BUILDING BEAUTIFUL INSIDE

Day 1

The Dreamer Who Soared

In the little town of Rameswaram, where the waves of the Bay

of Bengal whispered secrets to the shore, lived a young boy
named Abdul Kalam.

Abdul's father, a wise and hardworking man, ran a

boat-building business. When a fierce cyclone swept away
©

their boats, leaving their business in trouble, Abdul's father

remained calm and determined to rebuild their business.
Inspired by his father's determination, Abdul knew that no
storm can blow away the desire of dreams when it is backed
with dedication.

 1
 Abdul also learned important lessons of empathy and kindness
through an example set by his mother. One evening, Abdul
discovered that his mother had sacrificed her own share of food
so he could eat his fill. Touched by her selflessness, Abdul made
a promise to himself to always remember the needs of others
and to cherish the bonds of family and community.

While young Abdul was looking up to his parents as his heroes,

he was also looking up at the sky all the time. From a very
young age, Abdul was captivated by the mysteries of the sky.
He would watch in awe as birds danced gracefully among the
clouds, he was enchanted by the idea of flight. His heart
yearned to soar among the clouds, to touch the stars that
adorned the heavens above.

As a child, Abdul's fondest

dream was to become a pilot.
He would spend hours gazing
up at the passing airplanes,
imagining himself at the
controls, guiding his craft
through the boundless sky.

As he grew into a young man,

Abdul prepared hard to join
the Air Force. But sadly for
him, he couldn’t clear the
©

exams to become a pilot.

Despite the disappointment,
Abdul refused to let failure clip
his wings.

 2
 He would remind himself,
"Failure is not the end. It is
merely a stepping stone on
the path to greatness."
With that confidence and
determination, he set a new
path for himself that would
one day lead him to
become one of the greatest
minds of our nation. He
immersed himself in the
study of aeronautics,
determined to understand
all about the science of
flight. Abdul soon became a
brilliant scientist, giving
India a place of honour in
science and missile
technology.

Abdul became Dr. APJ

Abdul Kalam. He worked
His biggest achievement
for almost forty years. He
was making the SLV-III. It
was very smart and helped
helped India send its own
make important things for
satellite into space for the
India's defense. He made
©

first time. Everyone called

missiles like Agni and
him the "Missile Man of
Prithvi, which made India
India" because he was so
strong and famous around
good at his job.
the world.

 3
 Dr. Kalam wasn't just good at science, though. He also became
the President of India and was loved by everyone. He was very
humble and wise. He always cared about young people and
wanted them to do well.

Even though he did big things, Dr. Kalam stayed down-to-earth

and kind. He showed everyone that you can be smart and
successful without forgetting to be nice to others.

Dr. Kalam is an inspiration for millions of people. From the humble

shores of Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu to the halls of Rashtrapati
Bhavan as the President of India, Dr. Abdul Kalam's story is not
just the tale of one man's victory despite challenges but it is a
story that inspires each one of us to dream and reach the stars.

©

The End

 4
 Day 2

Note to
Parents
Keep Trying, Never Give Up
Despite failing to become a pilot, young Abdul didn't let that discourage
him. Instead, he chose to pursue a different path and worked tirelessly to
achieve success in the field of science. Talk to your child about how
Abdul faced failure but didn't let it stop him. Encourage them to perse-
vere through challenges and setbacks, reminding them that with hard
work and determination, they can achieve their goals too. Share with
your child a time when you or someone they know faced a challenge but
kept trying until they succeeded. It could be as simple as learning to ride
a bike, mastering a difficult puzzle, or even overcoming a fear. Encourage
your child to talk about a time when they didn't give up, highlighting the
importance of persistence in achieving their goals.

Be Kind and Helpful

Abdul's mother's kindness teaches us the importance of caring for
others. Discuss with your child how small acts of kindness, like sharing or
helping someone, can make a big difference. Reflect on instances where
your child demonstrated kindness or received kindness from others.
how simple acts of kindness, like sharing something or helping a friend in
©

need, can make a positive impact on someone's day. Encourage your

child to look for opportunities to show kindness in their daily interactions,
fostering empathy and compassion towards others.

 Continuation 5
 Note to
Parents
Stay Humble and True to Yourself
Despite his success, Dr. Kalam remained humble and grounded despite
becoming one of our greatest scientists and a President of the nation.
Remind your child about the importance of staying true to themselves
and treating everyone with respect. Encourage them to be humble in
their achievements and to always remember their roots, no matter how
successful they become. Share stories of individuals who remained
humble despite their accomplishments, such as a favourite teacher, a
family member, or even a famous personality. Discuss with your child the
qualities that make someone humble, like acknowledging their strengths
while remaining modest. Encourage your child to reflect on their own
achievements and how they can stay modest and humble despite their
victories.

©

 6
 things Day 3
TO DO
TO LEARN AND GROW

Balloon Missile Race

Materials needed:
• Two long pieces of string (about 5-10 meters each)
• Two balloons (regular-sized)
• Drinking straw
• Tape
• Scissors
• Optional: Markers or stickers for decorating balloons or country flag
stickers to paste on the balloons.

How to do:
1. Cut the string into two equal lengths, ensuring that each piece is
long enough to stretch across the desired racing distance.
2. Thread each string through a drinking straw. This will serve as the
track for the balloon rockets to slide along.
3. Secure one end of each string to a fixed object, such as the backs of
chairs, doorknobs, or any other sturdy support. You can also tie one end
of the strong to an elevated point.
4. Begin by decorating the balloons with markers or stickers, if desired.
This step adds an extra element of fun and personalisation to the
©

activity. You can add country flag stickers if you like.

 Continuation 7
 things
TO DO
TO LEARN AND GROW

5. Inflate the balloons but don't tie them. Instead, hold the opening of
55cdcdcvdvdv dv d5555v

each balloon tightly and secure it with a clip such as ones that are used in
clotheslines. You can also simply hold it with your hand and release at the
start of the race!
6. Use tape to secure the balloons to the straws, ensuring that they are
positioned securely and facing in the direction of the finish line.
7. Once everything is set up, release the balloons simultaneously by
letting go of the openings. As the air rushes out of the balloons, they will
propel themselves along the strings, creating a balloon missile race!
8. Encourage the children to cheer on their balloons as they race towards
the finish line. The first balloon to reach the end wins the race!

This activity provides an exciting and interactive way for children to learn
about basic principles of physics, such as propulsion and motion. You can
reinforce the idea of Dr. Abdul Kalam’s work in missile technology from the
story with the little science behind this fun activity.

©

 8
 5 FACTS
interesting
ABOUT DR. ABDUL KALAM
Day 4

1 He loved reading books and

even wrote many
Dr. Kalam was like a treasure hunter, always searching for new
adventures within the pages of books. He loved to read about
everything, from amazing scientific discoveries to inspiring stories of
courage and kindness. But he didn't stop there—he shared his own
adventures through writing too! His books, like "Wings of Fire" and
"India 2020," are very popular and inspiring. With his words, Dr.
Kalam lit up the minds of people all around the world, showing them
that the power of imagination knows no bounds.

2 Great teacher and

inspiring mentor
Dr. Kalam was like a guiding star, lighting the way for students everywhere.
He believed that teachers were superheroes, shaping the future with their
knowledge and kindness. With a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face,
Dr. Kalam shared his wisdom at many schools and universities. He didn't just
teach from books—he taught from his heart, inspiring thousands to reach
for the stars and make their dreams come true. He often said, “Dream is not
what you see in sleep, dream is something which does not let you sleep.”
©

3 The Newspaper boy

As a young boy in Rameswaram, Dr. Kalam helped his family by selling
newspapers. When a train stopped bringing newspapers to the station,


Continuation
9
 5 FACTS
interesting
ABOUT DR. ABDUL KALAM

Dr. Kalam and his cousin came up with a plan. They caught bundles of
newspapers thrown from passing trains and delivered them to subscribers
before sunrise. Dr. Kalam enjoyed this job and learned the importance of
hard work and keeping promises. It taught him that every day brings new
opportunities to help others and make a difference, no matter how small
the task may seem.

4 A Plant took his name

A new plant species was found in the forests of West Bengal, and
scientists named it after Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, calling it 'Drypetes
kalamii.' This special plant was discovered by Indian scientists
exploring the foothills of Darjeeling. It's like having a living
tribute to Dr. Kalam, who loved nature and worked hard to
protect it. This shows how much people admired and respected
him, even in the world of plants!

5 First scientist to
become the President of India
Dr. Kalam made history by becoming the 11th President of India in
2002. What's amazing is that he was the first scientist to hold this
©

important position! Even more fascinating, he was the third person to

become President without any experience in politics. Plus, he was the
first bachelor and vegetarian to live in the grand Rashtrapati Bhavan!
Dr. Kalam showed that anyone, no matter their background, can
achieve great things.

 10
 things
TO DO
Day 5
TO LEARN AND GROW
DIY Science Experiment:
Aerodynamic Balloon Car Challenge
Materials needed:
• Baking soda & Vinegar
• Empty plastic bottle or small container
• Balloon
• Cardboard or heavy paper
• Straws (for axles)
• Wheels (such as bottle caps or small plastic lids)
• Tape (duct tape or strong adhesive tape) & Scissors
• Optional: Markers, stickers, or paint for decorating

How to do:
1. Begin by gathering all the materials listed above.
2. Explain to your child that they will be designing and building two
balloon-powered cars to demonstrate the concept of aerodynamics.
3. Divide the cardboard or heavy paper into two equal-sized rectangles.
Cut one rectangle with a blunt, square-shaped front (representing a less
aerodynamic design) and the other with a cylindrical streamlined, pointed
front (representing a more aerodynamic design).
4. Attach wheels to the bottom of each car using straws as axles. Ensure
that the wheels can rotate freely.
©

5. Inflate a balloon and secure it to the back of each car with tape.
6. For the baking soda and vinegar experiment, pour vinegar into the
bottle or container until it's about one-third full. Add a few tablespoons of
baking soda to a deflated balloon.

 Continuation 11
 things
TO DO
TO LEARN AND GROW

7. Stretch the opening of the balloon over the mouth of the bottle,
making sure it's sealed tightly.
8. When ready, lift the balloon to allow the baking soda to fall into the
vinegar. Observe how the chemical reaction produces gas, inflating the
balloon and propelling the cars forward.
9. Release the balloon-powered cars on a smooth, flat surface, such as a
tabletop or floor. Compare the distance traveled by each car and observe
any differences in speed and efficiency.
10. Encourage your child to reflect on their observations and discuss how
the design of the car's front end (blunt vs. aerodynamic) affects its
performance. Emphasize the importance of aerodynamics in various
applications, such as missile technology, and how engineers strive to
optimise designs for maximum efficiency.

Note: You can also do this experiment without the vineger and baking
soda by simply using a full blown balloon inside the two cardboard cars
and leaving them free to see how the energy thrusts the two cars. If the
air pressure is same, the more aerodynamic shaped car is likely to move
faster. By engaging in this design challenge, children can explore the
principles of aerodynamics in a hands-on and interactive way, reinforcing
the lessons from Dr. Abdul Kalam's inspiring story while having fun
©

experimenting with their

 12
 COMPLETE THE

STORY Day 6

The Newspaper Boy

Once upon a time, in a bustling town nestled by the sea, lived a
young boy named Abdul and his cousin. They noticed that the
town people, especially the older retired men were very sad
because they no longer got the daily newspaper to read. All this
was happening because the train that delivered the newspaper
to their town was no longer stopping at that little station.

Seeing the sad seniors of the town, young Abdul and his cousin
decided to do something. Every morning just as the sun rose
into the sky, Abdul would accompany his cousin to the railway
station. Their mission was simple yet exciting: wave at the news-
paper man in the train to throw some bundles of newspapers
from the passing train and deliver them to subscribers.

They managed to do this every day until one day a wristwatch

slipped from the man who threw the newspaper, tumbling down
onto the platform. Thus began a big adventure for Abdul and
his cousin….

How did Abdul get the newspaper man to throw some bundles
of papers?

How did the two boys manage to pay the newspaperman?

©

What did they do when the watch fell on the platform?

What adventures did it lead to?

 13
 BUILDING BEAUTIFUL INSIDE
Day 7

CONCEPT ASSESSMENT
Use these questions in your own way to discuss and encourage your
child to take away more from this week’s story and activities.

Can you tell me about a time when you felt like giving
up, but you kept trying like Abdul Kalam?

Q1 Parent's Guide: Listen to your child's response attentively.

Encourage them to share their experience and feelings.
Help them recognise their resilience and the importance of
not giving up, even when things seem tough. Offer praise
and support for their determination.

Can you tell me about a time when you felt like giving
up, but you kept trying like Abdul Kalam?

Parent's Guide: Listen to your child's response

attentively. Encourage them to share their experience
and feelings. Help them recognize their resilience and
Q2
the importance of not giving up, even when things seem
tough. Offer praise and support for their determination.

What do you think it means to be humble,

Q4
like Abdul Kalam?

Q3
Parent's Guide: Explore the concept of humility with
©

your child. Discuss how Abdul Kalam remained humble

despite his achievements. Encourage your child to
reflect on times when they felt proud of themselves and
how they can stay humble and true to themselves.
Emphasize the value of modesty and staying grounded.

 Continuation 14
 BUILDING BEAUTIFUL INSIDE

CONCEPT ASSESSMENT
Use these questions in your own way to discuss and encourage your
child to take away more from this week’s story and activities.

Can you share a dream or goal you have, and how you
plan to work towards it, just like Abdul Kalam did?

Parent's Guide: Listen to your child's aspirations and

goals. Help them break down their dreams into smaller,
achievable steps. Discuss the importance of hard work,
Q4
determination, and perseverance in reaching their goals.
Offer encouragement and support as they embark on
their journey towards fulfilling their dreams.

How do you think Abdul Kalam inspired

others with his story?

Q5
Parent's Guide: Encourage your child to reflect on the
impact of Abdul Kalam's life and achievements.
Discuss ways in which they can inspire others through
their own actions and positive attitude. Help them
recognise the power of their words and actions in
making a difference in the lives of others.
©

 15