Our First School Class 3 NCERT EVS

Chapter Overview: Why Family Is Called Our First School

A baby does not know how to talk, eat, hold a spoon or say thank you. Slowly, the baby learns these things by watching people at home. This is why the family is called our first school. Family members are like our first teachers because they teach without a blackboard. A grandmother may tell stories, a father may show how to water plants, a sister may teach how to keep books neatly, and a mother may teach how to speak politely. The chapter asks us to observe our own family and respect the learning we receive every day.

Important Words to Understand

Family

A group of people who live together or are closely connected and care for one another.

First school

The place where we begin learning basic habits, language, values and behaviour; for most children, this is the family.

Responsibility

A small duty we do carefully, such as keeping toys back, feeding a pet or helping set plates.

Care

Showing love and help when someone needs support, rest, food, medicine or kind words.

Habit

Something we do again and again, such as brushing teeth, greeting elders or keeping our bag ready.

How Children Learn from Their Family

1. Watch carefully — Children first observe what family members do. For example, if elders wash hands before meals, the child notices that it is important for health.
2. Try the action — Next, the child tries to do the same thing. A child may try folding clothes, watering a plant or saying namaste to guests.
3. Get help and correction — Family members guide the child gently. If the child spills water while filling a bottle, an elder may show how to hold it straight.
4. Practise daily — With repeated practice, the action becomes a good habit. This is how home teaches manners, safety, cleanliness and sharing.

Worked Examples from Daily Life

• Example 1: Riya sees her grandfather reading the newspaper every morning. Step 1: She observes that reading gives information. Step 2: She asks him to read a small story aloud. Step 3: She starts looking at picture books daily. Learning: Family members can build a love for reading.
• Example 2: Aman and his brother both want the same red crayon. Step 1: Their mother asks them to talk calmly. Step 2: Aman uses the crayon first for two minutes. Step 3: Then he gives it to his brother. Learning: At home, children learn sharing and waiting for their turn.
• Example 3: Meena forgets to keep her school shoes in place. Step 1: Her elder sister shows the shoe rack. Step 2: Meena keeps the shoes there every day after school. Step 3: After some days, she remembers it herself. Learning: Repeating a small duty builds responsibility.

Common Mistakes and Smart Points

• Do not write only school as the answer for first school. In this chapter, our family is called our first school because learning begins at home.
• Do not think only parents teach us. Grandparents, siblings, cousins, uncles, aunts and even neighbours may teach useful things.
• Use complete EVS answers. Instead of writing family teaches us, write family teaches us to speak, share, help and behave politely.
• Remember that all families are not the same. We should not make fun of a family because it is small, big or different from ours.
• Examples from your own home make answers stronger, such as learning to greet elders, keep things clean or care for plants.

Practice Questions with Solutions

• Q: Why is family called our first school? A: Step 1: Think about when a child starts learning. A child learns many things before going to school. Step 2: Name some things learnt at home, such as speaking, eating, sharing and greeting. Step 3: Connect this learning to family members who teach and guide us. Final answer: Family is called our first school because we first learn language, habits, manners, care and sharing from our family members.
• Q: Write any three things you have learnt from your family. A: Step 1: Choose daily habits you practise at home. Step 2: Pick three clear examples, not very general words. Step 3: Write them in complete sentences. Final answer: I have learnt to greet elders politely, keep my books in place and wash my hands before eating from my family.
• Q: Rohan helps his grandmother bring a glass of water. What value is he showing? A: Step 1: Notice the action: Rohan is helping an elder. Step 2: Think of the value connected with helping someone who may need support. Step 3: Use an EVS word like care or respect. Final answer: Rohan is showing care and respect for his grandmother.
• Q: Give one example to show that brothers and sisters can also be teachers at home. A: Step 1: Think of something an elder brother or sister may know better. Step 2: Choose a simple home or school-related skill. Step 3: Explain how the younger child learns by watching or taking help. Final answer: An elder sister can teach a younger child how to pack the school bag according to the timetable. This shows that brothers and sisters can also be teachers at home.

Exam Tip for Class 3 EVS Answers

In this chapter, many questions are based on your own life. There may not be only one fixed answer, but your answer should match the idea of family learning. Write short, clear sentences with one example. If the question asks how your family helps you, mention both the action and the value, such as my father helps me cross the road safely, so I learn safety and care.

Frequently Asked Questions