Maharashtra Board Class 5 English Balbharti Unit Three Chapter 17 On the Water PDF Download

17. On The Water

In our little boat to glide On the water blue and wide, While the sky is smooth and bright, What could give us more delight?

See the ripples, how they run, Twinkling brightly in the sun; While reflected we can see Shadows of each hill and tree.

See the lilies, round and large, Floating near the reedy marge, Where the bulrush has its place And the heavy water-mace.

See the great green dragonfly, And the swallow skimming by. See the fishes spring and gleam, Ere they splash into the stream.

See the bright kingfisher too Dart a gleam of green and blue. These are all around our boat On the water whilst we float.

Teacher's Note

This poem describes beautiful things you see on a boat ride on the water. Like when you go on a boat ride in a river or lake in your city, you can see animals, plants and nature all around you.

Exam Trick

Remember the main things in the poem: ripples, lilies, dragonfly, swallow, fishes and kingfisher. These are nature's gifts on water. Write down what each animal or thing does in the poem.

Points to Remember

Reedy marge means the water's edge where reeds or tall grasses grow thick.
Bulrush and water-mace are wetland grasslike plants.
Ere means before.
Dart means to move suddenly and rapidly.
Whilst means while.

Things To Do

1. Answer The Following Questions

(1) List the insects, birds, trees and plants mentioned in the poem.

(2) List the rhyming words in the poem.

(3) Write what the following do, with the help of the poem. ripples, lilies, swallow, fishes, kingfisher

(4) Write what the poet is doing. Does the poet like the experience? Write the line which tells us about it.

Teacher's Note

You should read the poem carefully to find all the insects and birds. In India, kingfishers are very common birds you see near rivers and ponds.

Exam Trick

For rhyming words, look at the end of each line. Words that sound the same at the end are rhyming words. For example: "glide" rhymes with "wide".

Points to Remember

Insects in the poem: dragonfly.
Birds in the poem: swallow, kingfisher.
Plants in the poem: lilies, bulrush, water-mace.
Rhyming words come at the end of lines.
The poet likes the experience on the water.

2. Activities

(1) Write a short essay on your own journey in a boat.

(2) Prepare and present a speech on "My Favourite Place". Use the following points. Name of the place, Its special features, The reason why you like it

(3) Make a painting or a collage to show the different things described in the poem.

Teacher's Note

You can write about a real boat ride you have taken, or imagine one. This helps you understand the poem better and makes learning fun.

Exam Trick

For activities, use simple sentences and describe what you see, hear and feel. Remember to mention at least three things from nature in your essay or speech.

Points to Remember

Write about your own experience in simple words.
Use your imagination to describe the place.
Draw pictures to show what you write about.
Speak clearly when you present your speech.
Use the three points given for your speech.

This is a preview of the first 3 pages. To get the complete book, click below.