Part I Neem Baba
Let us discuss
Amber found many facts about the neem tree from Neem Baba. Fill up the fact sheet based on what Neem Baba told her.
| LET US KNOW OUR NEEM | ||
| Common name: | Given by | |
| Period of birth: | ||
| Born at: | ||
| Found in: | ||
| Common names | ||
| Names give by scientists: | 1. | 2. |
| Names given by others: | 1. | 2. |
1. How is neem useful to farmers?
2. Mention some of the uses of the neem tree.
Answer:
Common name: Neem
Given by: Iranians
Period of birth: Millions of years ago
Born at: North India or Myanmar
Found in: Many Asian and African countries, and some parts of America
Common names: Nimb, Nim, Leemba, Nimori, Nimbamond, Nimbe, Nimo
Names given by scientists:
Bitter grace of God
Nature’s gift to man
Names given by others:
Magic tree
The tree of the twentieth century
1. How is neem useful to farmers?
Neem is highly beneficial to farmers in several ways:
Neem seed powder mixed with water can be sprayed on plants to prevent locusts from eating them.
It helps stop mosquito breeding in rice fields where water is stagnant, promoting healthier crops.
Neem protects crops from termites and other harmful insects that damage plant roots and eat the crops.
It increases crop yield by preventing pest infestation and ensuring healthier growth.
2. Mention some of the uses of the neem tree.
The neem tree has many uses, including:
Medicinal properties: Neem leaves, bark, flowers, fruits, and roots are used to make medicines for treating various ailments like cough, eye problems, and skin diseases.
Insect repellent: Neem seed powder is used to protect stored grains from insects.
Personal care: Neem oil is used in making soaps, toothpaste, and other personal care products.
Furniture: Furniture made from neem wood is resistant to termites.
Air purification: Neem purifies the air, contributing to a cleaner environment.
Agriculture: Neem is used to protect crops from pests and increase yield through organic methods.
Let us discuss
1. you just read about the neem tree. Write any two facts that surprised you the most.
2. Complete the following sentences.
(a) The old man asked Amber to call him Neem Baba because _______.
(b) Neem seed powrder protects crops from ____________.
(c) __________ is cost-effective method to stop mosquitoes from breeding in stagnant water.
(d) One reason why doctors advise us to use neem leaves for someone suffering from measles is __________.
3. Why can Neem Baba not remember the year when he was born?
4. Which parts of the neem tree are used to make medicines?
Answer:
1. Two facts that surprised me the most:
Neem seed powder can stop locusts from eating crops and also prevent mosquito breeding in rice fields.
Neem furniture is resistant to termites, making it highly durable and long-lasting.
2. Complete the following sentences:
(a) The old man asked Amber to call him Neem Baba because he was old and wise and had been around for many years, like a grandfather figure.
(b) Neem seed powder protects crops from termites and harmful insects.
(c) Mixing neem seed powder in water is a cost-effective method to stop mosquitoes from breeding in stagnant water.
(d) One reason why doctors advise us to use neem leaves for someone suffering from measles is because neem leaves have chemical properties that destroy germs and provide relief from itching.
3. Why can Neem Baba not remember the year when he was born? Neem Baba cannot remember the year when he was born because he is very ancient, having been around for millions of years, which makes it impossible for him to recall his exact age.
4. Which parts of the neem tree are used to make medicines? The parts of the neem tree used to make medicines are leaves, bark, flowers, fruits, and roots.
Let us Write
You have read about Neem Baba and learnt many things about the neem tree. Look at the trees in your neighbourhod and write a paragraph about any one tree that you like.
Where it is (roadside/park, etc.)
How it looks (height, tree trunk, leaves, flower, etc.)
Why you like it (shade, medicinal properties, shelter, beauty, etc.)
Give a title to your paragraph.
Answer:
The Majestic Banyan Tree
In the park near my home stands a grand and majestic banyan tree. It is one of the largest trees in the area, with thick, sturdy roots that spread far and wide. The tree has a strong, broad trunk with aerial roots hanging down from its large branches, creating a unique and fascinating appearance. Its dark green leaves form a dense canopy, providing a soothing shade to those who sit beneath it.
I love this banyan tree because it not only offers a cool spot to relax under during hot summer days, but it also attracts many birds and small animals, providing them with shelter. The tree has an ancient, wise look, much like Neem Baba, and I find peace sitting under its vast spread. Its beauty, shade, and the life it supports make it one of my favorite trees.
Let us explore
When people from Persia came to India and saw that a common tree of their country was freely growing here, they started calling the Azad Darakhte Hindi So, the scientific name of Neem in Latin became Azadirachta indica.
Neem has different names in the Indian languages. Discuss with your teacher and find out which Indian languages these names belong to.
| Name | Nimb | Nim | Leemba | Nimbamond | Nimbe | Nimo |
| Indian |
Answer:
- Nimb: Hindi, Sanskrit
- Nim: Bengali, Gujarati
- Leemba: Tamil
- Nimbamond: Malayalam
- Nimbe: Kannada
- Nimo: Assamese
Part II What a Bird Thought
Let us discuss
1. Read the poem again. Identify the main idea of each stanza. There are two extra given.
(a) The bird steps out into the world.
(b) The bird lived happily in a small world.
(c) The bird becomes blind due to leaves.
(d) The bird files away with as an adult.
(e) The bird is unhappy with the straw nest.
(f) The bird lived in a cosy nest with its mother.
2. Answer the following with a word from the poem and check the answers with your partner.
(a) What was the shape of the bird’s first house? -O—
(b) What was the bird’s second nest made of? –R–
(c) What did the bird see when it came out of its nest? L—E-
(d) What did the bird do at the end? —W
Answer:
1. 1st stanza: (f) The bird lived in a cosy nest with its mother. 2nd stanza: (b) The bird lived happily in a small world. 3rd stanza: (a) The bird steps out into the world. 4th stanza: (d) The bird flies away as an adult.
The extra ones are:
- (c) The bird becomes blind due to leaves.
- (e) The bird is unhappy with the straw nest.
- Answer the following with a word from the poem:
(a) What was the shape of the bird’s first house?
Oval
(b) What was the bird’s second nest made of?
Straw
(c) What did the bird see when it came out of its nest?
Leaves
(d) What did the bird do at the end?
Flew
Let us think and reflect
1. Write whether the following sentences are Ture or False.
(a) The bird changed its house two times.
(b) The neighbours tell the bird about the world.
2. Read the following lines from the poem and answer the questions given below.
(a) I thought the world was made of strew,
And nested by my mother.
(i) Who lived in the nest along with the baby bird?
(ii) Complete the following by choosing the correct option.
The bird thought the world was made of straw because ______.
a. it lived in strew hut
b. its nest was made of straw
c. its mother fed straw to it
d. there was straw all around
(iii) Which word tells us that the baby bird was warm and comfortable?
(b) I said the world is made of leaves,
I have been very blind.
(i) Why did the bird think the world was made of leaves?
(ii) What does the set of word ‘I said’ mean?
a. flew
b. shouted
c. spoke
d. cried
(iii) Fill in the blanks to complete the sentence.
The bird felt that it had been very blind because it could not — the leaves from -n—e the nest.
3. Why did the baby bird think that its first world was small, round and blue?
4. Where did the bird go when it fluttered from its straw nest?
5. What quality did the bird say it had, when it flew away?
6. Who do you think were the bird’s neighbours? Why do you think so? Discuss.
Answer:
1. Write whether the following sentences are True or False.
(a) The bird changed its house two times.
True
(b) The neighbours tell the bird about the world.
False
2. Read the following lines from the poem and answer the questions given below.
(a) “I thought the world was made of straw, And nested by my mother.”
(i) Who lived in the nest along with the baby bird?
The baby bird and its mother lived in the nest.
(ii) Complete the following by choosing the correct option.
The bird thought the world was made of straw because ______.
b. its nest was made of straw
(iii) Which word tells us that the baby bird was warm and comfortable?
Nested
(b) “I said the world is made of leaves, I have been very blind.”
(i) Why did the bird think the world was made of leaves?
The bird thought the world was made of leaves because it saw only the leaves when it stepped out of the nest.
(ii) What does the set of words ‘I said’ mean?
c. spoke
(iii) Fill in the blanks to complete the sentence.
The bird felt that it had been very blind because it could not see the leaves from inside the nest.
3. Why did the baby bird think that its first world was small, round, and blue?
The baby bird thought its first world was small, round, and blue because it lived inside an oval egg, which was its first home.
4. Where did the bird go when it fluttered from its straw nest?
When the bird fluttered from its straw nest, it went out into the world, where it could see the leaves and explore beyond the nest.
5. What quality did the bird say it had when it flew away?
The bird said it had ‘strong wings’ when it flew away.
6. Who do you think were the bird’s neighbours? Why do you think so? Discuss.
The bird’s neighbours were likely other animals or birds living in the surrounding environment, possibly in nearby trees or nests. They could be other creatures in the bird’s natural habitat, observing its actions. This is because the bird seems to learn about the world outside its nest from observing them.
Let us Learn
1. Let us write some rhyming words. One has been done for you.
| Words from the Poem | |||
| Stanza 1 | Stanza 2 | Stanza 3 | Stanza 4 |
| well | |||
| shell | |||
| New rhyming words | |||
| fell | |||
Now, complete a new stanza with rhyming words at the end of each line.
I fly high and I fly low,
But one thing I surely k—.
Whenever I wish to rest,
My little nest is the —t.
Answer:
Let us write some rhyming words:
Words from the Poem:
Stanza 1
well
shell
Stanza 2
New rhyming words:
fell
tell
Now, complete a new stanza with rhyming words at the end of each line:
I fly high and I fly low,
But one thing I surely know.
Whenever I wish to rest,
My little nest is the best.
Let us Speak
Speak with your classmates about which bird you would like to be.
Include the following points.
Which bird are you? [I am ………….]
What do you look like? [I am ………… in colour. I am a big/small bird. I have ………].
Where do you live? [I live in …….. It is (Where) ……….]
What do you do during the day? [I ……….. I also ……..]
Do you have any message for humans? [I want to tell the humans………]
Answer:
Which bird are you?
I am a peacock.
What do you look like?
I am bright blue and green in color. I am a big bird. I have beautiful, colorful feathers with eye-like patterns on my tail.
Where do you live?
I live in forests and sometimes near farms. It is a calm and peaceful place with lots of trees.
What do you do during the day?
I fly short distances. I also dance during the rain with my feathers spread wide.
Do you have any message for humans?
I want to tell the humans to protect nature and keep the environment clean so that all birds and animals can live happily.
Let us write
1. Read how the bird perceived its world.
My world was small, round and light blue at first, After that my world was warm and comfortable. It was made of straw. In this world I could only see leaves whenever I stepped out. In the end, my world became big. It had the sky and the earth as a part of it.
2. Now, discuss with your teacher and classmates how you think the world would look to the following.
(a) a baby
(b) a fish
3. Now, write five sentences each, for both (a) and (b), in your notebooks. You can take help from the example given in1.
Answer:
(a) A Baby’s Perception of the World:
- At first, my world was small, soft, and cozy, filled with warmth from my mother’s arms.
- I could only see blurry shapes and shadows all around me.
- Slowly, my world grew bigger when I could see faces smiling at me.
- I felt the soft touch of blankets and the comforting presence of people around me.
- Now, my world is exciting, full of colors, toys, and sounds that make me curious.
(b) A Fish’s Perception of the World:
- My world is made of water all around me; I live in a blue and green watery space.
- I see the sunlight above the water and plants swaying softly in the water currents.
- My world is peaceful, filled with bubbles and other fish swimming with me.
- Sometimes, I see humans peeking into my world from the surface.
- My world is calm, full of underwater rocks and colorful coral, which I explore every day.
Let us explore
1. The bird’s first home was made of a shell. Later its home was among leaves and made of straw.
Look at your home carefully and make a list of all the material it is made of.
Why do you think our homes are not made of strew?
If you had to own a home of your choice, what would it look like and what material would you like to use?
How is a home different from a house? Discuss with your classmates and teacher.
Look at the list of some workers who blind houses. Find out the work they do and write, as shown in the example. You can think of other workers and add them too.
Answer:
- Materials Used in My Home:
- Bricks
- Cement
- Steel rods
- Wood (for doors and windows)
- Glass (for windows)
- Tiles (for flooring)
- Paint (for walls)
- Plaster
- Why are our homes not made of straw?
- Straw is not strong or durable enough to protect against weather conditions like rain, wind, or snow.
- It is not fireproof and could catch fire easily.
- It is also not long-lasting and cannot provide strong structural support for a house.
- If I had to own a home of my choice:
- My dream home would be modern yet eco-friendly. It would be built with sustainable materials like bamboo, eco-friendly cement, and solar panels for energy.
- The house would have large glass windows for natural light, a garden with greenery, and wooden floors for warmth.
- How is a home different from a house?
- A house is a physical structure or building where people live.
- A home is not just a building; it is a place filled with love, memories, and comfort. A home is where people feel safe, connected, and at peace.
| Workers | Their Work |
|---|---|
| Example: Mason | Lays bricks and stones |
| 1. Painter | Paints walls, doors, windows, and other surfaces to make the house look attractive. |
| 2. Electrician | Installs and maintains wiring, electrical systems, and lighting in the house. |
| 3. Plumber | Fits pipes and fixtures for water supply and drainage systems. |
| 4. Carpenter | Works with wood to create doors, windows, furniture, and other wooden structures. |
| 5. Architect | Designs the structure of the house, including the layout and appearance. |
| 6. Roofer | Builds and repairs the roof of the house to protect it from weather conditions. |
| 7. Interior Designer | Designs the interior of the house, selecting furniture, color schemes, and decorations. |
Let us think and reflect
1. Read the given lines and answer the following questions.
‘When I was a child, I learnt them from my grandmother. She used to find cures for most of the weather-related common illnesses in the kitchen.’
(a) Where exactly in the did her grandfather find the cures?
(b) Give one example of weather-related common illnesses.
(c) What kind of relationship did the speaker have with her grandmother?
2. Fill in the blanks to complete the sentence.
Daadi soaked methi seeds overnight nd drank the water in the morning to manage ___________ and _______________.
3. Circle the spice that is not useful for body pain according to Daadi’s letter.
(a) Turmeric
(b) Fennel seeds
(c) Ginger
(d) Black pepper
4. Why did Daddi ask Vikram and Vaibhavi to share the natural cures with their friends?
5. What was Daddi’s final advice to Vikram and Vaibhavi?
6. How do we know that natural cures are passed from one generation to another?
7. Why do you think we should know about the healing properties of spices?
Answer:
- Read the given lines and answer the following questions.
“When I was a child, I learnt them from my grandmother. She used to find cures for most of the weather-related common illnesses in the kitchen.”
(a) Where exactly did her grandmother find the cures?
Her grandmother found the cures in the kitchen.
(b) Give one example of weather-related common illnesses.
One example of weather-related common illnesses is the common cold.
(c) What kind of relationship did the speaker have with her grandmother?
The speaker had a close and caring relationship with her grandmother, as she learned valuable lessons from her.
- Fill in the blanks to complete the sentence.
Daadi soaked methi seeds overnight and drank the water in the morning to manage diabetes and cholesterol. - Circle the spice that is not useful for body pain according to Daadi’s letter.
(b) Fennel seeds - Why did Daadi ask Vikram and Vaibhavi to share the natural cures with their friends?
Daadi asked Vikram and Vaibhavi to share the natural cures with their friends because she wanted them to spread awareness about the healing properties of spices and natural remedies that can be beneficial to health. - What was Daadi’s final advice to Vikram and Vaibhavi?
Daadi’s final advice to Vikram and Vaibhavi was to always remember the natural cures and share them with others, especially their friends, so that everyone can benefit from these age-old remedies. - How do we know that natural cures are passed from one generation to another?
We know that natural cures are passed from one generation to another because the speaker learned them from her grandmother, who likely learned them from her elders, showing the tradition of passing down knowledge. - Why do you think we should know about the healing properties of spices?
We should know about the healing properties of spices because they provide natural, easily accessible, and effective remedies for various health issues. Understanding these properties can help us maintain good health using natural resources.
Let us Learn
1. The words given in Column A are helping verbs. Match the helping verbs in Column A with their functions in Column B.
| Column A Helping Verbs | Column B Functions |
| 1. May | a. past habit |
| 2. should | b. suggestion |
| 3. can | c. compulsion |
| 4. must | d. advice |
| 5. need to | e. ability |
| 6. used to | f. necessity |
The helping verbs in Column A are called model verbs or modals. Each modal verb has a different function.
(b) Complete the following dialogues with any four modals from the table given above.
(Use a model only once.)
Ajay : Anand had fever last week. He (i) ________ take good rest.
Suman : Yes, he (ii) ________ or he will fall ill again.
Ajay : He (iii) _______ take grandmother’s natural cures.
Suman : Yes, we (iv) _______ remember how effective they are.
Answer:
| Column A (Helping Verbs) | Column B (Functions) |
|---|---|
| 1. May | d. Advice |
| 2. Should | b. Suggestion |
| 3. Can | e. Ability |
| 4. Must | c. Compulsion |
| 5. Need to | f. Necessity |
| 6. Used to | a. Past habit |
(b) Completing the dialogues with modals:
Ajay : Anand had fever last week. He (i) should take good rest.
Suman : Yes, he (ii) must or he will fall ill again.
Ajay : He (iii) may take grandmother’s natural cures.
Suman : Yes, we (iv) need to remember how effective they are.
Let us Write
1. Vikram’s grandmother shared two natural cures to cure his cough in her earlier letter. It was kept outside and a few drops of rain fell on it. Some of the words got washed away by the rain. Help Vikram complete the natural cure. Use the phrases given in the box below. There are two phrases that you do not need.
some leaves of basil
for cough
amount of honey
the mixture
for high fever
a piece of fresh ginger
you can have it
grind to get
home remedy
Natural Cures for cough
(a) To prepare this home remedy, you just need ginger and honey. First, take _________ . grate it and take the juice from it. Take abut two teaspoons of this juice and add about two and half teaspoons of honey to it. Mix it properly. Warm _______ slightly on very low heat for a minute. Then ______ about three to four times a day to get relief from cough. Have patience to see the effect as natural cures _______ with ginger and honey might take some time to show results.
(b) To prepare the second _______ for cough, take about 10 grams of each long pepper, dried ginger and basil leaves. Add four to six small cardamoms and _______ a fine powder. If you take this powder with an equal _______, it will give you relief from cough.
2. Now, write a short paragraph on Tulsi based on the completed factsheet in ‘Let us listen’.
Answer:
1. Natural Cures for Cough
(a) To prepare this home remedy, you just need a piece of fresh ginger. Grate it and take the juice from it. Take about two teaspoons of this juice and add about two and half teaspoons of honey to it. Mix it properly. Warm the mixture slightly on very low heat for a minute. Then you can have it about three to four times a day to get relief from cough. Have patience to see the effect as natural cures for cough with ginger and honey might take some time to show results.
(b) To prepare the second home remedy for cough, take about 10 grams of each long pepper, dried ginger, and basil leaves. Add four to six small cardamoms and grind to get a fine powder. If you take this powder with an equal amount of honey, it will give you relief from cough.
2. Short Paragraph on Tulsi
Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, is considered one of the most sacred and beneficial plants in Indian culture. It has various medicinal properties and is commonly used in natural remedies. Tulsi leaves are known to strengthen the immune system, help relieve cough, cold, and respiratory problems. It is often consumed in the form of herbal tea or used in Ayurvedic medicines. The leaves of Tulsi contain antibacterial and antifungal compounds, making it effective in treating infections. Many households grow Tulsi plants due to their health benefits and spiritual significance.
Let us explore
1. Now that you have read about many spices, can you guess the spices based on the riddles given below?
| (a) When your tummy felt funny I was used by your granny I made you fit and fine And brought back your smile. Who am I? ______________________ | (b) I come from under the ground Thousands of years, I’ve been around. For cooking you use me daily From cold I can cure you surely. Who am I? ______________________ |
2. Fill in the blanks to complete the riddle below. Write another riddle of your own and ask your family members to guess the spice.
| (a) Brownish – ______ in colour, and ______ to taste, I help everyone, to _______ their weight. Who am I? Ans: Fenugreek (meth) | (b) ________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ |
3. Close your eyes and learn about spices by smelling and feeling them. The teacher may also provide a few different spices to try.
Answer:
1. Riddles Based on Spices
(a) When your tummy felt funny
I was used by your granny
I made you fit and fine
And brought back your smile.
Who am I?
Answer: Fennel (Saunf)
(b) I come from under the ground
Thousands of years, I’ve been around.
For cooking you use me daily
From cold I can cure you surely.
Who am I?
Answer: Ginger (Adrak)
2. Completing the Riddle
(a) Brownish- yellow in colour, and bitter to taste,
I help everyone to reduce their weight.
Who am I?
Answer: Fenugreek (Methi)
(b) Create Your Own Riddle:
I am tiny but powerful,
In sweets, I am delightful.
A fragrant spice you love to grind,
In desserts, you always find.
Who am I?
Answer: Cardamom (Elaichi)
3. Close Your Eyes and Smell/Feel Spices
This activity can be done with different spices provided by your teacher or family members. Smelling and feeling spices like cinnamon, clove, or cumin can help you identify them through their unique aromas and textures.