# Living in Harmony

## Overview

In this chapter, students explore the relationship between humans, animals, birds, insects, and plants. Through storytelling, observation, discussion, and interactive activities, students learn how living beings share spaces, depend on each other, and live in harmony. This chapter encourages empathy, care for nature, and the idea of mutual support among all life forms.

## Key Topics Covered

### 1. Animals and Plants in Our Homes

* Many families share their homes with animals, birds, insects, and plants.
* Some are welcomed intentionally (like pets or potted plants), while others (like ants or pigeons) come uninvited.
* Discussion prompts:

* Which creatures live in or visit your home?
* How do you feel about them?
* Do you care for any of them?

### 2. Intergenerational Knowledge

* Students are encouraged to speak with elders to learn about the animals and plants they had in their homes when they were young.
* Sharing of stories and memories about those animals and plants builds connection and appreciation.

### 3. Observing Local Creatures

* Children are prompted to observe animals, birds, and insects around them and record those that are not shown in the textbook illustrations.
* They list their names and the place they were seen, increasing awareness of local biodiversity.

### 4. Mutual Help Between Plants and Animals

#### *The Mango Tree Story*

* Shambhu and his father sit under a mango tree.
* Shambhu notices a monkey eating a mango and throwing the seed.
* His father explains that new plants can grow from such seeds—showing how animals help plants.

#### *What We Get from Plants*

* Fruits, vegetables, medicines, fibres, and wood come from plants.
* Plants also give us:

* Shade
* Fresh air
* Shelter for animals
* Beauty and comfort



### 5. Mutual Dependence and Care

* We depend on animals and plants for:

* Milk, food, clothing, shelter, medicine, and companionship.
* Animals depend on plants for food and shelter.
* Plants benefit from animals through:

* Seed dispersal (e.g., animals carry and drop seeds).
* Natural fertilization from animal waste.

### 6. Observational Activities

#### *Get to Know an Animal*

* Students choose an animal they often see (e.g., cow, dog, pigeon).
* They observe its behavior: movement, sound, eating habits, interactions.
* A short descriptive write-up helps build observation and expression skills.

#### *Ant Food Trail Activity*

* Children place three types of food (sweet, fried, boiled) on the floor.
* They guess and observe:

* Which food ants prefer.
* How ants behave.
* Differences among ants.
* Builds curiosity and observation skills.

### 7. Emotional Connection with Nature

* Students are encouraged to “talk” to their plant friends when they feel sad or happy.
* Helps in expressing emotions and developing empathy towards plants.

### 8. Fun Game: "Guess Who I Am?"

* One student whispers the name of an animal or plant.
* The other student acts it out while classmates guess.
* This enhances creativity, expression, and peer interaction.

### 9. Real Story: Grey Wagtails in Valparai

* In Valparai, Tamil Nadu, students welcome winter birds called Grey Wagtails.
* They put up welcome posters and distribute sweets.
* Teaches:

* Seasonal bird migration.
* Human celebration of nature.
* Naming birds in local language (e.g., *Vaalatti kuruvi* in Tamil).

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## New Words and Simple Definitions

| Word | Simple Definition |
| ------------- | ------------------------------------------------- |
| Dispersing | Spreading things (like seeds) in different places |
| Fertile | Full of nutrients; good for growing plants |
| Companionship | Having a friend or someone to be with |
| Empathy | Understanding and caring for others' feelings |
| Harmony | Living together peacefully |
| Shelter | A safe place to live or stay |
| Observation | Watching something carefully |
| Celebrate | To enjoy and show happiness about something |
| Wagtail | A small bird that moves its tail up and down |
| Fibre | A thread-like part used to make clothes |

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## Practice Questions

### Easy (3)

1. **Name any two animals that live around your home.**
*Answer:* Dog, pigeon
*Explanation:* These are commonly found near homes and sometimes taken care of.

2. **What do we get from plants?**
*Answer:* Fruits, vegetables, wood, medicines
*Explanation:* Plants give us food and useful materials.

3. **How do animals help in planting trees?**
*Answer:* By spreading seeds
*Explanation:* Seeds grow into new plants after being dropped or buried by animals.

### Medium (2)

4. **Why should we take care of animals and plants?**
*Answer:* Because we depend on them for food, shelter, and companionship
*Explanation:* All living beings are connected and need each other.

5. **What did Shambhu’s father explain about the mango seed?**
*Answer:* That it could grow into a new plant
*Explanation:* Seeds thrown by animals can grow into trees.

### Difficult (3)

6. **Describe how ants behave when they find food.**
*Answer:* They come in groups, follow a line, and carry the food back
*Explanation:* Ants are social insects and work together to collect food.

7. **Write a few lines about any animal or bird you observe daily.**
*Answer:* \[Student’s own response, e.g., “I see a sparrow near my window every morning. It hops and makes a chirping sound.”]
*Explanation:* Observational activity to build writing skills.

8. **How do animals and plants show harmony in nature?**
*Answer:* Animals spread seeds and make soil fertile, plants give food and shelter
*Explanation:* They support each other’s survival.

### Very Difficult (2)

9. **Explain how the children in Valparai welcomed the Grey Wagtails. Why was this important?**
*Answer:* They made posters and celebrated; it showed love for visiting birds
*Explanation:* Respecting and valuing nature encourages protection of wildlife.

10. **What is the importance of developing empathy towards plants and animals?**
*Answer:* Helps us care for them and live in peace with nature
*Explanation:* Empathy leads to harmony and responsible behavior.

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