The Tall Elephant: Community-Driven Growth, Journaling & Well-Being

 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

WHEN WE MEET

Every evening from Monday 28 September to Sunday 4 October, at 7:00 pm IST. Each session runs 60 to 90 minutes.

 

WHERE

On Zoom. The link comes by email and WhatsApp before we begin, and again each day.

 

ADD US TO YOUR CONTACTS NOW

Save this address in your address book, and if you're on Gmail, drag this email into your Primary tab. Everything for the week comes from here, including the Zoom link. If it lands in Promotions or Spam you'll miss the session, and I'd hate that.

 

YOUR PRINTABLE JOURNAL

A few days before we start, we'll email you pages you can print and write straight onto. If you'd rather use a notebook you already own, do that instead. Plain paper is completely fine.

 

CAMERAS ON

Seeing each other is the reason the shared quiet works. It's the one thing I ask.

 

NO RECORDINGS

The sessions are live only, and we keep it that way so people can write honestly. Please don't record or screenshot, and keep the materials to yourself.

 

EACH EVENING LOOKS A LITTLE DIFFERENT

I teach one idea, then we all stop talking and write together, then we talk about what came up. The order shifts depending on what the room needs on the night, so don't worry if a session runs differently from the one before. One evening in the middle of the week is quite different from the rest, and I'll tell you all about it when we get there.

 

AFTER EACH SESSION

Post a short reflection in the community app. The team reads every single one and replies within a day. Real people, not a bot.

 

IF YOU MISS AN EVENING

Come to the next one. Each session stands on its own and there's nothing to catch up on.

The Tall Elephant: Community-Driven Growth, Journaling & Well-Being

The Tall Elephant | Facebook

The Tall Elephant ™ (@thetallelephant) • Instagram photos and videos

READING PROMOTION- “Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity," ILD 2026

 International Literacy Day | UNESCO

Since 1967, the annual celebrations of International Literacy Day (ILD) have taken place on 8 September around the world to remind policy-makers, practitioners, and the public of the critical importance of literacy for creating more literate, just, peaceful, and sustainable society. 

Literacy is a fundamental human right for all. It opens the door to the enjoyment of other human rights, greater freedoms, and global citizenship. Literacy is a foundation for people to acquire broader knowledge, skills, values, attitudes, and behaviours to foster a culture of lasting peace based on respect for equality and non-discrimination, the rule of law, solidarity, justice, diversity, and tolerance and to build harmonious relations with oneself, other people and the planet. Despite progress, at least 739 million youth and adults worldwide still lack basic literacy skills in 2024. At the same time, 4 in 10 children are not reaching minimum proficiency in reading, and 272 million children and adolescents were out of school in 2023.

Celebrations in 2026

This year, International Literacy Day (ILD) marks its 60th anniversary. It was proclaimed by UNESCO in 1966 during the 14th session of the General Conference. Celebrated under the theme “Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity," ILD 2026 provides an opportunity to take stock of progress, deepen understanding of persistent and emerging challenges, and shape future literacy agendas in a rapidly changing world.

The global celebration will be convened by UNESCO on 8-9 September 2026 in Mexico, in collaboration with the Government of Mexico. The event will include the award ceremony of the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes, recognizing outstanding literacy programmes from around the world. ILD 2026 will also be celebrated across local, national and regional levels worldwide. The global event in Mexico will be accessible online in English, French and Spanish.

Over the past six decades, countries and partners worldwide have advanced literacy as a fundamental human right and a powerful driver of peace and sustainable development. Building on this progress, ILD2026 will celebrate achievements, especially since 2015, while identifying remaining and emerging challenges. It will also provide a platform to highlight effective policies, practices and partnerships to advance literacy for all in support of peaceful and sustainable societies. International Literacy Day | UNESCO

Sixty years of international learning about literacy: a paper for the 60th anniversary of International Literacy Day - UNESCO Digital Library

Join us for One Day, One Story 2026

Digital Library of Illustrated Storybooks | Read Stories in 380+ languages

Free Online Children's Stories To Read | StoryWeaver

  

  

READING PROMOTION ACTIVITY 

READ ALOUD

RELAY READING

STORY TELLING

ROLE PLAY OF A CHARACTER FROM ANY BOOK

POEM RECITATION

CORRECT WORD PER MINUTE

ANY OTHER ACTIVITY

Implementation plan is designed for Grade 6 to Grade 8 students in the KVS Region

 

This Implementation plan is designed for Grade 6 to Grade 8 students in the KVS Region, with 35-minute weekly ICT lab periods. • Week 1 covers Module 1.1: What is Creativity? - Creativity and Its Importance. • Week 3 covers Module 1.2: Fostering Creativity in the Classroom - through a blended-learning, activity-based approach. • Week 4 covers Module 1.3: AI + Digital Creativity - focuses on strengthening Generative AI, creativity, communication, and digital expression through a simple hands-on Adobe Express activity.
Month and week	July - Week 1	July - Week 3	July- Week 4
Module Name (Guidebook)	Module 1: Creativity for All	Module 1: Creativity for All	Module 1: Creativity for All
	1.1 What is Creativity?	1.2 Fostering Creativity in the Classroom	1.3 Digital Creativity and Creative Tools
Activity Name	Creative on Recycling	Yoga or Culural Club Poster	Imaginary Storybook Cover
Learning Outcomes	• Understand the de nition of creativity. • Learn why creativity is important. • Explore examples of creative geniuses who have changed the shape of the world. • Recognize creativity skills as a crucial aspect of the future of work and life.	• Get introduced to the 4 Cs: Creativity, Critical inking, Communication, and Collaboration. • Understand the interconnections between the 4 Cs. • Learn how to integrate the 4 Cs into daily life.	• Get introduced to Technology and Digital Creativity skills. • Learn about Adobe Express and its basic functions. • Explore how Adobe Express can be used to enhance your own creative projects.
Instructions	The teacher explains how posters and quotes can raise awareness and communicate ideas creatively. Teacher demonstrates: • Opening template • Editing quote • Changing colors/fonts • Saving project For E-Module activity: Teacher to guide students to log in to Adobe Express school Account; guide them towards Module 1 (Section 1.1) of the online course on ‘Digital Creativity and AI Skills (Level-1).’	The teacher explains how colors, text, and images help communicate messages effectively. Teacher demonstrates: • Opening template • writing or adding new text • Changing font/colors • Adding one icon/image • Saving project For E-Module activity: Teacher to guide students to log in to Adobe Express school Account; guide them towards Module 1 (Section 1.2) of the online course on ‘Digital Creativity and AI Skills (Level-1).’	The teacher explains how to generate a book cover image or background and edit a Storybook cover template. Teacher demonstrates: • Using Generative AI • Adding title • Adding subtitle/tagline • Adding/editing image/background • Customizing fonts/colors • Saving project For E-Module activity: Teacher to guide students to log in to Adobe Express school Account; guide them towards Module 1 (Section 1.3) of the online course on ‘Digital Creativity and AI Skills (Level-1).’
Skills in Focus	Creative Exploration & Digital Literacy	Visual Communication & Design Skills	Creative Self-Expression & AI Creative Skills
Book Screenshot	M1, Page-27,28	M1,Page 34.35,36	M1,Page 41-42.pdf
Activity Link (Classroom)	Swachhata drive at school- https://adobe.ly/3PCLotc	Yoga Club : https://adobe.ly/3R0K18c	Create a book Cover - https://adobe.ly/42ulMBQ
Activity Link (Homework)	School Clean up drive - https://adobe.ly/3PCLotc	Cultural Club : https://adobe.ly/4u1xcJj
Activity Link (Homework)		Create a Movie Poster : https://adobe.ly/4wqooyg
Status (To be updated by Teacher)

PUSTAKOUPHAR -2026

पुस्तक उपहार – मुस्कान बाँटो! 

  Pustakouphar – Gift a Book, Share a Smile!

 READING PROMOTION ACTIVITY 

यह फार्म भरें  : Click here to fill the form 

AFTER RESULT CARDS ON RESULT DAY  &  

  AGAIN FROM  01 -07 APRIL 2026

1. DONATE BOOKS TO YOUR FRIENDS OR RELATIVES, OR BRING YOUR USED BUT NEAT, CLEAN, TIDY, BOUND / COVERED/ BLANK NAME SLIP BOOKS ONLY, AND GIVE AS A GIFT TO A NEEDY STUDENT IN SCHOOL. 

1. A. MAKE BUNDLES OF: NCERT, SUBJECT REFERENCE BOOKS SEPARATELY, CLASS WISE, AND 

FICTION, NON-FICTION SEPARATELY

1.B. PLEASE DO NOT GIFT WORKBOOKS/MALTILATED / DIRTY / TORN-OUT BOOKS  TO ANYONE.

2. GET YOUR NAME RECORDED WITH YOUR CLASS TEACHER & GOOGLE FORM:  https://forms.gle/99jPGa9S7fNMEpqr6

3. IF YOU DO NOT FIND A TAKER, DEPOSIT YOUR BOOKS IN THE LIBRARY GREEN BOOK BANK. 

4. IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO GET A GIFT (OF BOOKS). GET IT FROM A STUDENT OF A HIGHER CLASS OR FROM THE LIBRARY GREEN BOOK BANK.  

5. AND GET YOUR NAME RECORDED WITH YOUR TEACHER AND FILL

 THIS GOOGLE FORM: https://forms.gle/99jPGa9S7fNMEpqr6 

scan the QR code of click here 

We pledge…

जहाँ एक और पुस्तकोपहार के पर्यवाराण सम्बंधी अनेक फायदे गिनाये जा सकते हैं ,वही यह नहीं हो सकता की इसके कोई 'साइड इफेक्ट्स' ना हों...... 

1) प्राथमिक कक्षाओं मे NCERT की सभी अभ्यास पुस्तिकाएं हैं  और विद्यार्थी उन्ही मे लिखते भी हैं,  अब ये सही या गलत उत्तर से भरी  हुई अभ्यास पुस्तिकाएँ, नये विधार्थी के पास जाती हैं तो वह  सही जवाब बिना मेहनत के प्राप्त करता है  और गलत जवाब लिखें होने पर गलत को ही सही मान कर उस गलत को सीखता है....  अतः प्राथमिक विभाग मु. अध्पयापक के नेतृत्व  में अपने विभाग में ही  पुस्तकों उपहार  हेतु अभिभावक व् बच्चों का मार्गदर्शन कर इसे संचालित व् संकलित करने का  कार्यक्रम  बनायेंगे और प्राथमिक विभाग में ही ग्रीन बुक बैंक बनाया जायेगा.

             

 2) कक्षा vi से xii तक  भी, उपरोक्त तो लागू  होती ही है  साथ ही ये पुस्तकें कई साल तक इस्तेमाल हो जाने के कारण  बच्चे मे एक उत्साह और उन्हें  पुस्तक से बाँध कर रखने मे असमर्थ सी प्रतीत होने. लगती हैं.... 

                

 3) CEA के लाभार्थी बच्चे और अभिभावक भी पुस्तकोपहार से  पुस्तक प्राप्त करने की आशा रखते हैं इसलिए अच्छी  पुस्तकों का आभाव रहता है...  जबकी वो समर्थ हैं और साल समाप्ति पर इन्ही CEA वाले बच्चों की अच्छी-अच्छी पुस्तकें  NON-CEA वाले बच्चों को मिलें तो अच्छा हो...

4. बच्चों को पुस्तकोपहार मे साफसुथरी, बिना निशान या INK लगी और सुन्दर कवर चढ़ा कर पुस्तक उपहार मे देने के लिए लानी चाहिए... NCERT और विषय-संबंधी संदर्भ पुस्तकों के अलग-अलग बंडल बनाएँ (कक्षा के अनुसार); साथ ही, फिक्शन और नॉन-फिक्शन पुस्तकों के भी अलग बंडल बनाएँ। कृपया किसी को भी वर्कबुक, या कटी-फटी, गंदी और फटी हुई किताबें उपहार में न दें।

5. हो सकता है इस प्रकार हम पुस्तकोउपहार का 100 प्रतिशत का लक्ष्य प्राप्त न करें परन्तु 50 % भी अच्छा लक्ष्य है...   जहाँ पर्यावरण की रक्षा का पाठ और पढ़ाई की गुणवत्ता, दोनों मे बैलेंस बना कर चलना उतम रास्ता हो सकता है..... 

FILL THIS FORM AFTER PUSTAKOUPHAR.    https://forms.gle/99jPGa9S7fNMEpqr6 

           

धन्यवाद! 🙏📚📚💐📚👍📚

LEARNING OUTCOME:

1. READING PROMOTION

2. ENVIRONMENT CONCERN

3. SOCIAL CONCERN- GRATIFICATION- SHARING...

4. LEARNING TO MAINTAIN GOOD QUALITY OF BOOKS EVEN AFTER USE

5. INSTITUTIONAL BELONGINGNESS.

New Pattern NCERT Books  2026-27:

 NCERT का बड़ा फैसला: 9वीं, 11वीं का नया सिलेबस, अब ब्रिज कोर्स के बाद मिलेगी नई किताबें

PROMOTION OF READING HABIT AMONG STUDENTS

Reading plays a crucial role in the academic and personal development of students. Promoting a reading habit among students is essential for their overall growth and development. Despite its importance, many students today are not as engaged in reading as they should be. Following are some benefits of reading habit among students, current challenges, and actionable recommendations.

 Benefits of Reading

• 1.       Academic Performance: Students who have developed reading habits are tend to perform better in academic performance.
• 2.       Stress Reduction: Reading books can be a relaxing, which reduces stress and increases mental well-being.
• 3.       Cultural Awareness: Exposure to books of different places and authors increases students' understanding of different cultures and societies and peoples.
• 4.       Cognitive Development: Reading of books increases vocabulary, language skill, comprehension, and critical thinking skills.
• 5.       Emotional Intelligence: Reading of fiction and biography of famous personality can improve emotional intelligence of students.
• Challenges: -
• 1.       Digital Distractions: The easy access of internet, social media and gadgets has reduced the interest of students of reading books.
• 2.       Lack of Interest: Many students have lack of interest in reading books. They don’t take reading as pleasurable activity.
• 3.       Reading Difficulties: Students with language barriers and with learning disabilities may struggle with reading.
•  Promoting reading habit is beneficial in academic success and personal growth of the students. These are some Library activities which are being conducted to encourage reading habits among Students:
• 1.       Book Fairs: Book fairs in the school premises may be arranged so the students can be exposed the wide range of books of different authors. It encourages students to explore different types of literature.
• 2.       Reading Clubs: Reading club and book clubs are formed where students can discuss about the books of their interests, they can share their thoughts, and may recommend books to each other.
• 3.       Use of Technology: Libraries should provide the students an online platform, like Audiobooks, provision of E_Books, availability of E_Resources in the library, use of educational apps, to make reading more interactive and accessible to students. Use of technology and E_Resources can make reading more engaging for tech-savvy students.
• 4.       Providing of Diverse Reading Materials: Libraries should provide a wide range of books and reading materials which can fulfill the different interests and reading levels of the students to keep them engaged.
• 5.       Incorporation of Reading into Curriculum: Reading activities should be incorporated into various subjects. Teachers should be encouraged to assign reading related tasks in the topic being taught.
• 6.       Book Reviews: Students should be told to write book review of the book which they have read. By writing book Review for the books the students have read can be encouraging the other students to read the same books.
• 7.       Bio Sketch Writing: Students should be given the biographies of eminent personalities and after reading they should write brief note on the famous personalities.
• 8.       Book Talk and Author Visit: Invite authors to speak at the school during assembly or any other suitable time where students can interact with them. Students can be inspired by hearing directly from authors and this can make reading more exciting.
•  
• By conducting these activities libraries can help inculcate lifelong love of reading.
• ·         Create a Reading Challenge: Organize a reading challenge where students set individual reading goals and track their progress. Offer rewards for achieving milestones to incentivize reading.
• ·         Set Aside Dedicated Reading Time: Allocate specific time during the school day for silent reading or reading-related activities. This establishes a routine and emphasizes the value of taking time for reading regularly.
• ·         Parental Involvement: Encourage parents to read with their children at home and support their reading habits. Organize family reading nights or workshops to emphasize the importance of reading as a shared activity.
• ·         Celebrate Reading Achievements: Recognize and celebrate students' reading accomplishments through awards, certificates, or public acknowledgments. Positive reinforcement can motivate students to continue reading.
• ·         Make Reading Fun: Choose engaging and age-appropriate books, organize reading-related games or contests, and incorporate creative activities like book-themed crafts or performances to make reading a fun and enjoyable experience for students.
• ·         By implementing these ideas and strategies, schools can play a significant role in nurturing a lifelong love for reading among students.
• ·         Promoting a reading habit among students is key to academic success and personal growth. Here are some ideas and strategies to encourage reading:
• ·         Create a Reading Culture: Establish reading corners in classrooms and libraries, organize book clubs, and celebrate reading achievements to foster a culture of reading in schools.
• ·         Set Reading Goals: Encourage students to set personal reading goals and track their progress. This can motivate them to read regularly and challenge themselves.
•  
• ·         Reading Challenges: Organize reading challenges or competitions to spark students' interest in reading. This could include themes like mystery novels, biographies, or exploring different genres.
• ·         Author Visits and Book Fairs: Invite authors to speak at the school or organize book fairs to expose students to new books and inspire them to read more.
• ·         Incorporate Technology: Utilize audiobooks, e-books, and reading apps to accommodate different learning styles and make reading more accessible to students.
• ·         Reading Rewards: Implement a reward system for reaching reading milestones, such as certificates, badges, or small prizes, to incentivize reading.
• ·         Parental Involvement: Engage parents in promoting reading habits at home by providing reading recommendations, hosting family reading nights, or creating a parent-child book club.
• ·         Integrate Reading Across Subjects: Encourage teachers to incorporate reading activities into various subjects to show students the importance of reading beyond language arts.
• ·         Provide Reading Support: Offer reading support services for struggling readers, such as reading intervention programs or peer tutoring, to ensure that all students have the opportunity to develop their reading skills.
• ·         By implementing these strategies, schools can help instill a lifelong love of reading in students and foster a community of enthusiastic readers.