Chapter 2: Exploring Our Neighbourhood
Discover community services, communication, and map reading!
Chapter Summary
This chapter follows Navya and her grandfather as they explore their neighbourhood, introducing children to community services like post offices, hospitals, banks, and public transport. It compares past and present communication and transportation methods and encourages map reading and understanding directions. The chapter also covers basic concepts of money, banking, budgeting, and the roles of community helpers.
✅ Let Us Answer
Page 18–19: Communication Then and Now
Have you or your family ever sent or received a letter or parcel?
Ans: Yes, we have received letters and parcels, especially during festivals and birthdays.
How does the post office help people stay connected?
Ans: It delivers letters, parcels, money orders, and offers other services like savings accounts.
Page 20: Interview with Elders
Communication Comparison:
| Category | Earlier Times | Present Times |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Communication | Letters, telegram | Mobile, social media |
| Speed | Slow (days/weeks) | Instant |
| Frequency | Occasional | Daily or frequent |
| Language | Mostly regional | Regional, English, Hindi |
| Challenges | Delays, postage | Fake news, distractions |
Page 21: Reflection
Effect of slow letters:
Ans: Delayed news, less frequent updates
Now vs. Then:
Ans: Instant sharing of information
Avoiding fake news:
Ans: Check facts, confirm sources before sharing
Page 22–23: Transportation and Environment
Mode of transport used most:
Ans: (Example) Bus or e-rickshaw
Structures in picture:
Ans: Flyovers and metros – make travel faster, reduce traffic
How did earlier generations travel to school?
| You | Parents | Grandparents |
|---|---|---|
| School bus | Bicycle/bus | Walked/cycle |
Page 23: Health Centre
Roles in Health Centre:
| People | Role |
|---|---|
| Doctor | Treats patients |
| Nurse | Takes care of patients, gives meds |
| Pharmacist | Provides prescribed medicines |
| Cleaner | Keeps hospital clean |
| Receptionist | Manages records and appointments |
Page 24–25: Banking and Savings
Preferred method to send money?
Ans: Using phone – faster and safer
Do you save money? Where?
Ans: Yes, in piggy bank or bank account
Why is saving money important?
Ans: For future needs or emergencies
Ways to save money?
Ans: Avoid waste, spend wisely, use piggy bank
Page 26–27: Know the Bank
Uses of a bank apart from savings:
Ans:
- Giving loans
- Depositing and withdrawing money
- ATM services
- Sending/receiving money
What is an ATM?
Ans: A machine that lets you withdraw money anytime.
Currency Note Questions:
Ans:
- Value: ₹10/₹20/₹50/₹100 (any denomination)
- Languages: 15 regional languages on reverse
- Pictures: Gandhi’s portrait, national symbols, heritage sites
Page 27–28: Directions
Locations from Navya’s home:
| Direction | Place |
|---|---|
| North | Post office |
| East | School |
| West | Market |
| South | Park |
Landmarks from school (example):
Ans:
- North: Playground
- South: Hospital
- East: Bank
- West: Library
Page 29–30: Giving Directions
Example:
Place: Park
Instruction: From school gate, go straight till the post office. Turn left. The park is next to the library.
Page 31: Budgeting
Budget Plan:
| Category | Planned Amount | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Savings | ₹30 | For future or emergencies |
| Stationery | ₹25 | Buy pencils and notebooks |
| Snacks | ₹20 | For tiffin or treats |
| Toys | ₹25 | To buy a small toy |
Page 31: Neighbourhood Project
Improvement Ideas:
Ans:
- Build a new park
- Plant trees
- Set up dustbins
- Clean the streets
COVID Helpers:
Ans: Doctors, nurses, shopkeepers, sanitation workers, teachers
Page 32: Community Workers and Vehicles
Services and Vehicles:
| Service | People Involved | Vehicles Used |
|---|---|---|
| Library | Librarian, Clerk | Book van (rare) |
| Post Office | Postman, Clerk | Mail van, bicycle |
| Fire Station | Firefighters | Fire engine |
| Hospital | Doctor, Nurse, Driver | Ambulance |
| Police Station | Police, Constables | Patrolling jeep |
✏️ Activities
Page 20: Interview with Elders
Activity: Interview a family member about how communication has changed over time.
Instructions: Ask questions about past and present communication methods, note responses, and share in class.
Page 29–30: Mapping Activity
Activity: Draw a map from school to library with landmarks (e.g., shop, tree, bus stop).
Instructions: Sketch a simple map in your notebook, mark key places, and label directions (north, south, east, west).
🧠 Let Us Reflect
No specific reflection questions are listed, but students can reflect on the chapter themes through discussions or the neighbourhood project activity.
🧠 Concepts Covered
- Changes in communication and transportation
- Public places and their roles
- Importance of banking and saving
- Understanding directions and map reading
- Budgeting and planning
- Community services and helpers
- Hands-on activities: Interviewing elders, drawing maps
