NCERT Class 4 EVS Our Wondrous World Chapter 05 Food for Health PDF Download

Unit 3: Health and Well-being

About the Unit

This unit discusses the important role of balanced food, exercise and rest for a healthy life.

Everybody needs to stay healthy and happy. This unit familiarises students with the different types of food which contribute to the body building, providing energy and protection from diseases. This unit also introduces the six major tastes Shada Rasa with examples, and guides students about balanced food and the need of adequate clean water. This unit also focuses on mindful eating, need for daily exercises, proper rest and gratitude for all resources. It shows the hard efforts of so many elements, people and animals associated with the production of each grain. It teaches students to care for each grain and never waste food. It also provides examples of exercises and games for proper health care, and indicates the necessity of rest for everybody. The unit also gives examples of different communities who care for their crops and respect the contribution of all concerned.

[Figure: An illustration showing children and adults sitting on a blue checkered cloth outdoors, sharing and enjoying a meal together]

Note to the Teacher

This unit consists of Chapter 5 - Food for Health and Chapter 6 - Happy and Healthy Living. The key concepts covered in these chapters are listed below.

Chapter 5

• Through an engaging food festival in school, students will explore the diversity of food and develop an understanding about balanced food. Learners will be able to appreciate the need for including the energy rich, body-building and disease preventive food items in their diets.
• This chapter also discusses a variety of traditional food items which are used in our country and its importance in maintaining good health of all members in every family.

Chapter 6

• This chapter discusses a need for health and well-being. It depicts the journey of a grain and shows how several elements of nature, people and other animals contribute to this journey. Students will be able to learn and respect each effort, and feel thankful to everyone's contribution. It also reminds them not to waste any food.
• This chapter also guides students to do mindful eating, exercise every day, rest well, and practice gratitude to all resources. It also indicates the need for a safe environment for everyone.

Teacher to Facilitate

• Teacher will arrange age-appropriate charts, flashcards, and short videos on food groups, cooking methods, and balanced food. Students will be guided to record their observations.
• Organise a 'food mela' where students will bring home-cooked meals, display regional food thalis, and discuss food diversity. Facilitate hands-on tasks like food collages and mindful eating exercises.
• Organise 'mindful eating' activity for students to enable them to realise the value of food, avoid wastage of food, practice mindful eating, regular exercises and rest for body.
• Encourage children to observe food labels, cooking methods and taste textures. Assign take-home activities, such as maintaining a food diary and designing a balanced meal plate.
• Invite a nutritionist or a local farmer to discuss healthy eating and food sources. Also organise a visit to a community kitchen or a local farm to explore the food production and storage.

Chapter 5: Food for Health

The day of the food festival has finally arrived! Students and their parents brought a variety of food items for the festival.

[Figure: A busy school food festival scene with a decorated entrance gate, banner reading "School Food Festival Welcomes You - Eat Right, Stay Healthy", and many people gathered at food stalls]

The stalls displayed fresh fruits, vegetables, sprouts, dhokla, litti-chowkha, dal-baati-churma, bajre-ki-khichdi, chhena-poda, kadhi-pakoda, ker-sangri, siddu, roasted corn, spicy chutney, hot dosa, crispy vada, jowar upma, ragi laddu, and much more.

[Figure: A scene showing students, parents, and adults enjoying food at the festival, eating various dishes from plates and bowls]

Teacher's Note

When you see so many different food items from different parts of India, notice which ones have grains (rice, wheat, jowar, bajra, ragi), which are vegetables and fruits, and which are cooked dishes. Think about what each food might help your body do - give energy, help you grow, or keep you healthy. This will help you understand why we need variety in our meals.

Key Points

• Different regions of India have their own traditional food items that are nutritious and important for good health.
• A balanced diet includes fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, and other foods that help our body grow, give us energy, and protect us from diseases.
• Food festivals celebrate the diversity of foods available and help us learn about healthy eating habits from different communities.
• We should appreciate the effort and resources that go into growing and preparing food, and avoid wasting any of it.

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