility. It
people. Nobody dared to come forward and push the tree aside. That
is attempted through the
very moment, a child came out of a car and started to push the tree.
discussion that the students
The tree was very heavy. It was not in his capacity to move the tree.
become aware of their
But, looking at the child pushing the tree, many students reached out
environment and develop a
to help him in this work. Many people looked at this sight and couldn’t
feeling of taking initiative.
stop themselves from coming out of their vehicles and pushing the tree
aside. After the hard work of so many people, the tree moved a little
bit. Then, someone called a ‘crane’ via phone. Now a small passage was
made through which everybody could go on their way.
That day, a small child taught a lesson to everyone.
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Day 1: Questions for Discussion
• .......
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
Day 2:
Begin the class with Mindful Breathing for 2-3 minutes.
• Recapitulate the story of the previous day. The recapitulation has to be done by the students, and
the teacher can help them, if needed.
• Students may have talks in smaller groups on the basis of received feedback from their homes.
• The questions of Day 1 can be asked from those students who did not answer the previous day.
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
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Activity Section
While doing activities, all students feel involved. They try to perform to the best of their capacity and
interest in accomplishing the task. The learning with such activities remains with them forever because it
is gained through some experience. It is observed that if students are involved in the act or they are witness
to the act, the learning becomes easy. That is why activities have been taken into account while creating the
content for the happiness curriculum.
Due care has been taken to ensure that these activities are age appropriate and according to the mental
level of the target group so that students feel motivated to take part in these. It helps them to ponder on the
questions during the discussion on the given activity.
The main objective of these activities is to develop critical thinking among students and enable them to see
things as they are. They will be able to think out of the box and make balanced decisions in life.
These activities can be conducted in the classroom itself. No specific teaching materials are required to
conduct them successfully.
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1. Snakes and Ladders
138
Put forward the following statements before the students - (Write these statements on the
blackboard as well.)
• Care for plants.
• Use of polythene.
• Cleaning your house and throwing garbage out of the house.
• Bringing plastic cups, glasses, bottles from the garbage and planting seedlings in it.
• Make paper envelopes and use them.
• Making curtain with used shawl or dupatta.
• Buying new clothes on every occasion.
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 Minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
139
2. Three Corners
Objective: Let everyone pay attention to the fact that some actions
take place in our body on our own and some we do consciously. Enable
students to notice that some of our actions take place voluntarily and
some involuntarily.
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» Playing cricket match
» Thinking
» Hearing the sounds of the surroundings while walking
» Making friends
» Eating Samosa
» Getting idea
» Digestion of food
» Blood flow in the body
» Respect for elders
» Obey the teacher
» Serving parents
» Help someone
» Advise someone
» Make an effort to be happy
• Give students full opportunity to choose their place thoughtfully, discuss it with peers in the
corner you have chosen and change the corner if needed.
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 Minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
141
3. Material Things or Respect: What is Your Preference
Objective: Through this activity, students will be able to realize that their
physical needs may vary, but they all have the same emotional needs.
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Day 1: Suggested Questions for Discussion
(Expected answer is not intended to be given to students).
• What are the material things that we need in everyday life?
• What do you like to eat? what’s your favourite dish? (Expected answer: pasta, chowmein, bread-
vegetable, ice cream, etc.)
• Does everyone like to eat the same thing? (Expected Answer: No)
• What kind of house do you like to live in? (Expected answer: big, small, village house, city house,
bungalow, flat etc)
• What is your favourite colour?
• Does everyone like same colour?
• Teacher, “Thus we are able to see that our choices may be different which is natural.”
• What are the needs that we all have?(same needs)
(Divert students’ attention to emotional needs such as affection, trust, respect, etc.)
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 Minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
143
4. Value addition
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Day 1: Suggested Questions for Discussion
(Expected answer is not intended to be given to students).
• What are the uses of the things available on your table?
• How can you make these things more useful?
• What tasks may we have to perform to make them more useful?
• What materials would you need to do this?
• Who can support you in doing this task?
• Are you able to increase the usefulness of these items?
• Pay attention to other items around you and discuss how you can help in increasing the usefulness
of those items for the betterment of the environment. (Teacher may give some examples. Such as
use of waste plastic cups and bottles thrown in, planting in them increases their usefulness.)
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 Minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
145
5. Cooperation
146
walk where they can see all the pictures displayed in the class.
• Have a discussion in the end.
* Gallery Walk: In this activity, pictures made by all the students in the class are displayed. All the
students roam around, watch the displayed items and enjoy learning.
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 Minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
Day 2
Begin the class with Mindful Breathing for 2-3 minutes.
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Day 2: Suggested Questions for Discussion
• What difference did you notice in drawing a picture collectively and drawing it individually?
• What could be the reason of this difference?
• Can we also get a better solution of problems if we work together like this task?
• Have you ever encountered any such problem in which all your family members or your friends
have found a solution together? Share the incident.
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 Minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
148
6. Good Qualities/ Habits of My Partner
149
Proposed Points for Discussion
• Have you ever focused on someone’s strengths even before doing this activity? Describe
any one.
• Do we focus more on the strengths of others or on their weaknesses? Why?
• How can we improve our relations?
• Give an example of a friend or a classmate, towards whom your attitude changed after
knowing his/her strength.
• Should we focus only on our strengths or weaknesses or both ? Why do you think so?
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on today’s discussion.
150
7. What is more Important-Goods or Goal
Material Required: Pictures or samples of some food items, pictures of some clothings.
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Third Role Play
• First student speaks to himself :Today I have to go to a birthday party let me see the dresses I have.
Take out several dresses one by one from the cupboard (some clothes pictures can be used if real
dresses are not available.)But does not like any of those. He is upset. In the meanwhile the party time
gets over. He gets even more upset.
• Second student: He wears one of the two dresses kept in his wardrobe and goes to the party happily
and has a lot of fun out there
Discussion of questions should be started only after completion of all the three role plays.
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on today’s discussion
152
8. Turn by Turn
153
Day 1: Suggested Questions for Discussion
• How did you feel when you were creating a story with your partner? Tell one thing which you
liked while doing this task and one thing which you didn’t like.
• Did you give your partner an opportunity to speak? Did your partner give you an opportunity to
speak?
• How do you feel when no one gives you an opportunity to speak? Why so?
• Share an example from your life, when no one has given you an opportunity to speak.
• When someone listens carefully to you, do you feel as if he / she has shown respect to you?
• Which people around you do you listen carefully? Why?
• Is there anyone around you whom you do not listen to carefully? Why?
• Do you think that listening carefully to others is also a way to give them respect? Discuss
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on today’s discussion
154
9. Gift of Inventions
Objective: Students should develop a sense of pride for the people who
have made very useful inventions for mankind.
155
Day 1: Suggested Questions for Discussion
• Imagine what our world would look like, without these things? Students share their ideas in class.
• How do we feel for those who have created/ invented these things?
(Teachers should divert the attention of students towards the contribution of those great inventors. Ask
them how they feel about those people.)
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on today’s discussion.
156
10. Think Differently
157
6. Oh, no problem! What if I sleep some more, I shall be just a little late for school
After the discussion all the groups give their presentation what was discussed in their group
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on today’s discussion.
158
11. My Journey?
159
Day 1: Suggested Questions for Discussion
• Where do things, used in our daily life, come from?
• Which of these is biodegradable, i.e. does it get mixed into soil or not?
• How many of these items can be reused?
• Think of items that you can use at home in some other form instead of throwing them away?
• What do we do with our useless items? (no proper disposal increases the burden of waste on
Nature ) does nature want it?
• Can we change the method of disposal of these items?
• How do you feel when our surroundings are clean and when you are confident that the natural
products will be able to be used for many generations, for a very long time?
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on today’s discussion
160
12. Respect or Recognition
Objective: To draw the attention of students toward the belief that the
basis of respect or recognition is not looks, position, power and wealth
but usefulness/ ones worth and good conduct.
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Day 1: Suggested Questions for Discussion
• Do you recognize people for their good looks? Do you respect them for the same reason?
• Do you know people for their being rich?
• Do you respect them for the same reason?
• Do you know people who hold high positions? Do you respect them for the same reason?
• Are they very powerful? That is why you respect them?
• It is important that students understand that the answer to these questions is mainly ‘yes’ or ‘no’.
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on today’s discussion
162
13. It Feels Good When….
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Day 1: Suggested Questions for Discussion
• Have you seen the activities that pollute the environment or have you heard about them? When
did you see or hear about these?
• Can these activities be stopped individually or collectively in your community?
• If yes, how?
• If not, why?
• Describe the ways by which we can keep our surroundings clean?
• How will it make the environment better?
• How will society be benefitted from this? Will it impact our happiness?
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on today’s discussion
164
14. My Needs/ Wants
Material Required: This activity will help students differentiate the needs of body and self.
165
Day 1: Suggested Questions for Discussion
• Which are the things that we need /time to time during a day? (hint: food when we feel hungry,
warm clothes when we feel cold)
• Which are the things we need always/all the time? (continually, without break)? (hint: affection,
love, belief/trust, fondness)
• Why temporary needs such as wearing warm clothes can not be permanent /continual need?
(Discuss some more needs which are temporary ask the students why these needs cannot exist
permanently)
• Which are the needs which can cause ill effects on our health if not fulfilled?
• Your parents, brother, sister, teacher love you all day but rebuke/ scold you once in front of others.
Would you approve /accept their behaviour?
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on today’s discussion
166
15. Rules for Convenience
• Half of the remaining students in the class will be standing on one road and the other half on the
other road.
• Now, considering themselves as a car, students will cross the road crossings/ square as they wish.
There will be a possibility of colliding and it will take more time to cross.
• In the second situation, two students will stand with red and green cards. One road will be given red
and the other one will be given a green signal like any traffic cop does. Now students will not be afraid
to collide with each other and they will be able to cross the square quickly and safely.
• This activity will be conducted two to three times.
• Basically you have to create a scene of crossing a road.
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Day 1: Suggested Questions for Discussion
• What will happen if the following rules are not followed in school? For example:
• If there is no fixed time to start school.
• If there is no fixed time to end school.
• If the time table of various subjects is not followed.
• Why should the rules be followed?
• In which places have you seen people following some rules very strictly? What rules should we
follow in school?
• What are the rules in your house that all members of the family follow such as dinner time, sleep
time, TV time, etc?
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on today’s discussion
168
16. Is It Good or Not?
Objective: Trying to draw the attention of students to the point that being
good is long-lasting and looking good is temporary/momentary./ Effect
of good conduct last longer than mere good looks.
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Suggested Questions for Discussion
• Now teachers should encourage students to think 3-4 situations to put in every quadrant.
• If the students do not visualize the situations then the teacher may read the following situations
and ask the students ‘In which quadrant it can be put? And why?’
Situations:
• Watching TV till late at night, when you have to go to school the next morning.
• Eating no fruits and green vegetables.
• Studying well in advance before exams.
• Practising your game/dance before the competition.
• Eating junk food.
• Feeling to be responsible/guilty yourself for not completing your homework
• Playing video games for a long time
• Playing in the park
• Exercising
• Drinking chilled water after coming from heat
• Eating Daal and Roti
• To hiding things from parents
• Spoiling time sitting idle at home
• Eating Salad
• Upset stomach after eating a lot of spicy food
• To get annoyed with someone
• Making fun of others’ shortcomings in their absence
• Causing pollution
• Fights with family members
• Getting sick
For Example:
“Watching movies till late night, when you have to go to school the next morning”. It may seem good
to watch a movie in this situation, but it is not good because we have to get up early in the morning but
without improper sleep, we remain lazy in class.
In this manner, teachers may discuss with students taking some other examples.
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Suggested Questions for Discussion
• Which of the decisions in daily life do you make because you feel good and which of the decisions
you make because those are good in real life? Which of these decisions is more in number? And
Why?
• Which of the things that are looking or that are good give us more happiness?
• Do you repeatedly choose things that look good over what is good? (appears fascinating but not
useful.) If yes, why?
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on today’s discussion.
171
17. Anger ----- Strength or Weakness?
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Day 1: Suggested Questions for Discussion
• When are you able to do a work better ---- in anger or peace? Discuss this question relating it to
some incident in your life.
• When do you get angry? When you are not able to do any work or when you are able to do any
work?
• How do you feel when someone tries to get a thing done from you by getting angry?
• How did you feel when you got someone to agree to your view by getting angry?
• Can work be done without getting angry?
If any of the students change their views/opinion after discussion of these question let them be given a
chance to change their groups and see any wrong belief changes after in-depth discussion.
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on today’s discussion.
173
18. To Do or Not to Do
Objective: Students would be able to learn the value of speaking the truth
and live without stress.
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Second Step
• All groups discuss among themselves and share their views before the class.
• Let their ideas be written on the blackboard.
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on today’s discussion.
175
19. I was Happy, When…
176
Divide the examples of happiness in this way.
• All groups share their responses in class. After a group presentation, the rest of the groups can discuss
or comment on it.
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on today’s discussion.
177
20. Feeling Good and Being Good
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Feeling Good Being Good
Eating, dancing, singing, ice cream, chocolate, Nutritious food, keeping things with care, building
walking, learning new things, understanding, trust, getting respect, friendship, joy, affiliation,
exercising producing some things, cleaning, planting trees.
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on today’s discussion.
179
21. Riddles / Do You Know?
180
Feeling Good Being Good
Eating, dancing, singing, ice cream, chocolate, Nutritious food, keeping things with care, building
walking, learning new things, understanding, trust, getting respect, friendship, joy, affiliation,
exercising producing some things, cleaning, planting trees.
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on today’s discussion.
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Expression
Section Note
Expression
Every human being has a natural tendency to express his thoughts and feelings. We feel relaxed by
expressing what we learn and understand. Expression helps us to know each other. With the help of
expression besides others we also get clarity about how we think and feel. Only humans can express their
feelings and understanding to others with such great clarity. Expression always gives great satisfaction to a
person.( A person feels satisfaction only after expressing his feelings.) So Expression is an essential part in
the life of a person.
Why to express?
Every unit in nature has a definite role/purpose. We identify its role as the utility of that unit. The utility of
that unit doesn't change with time, place and situation. e.g. We recognise the utility of rice as a nutritional
food for our body. The utility of rice doesn't change with time, place, and situation. This universal utility
of any unit of nature is identified as it's value.
Like other units of nature, humans also have a definite role/purpose in nature. He plays that role as his
responsibilities in family and society. E.g. parents play their role in upbringing of their children. When
children grow up they take care of their elderly parents. Parents in old age guide their children. Teachers
educate their students. Siblings and friends cooperate with each other. Our cooperation to make others'
lives happy is our value in their life. We feel these values as emotions in our life. Every human being
universally feels happy about the emotions of noticing the contribution of parents, brother-sister, teachers,
friends etc. and also, their contribution in others’ life. Therefore, in this section the basis of expression is
considered our feeling in the form of universal values. E.g. feeling of gratitude, feeling of respect, feeling
of affection etc.
When we see these feelings in our relationships we feel happiness. Whenever we feel happiness we want
to share it with our dear ones. So our happiness deepens. So for happiness in life we need to identify, feel
and express these feelings. Also we need to be aware about the practice for the stability of these feelings
in us.
Languages ( written, oral, symbolic) came into existence to exchange these feelings with each other. To
express our feelings with skills performing arts came into existence e.g. music, dance, stage etc. In this
way our happiness in life is connected to the exchange of good feelings with each other by different media
and skills. So for the complete development and happy life of a person expression of feelings is very
essential. That's why expression is a part of the happiness curriculum.
What to express?
In this section for class V four values have been identified to explore, to experience and to express. These
are
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1. Gratitude
2. Affection
3. Care
4. Respect
20 sessions have been designed for the above values.
Basis of Expression:
• Only expression of feelings (universal human values) will be there in all sessions.
• Expression will be centred on students’ own life which includes their working, behaviour and
experience.
• There will be no discussion based on feelings expressed by students. Some particular type of
questions will not be asked during the session of Expression e.g. what do you think about
it, what do you want to do in this situation, what should be done in this situation or what
will you do? In happiness class stories are reflective, activities promote thoughtfulness and
expression for feelings.
• Questions in expression sessions are based on four situations students in their relationships
1. what do they observe
2. how do they behave
3. what responsibility do they bear
4. how do they feel
• Generally the expression should be based on the experience in the recent past week , but
previous experience may be shared in some situations.
• Questions in every session are suggestive only. Considering the purpose of expression, more
questions may be asked by the teacher.
How to Express?
Proposed pedagogies :
To ensure the participation of all students there is a need to adopt different pedagogies for different
questions. The following pedagogies may be used -
• Individual Expression
• Sharing the experience in pair
• Sharing the experience in small groups
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Ways of Expression
Generally use individual oral expressions in the whole class. Sometimes according to the question or
situation of the class sharing in pairs or in small groups may be used.
• According to the questions or for a specific student other ways of expression may be used e.g.
in written form ( letter, card, diary etc), role play, using diagram, symbol or sign language etc.
Classroom strategies:
• Any student can answer the questions but some questions should be answered by those
students only who have the question related previous experience.
• Choose students to answer the question randomly or by changing order frequently. Sometimes
from the front row sometimes from the back sometimes from the middle of the row.
• If students start repeating the same answer, motivate them to share their own experience or
change the question.
• If a question has more than one part, ask the second part of the question only when the first
has been already answered.
• If students find it difficult to understand the question then the teacher should explain it
further so that they can answer.
• One question may be asked to 5-6 students, the second question to the next 5-6 students and
so on. Then the first question may be asked again. Some questions may be asked to the whole
class.
• Number of days for one session is mentioned with the respective session or the session may
be continued till the teacher is satisfied with the discussion.
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1. Gratitude
Session 1.1
At the end of the class sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusion of the discussion.
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Session 1.2
Reflection by students:
Note for the Teacher: Now-
a-days people are becoming • Did someone look after your food? (mid-day meal or some
self-centred or family-centred. other type of food). Who were these people ?
On the contrary, there are so
• What did they keep in mind while serving you food? (Quality
many people contributing to an
of food, seating arrangement, cleanliness and hygiene).
individual’s good health. When
we are able to observe and • Why did they do these things? (Motivate students to talk to
understand their contribution these people to find answers to these questions).
then we are filled with the feeling • Did someone look after your food in your neighbourhood?
of gratitude towards them. This Who were these people?
is the objective of this session to
seek the attention of the students • Why did they do so?
towards people other than family • Did you go to any of your relatives’ places this week? Who
members who are taking care of looked after your meal there? Why did they do so?
their health.
• Did someone stop you from eating anything? Name those
items for which they stopped you. Why did they stop you?
At the end of the class sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusion of the discussion
186
Session 1.3
Objective: To seek the attention of students towards people who take care
of their body.
At the end of the class sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusion of the discussion.
187
Session 1.4
At the end of the class sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusion of the discussion.
188
Session 1.5
At the end of the class sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusion of the discussion.
189
Session 1.6
At the end of the class sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusion of the discussion.
190
Session 1.7
At the end of the class sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the Conclusion of the discussion.
191
2. Affection
Session: 2.1
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
192
Session: 2.2
Objective: Students should be able to notice that they get angry with
each other but if you have affection for the person, you try to resolve the
issues.
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusions of the discussion.
193
Session 2.3
Objective : Students should be able to notice with whom they share their
happiness or troubles.
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusion of the discussion.
194
Session: 2.4
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusion of the discussion.
195
Session 2.5
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusion of the discussion
196
Session 2.6
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusion of the discussion.
197
Session 2.7
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusion of the discussion.
198
Session 2.8
At the end of the class, sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusion of the discussion.
199
3. Care
Session 3.1
Objective: To Motivate students to notice and feel the things done for
them with care.
At the end of the class sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusion of the discussion.
200
Session 3.2
At the end of the class sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusion of the discussion.
201
4. Respect
Session 4.1
At the end of the class sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusion of the discussion.
202
Session 4.2
Objective: The student can see how much efforts made by him /her to get
respect were appreciated.
At the end of the class sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusion of the discussion.
203
Session 4.3
At the end of the class sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusion of the discussion.
204
Session 4.4
At the end of the class sit silently for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the conclusion of the discussion.
205