Chhotu's House: CBSE Class 3 EVS Chapter 5

Why We All Need a House: The Story of Chhotu

When Chhotu first came to Mumbai, he had nowhere to go. The city was big and new to him. Suddenly, it started to rain heavily! Chhotu needed a safe place to hide from the rain. He looked around and saw a large, empty cement pipe lying on the side of the road. He quickly crawled inside. The pipe protected him from the rain, just like our homes protect us. From that day on, the pipe became Chhotu's house. A house is a shelter that keeps us safe from heat, cold, wind, and rain. It's a place where we can rest and feel secure. Chhotu was clever and made the best use of his new home. He showed that a house is not just about bricks and walls, but any place that gives us shelter and safety.

Making a House a Home: Different Parts and Their Uses

Sleeping Area

Chhotu created a cosy corner inside the pipe for sleeping. This is like a bedroom in our houses. It is a quiet place where we rest and sleep safely at night.

Cooking Area

Just outside the pipe, Chhotu set up a small stove to cook his food. This area is like our kitchen. A kitchen is where meals are prepared for the family.

Water Storage Area

Chhotu kept a drum to store clean water. Every house needs water for drinking, cooking, and washing. This is similar to the water taps we have in our kitchens and bathrooms.

Living Area / Guest Area

When Chhotu's friend, Monu, came to visit, Chhotu welcomed him into his pipe-house. This space acted as a living room or drawing-room, a place to sit and talk with friends and family.

Important Lessons from Chhotu's House

• A house is a basic need for everyone. It protects us from bad weather like hot sun, cold winds, and heavy rain.
• We can be creative and make any space a comfortable home, just as Chhotu used the pipe.
• A home is usually divided into different parts for different activities, such as sleeping, cooking, bathing, and meeting guests.
• It is very important to keep our house and the area around it clean. A clean house helps us stay healthy and happy.
• We share our living spaces with many animals like lizards, ants, spiders, and rats. They also have a right to live.

Practice Questions with Solutions

• Q: Why did Chhotu decide to make the pipe his home?
  A: Step 1: Think about what happened when Chhotu first came to Mumbai. He had no place to live.
  Step 2: Remember the weather. It started to rain heavily.
  Step 3: Chhotu needed a place that could protect him from the rain. The pipe was a strong shelter that kept him dry and safe.
  Final answer: Chhotu made the pipe his home because he had nowhere else to live in the big city, and it gave him shelter and protection from the sun, wind, and rain.

• Q: Chhotu divided his pipe-house into different parts. Name any two parts and explain what he used them for.
  A: Step 1: Recall how Chhotu organized his pipe. He didn't do everything in one spot.
  Step 2: One part was for sleeping. He spread out a mat to rest there.
  Step 3: Another part was for cooking. He set up a small stove outside the pipe to prepare his food.
  Final answer: Two parts of Chhotu's house were the sleeping area, which he used for resting at night, and the cooking area, which he used to prepare his meals.

• Q: Why is it important to keep our house clean? Give two reasons.
  A: Step 1: Think about what happens when a place is dirty. It can attract germs and insects.
  Step 2: Reason 1: Keeping the house clean prevents us from falling sick. Germs and pests that cause diseases do not grow in clean places.
  Step 3: Reason 2: A clean house looks neat and beautiful. It makes us feel good and happy to live there.
  Final answer: It is important to keep our house clean because, firstly, it protects us from diseases by keeping away germs, and secondly, it makes our home a pleasant and beautiful place to live.

• Q: Who was Chhotu's friend who came to live with him? Where did they both sit and talk?
  A: Step 1: Remember the story. Chhotu was alone at first, but then a friend joined him.
  Step 2: Chhotu's friend was Monu, who also came to Mumbai and had no home.
  Step 3: Chhotu welcomed Monu into his pipe-house. They sat together in the part of the pipe that was like a living room or guest area.
  Final answer: Chhotu's friend was Monu. They both sat and talked inside the pipe, which Chhotu used as his living area to welcome guests.

Frequently Asked Questions