CBSE Class 2 English Unit 10: The Grasshopper and the Ant

Welcome, young learners, to a fascinating story from your CBSE Class 2 English Unit 10: "The Grasshopper and the Ant"! This is a famous fable, which means it's a short story that teaches us a valuable lesson, often using animals as characters. In this story, you will meet a cheerful grasshopper and a hardworking ant. You'll discover how their different ways of living during summer lead to very different experiences when winter arrives. By the end of this lesson, you'll not only know the story but also understand its important message about planning for the future and the rewards of hard work. Let's dive in and learn from our little animal friends!

Understanding the Story: A Tale of Two Friends

"The Grasshopper and the Ant" tells us about two very different characters. First, there is the Grasshopper. He loves to sing, dance, and play all through the warm, sunny summer days. He doesn't think about tomorrow or what he will eat when the weather changes. He just enjoys the moment, feeling happy and carefree. He sees no need to work when the sun is shining so brightly!

Then, we have the Ant. The Ant is very small but very wise and hardworking. While the Grasshopper is singing, the Ant is busy collecting tiny pieces of grain and food. She carries them diligently back to her home, storing them safely for later. She knows that summer will not last forever and that a cold, harsh winter is coming. She understands the importance of working hard now to prepare for future challenges.

When winter finally arrives, the story takes a turn. The world becomes cold, and there is no food to be found outside. The Grasshopper, who spent all summer playing, now has nothing to eat. He is hungry and cold, and there is no music left in him. But what about the Ant? Because she worked hard and saved food during the summer, she is safe and warm in her home, with plenty to eat. This contrast shows us a very important lesson about being prepared.

New Words to Learn

Merry: Feeling happy and cheerful. The grasshopper was merry, singing and dancing.
Gather: To collect or bring together. The ant gathered tiny pieces of grain.
Grain: Small, hard seeds of plants like wheat or rice, used as food.
Store: To keep something for future use. The ant stored food for winter.
Starve: To suffer or die from lack of food. The grasshopper was afraid to starve.
Winter: The coldest season of the year, after autumn and before spring.
Summer: The warmest season of the year, after spring and before autumn.

Unpacking the Moral: Work Today, Enjoy Tomorrow

Step 1: The Grasshopper's Choice (Play Now) — During the warm summer, the Grasshopper chose to spend all his time singing and playing. He lived only for the present moment and did not think about what he would need later.
Step 2: The Ant's Choice (Work Now) — The Ant, on the other hand, spent her summer days working hard. She knew that summer would end, so she collected and stored food to be ready for the cold days ahead.
Step 3: Winter Arrives (Consequences) — When winter came, the Grasshopper had no food and was very cold and hungry. He regretted not working. The Ant, because of her hard work, was warm, safe, and had plenty to eat.
Step 4: The Moral (Lesson Learned) — The story teaches us that it's important to work hard and plan for the future. If we prepare today, we can have a comfortable and happy tomorrow. Just like the Ant, it's wise to save and work when you can, so you are ready for difficult times.

Important Lesson for Life

Always remember the main lesson from "The Grasshopper and the Ant": Hard work and planning for the future pay off. Don't be like the grasshopper who only thinks about today's fun and ignores tomorrow's needs. Be like the ant, who works steadily and smartly to ensure a safe and comfortable future. This lesson applies not just to food, but also to your studies! If you study a little bit every day, you'll be well-prepared for your exams!

Practice Questions with Solutions

Q: What did the Grasshopper do all summer long? A: Step 1: Recall the Grasshopper's actions during summer. Step 2: The story says he sang and danced. Final answer: The Grasshopper sang and danced all summer long.
Q: What did the Ant do when the Grasshopper was playing? A: Step 1: Think about the Ant's activity in summer. Step 2: The Ant was busy gathering food and storing it. Final answer: The Ant gathered and stored food while the Grasshopper was playing.
Q: What happened to the Grasshopper when winter came? A: Step 1: Remember what happens in winter in the story. Step 2: The Grasshopper had no food and was hungry and cold. Final answer: The Grasshopper became hungry and cold because he had no food saved for winter.
Q: What lesson does "The Grasshopper and the Ant" teach us? A: Step 1: Think about the different outcomes for the Grasshopper and the Ant. Step 2: The Ant worked and was safe; the Grasshopper played and suffered. Final answer: The story teaches us that it is important to work hard and plan for the future to be prepared for difficulties.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a fable?

A fable is a short story that usually features animals as characters and teaches a moral lesson. "The Grasshopper and the Ant" is a classic example of a fable, showing human qualities through animal actions.

Why did the Grasshopper suffer in winter?

The Grasshopper suffered in winter because he spent all summer playing and singing, without gathering any food or preparing for the cold season. When winter arrived, there was no food left outside.

What is the main message of the story?

The main message is about the importance of hard work, planning, and foresight. It teaches us to be responsible and prepare for the future, rather than just living for the present moment.

How can I be like the Ant in my studies?

To be like the Ant in your studies, you should try to study a little bit every day instead of waiting until the last moment. This way, you'll build your knowledge steadily and be well-prepared for exams, just like the Ant prepared for winter.