Class 5 English

Here you can find Class 5 English Notes. These notes include important revision points, simple explanations of “Santoor”.

Chapter 1.  Papa’s Spectacles 

Papa’s Spectacles is a humorous and relatable poem about a father who keeps searching for his lost spectacles. He looks everywhere — in his pockets, under the chair, near the window, and around the house. Without his spectacles, he cannot read, watch television, or even cut vegetables properly. He becomes worried and confused while searching for them. 

In the end, the funny twist is revealed — the spectacles are actually resting on his head the whole time! This creates a light-hearted and amusing moment that shows how we sometimes look for things that are already with us.

Through this simple and funny situation, the chapter teaches children to be observant and calm. Along with the poem, students learn new vocabulary words, practise grammar like using “a pair of…”, understand prepositions, identify correct spellings, and listen to similar-sounding words (homophones). Fun activities such as puzzles and riddles make learning enjoyable.

Key Points

• Poem Theme – The poem shows Papa searching everywhere for his lost spectacles, which are actually on his head.

• Daily Life Humour – The poem presents a funny situation from everyday life.

• Importance of Spectacles – Without spectacles, Papa cannot read, watch TV, or cut vegetables properly.

• Searching Places – Papa looks in pockets, under the chair, near the window, and around the house.

• Vocabulary Building – New words like spectacles, pair, glanced, searching are introduced.

• Ordering Skill – Students arrange objects, fruits, numbers, and animals in ascending order.

• Grammar Practice – Use of “a pair of…”, prepositions, and correct spelling is taught.

• Spelling Awareness – Learners identify correctly spelt words (water, balloon, house, fruit, etc.).

• Listening Skills – Students listen to similar-sounding words (pair–peer, sun–son, etc.).

• Creative Writing – The poem is converted into a story form.

• Fun Activities – Matchstick puzzles, riddles, and observation games improve thinking skills. 

👉 👉We should stay calm and observant in daily life. Many times, we look for things outside when they are already with us. The chapter teaches attentiveness, patience, gratitude, and appreciation for family members through humour and simple activities. 

Chapter 2. Gone with the Scooter 

Gone with the Scooter is a fun and lively story set on a summer afternoon. Gopi hears a rustling sound in his garden and finds a hockey ball hidden in dry leaves. Instead of keeping it, he honestly decides to find its owner. He goes to the playground where he and his friends begin playing hockey happily.

While playing, Jay hits the ball very hard, and it accidentally lands in the basket of a passing scooter. The scooter moves away with the ball, leaving the children surprised — but they laugh at the funny situation.

The story teaches honesty, responsibility, teamwork, and fair play. It also helps students learn new vocabulary, grammar concepts like conjunctions and adverbs, and improve speaking and writing skills through creative activities.

Key Points

• Story Setting – The story takes place on a summer afternoon in Gopi’s veranda and garden.

• Main Incident – Gopi hears a rustling sound and finds a hockey ball hidden in dry leaves.

• Honesty and Responsibility – Gopi decides not to keep the ball and tries to find its owner.

• Friendship and Sports – Gopi meets his friends at the playground and they start playing hockey.

• Fun and Excitement – The friends pass and dribble the ball happily.

• Unexpected Ending – Jay hits the ball hard and it falls into a passing scooter’s basket.

• Humorous Conclusion – The scooter goes away with the ball and the children laugh.

• Vocabulary Development – New words like dribble, rustling, grab, boast, unaware, thud are learnt.

• Grammar Focus – Use of conjunctions (since, because, however, when) and adverbs is taught.

• Listening and Speaking – Activities improve drawing skills, pronunciation, and storytelling.

• Creative Writing – Students write conversations and form new compound words.

• Life Skills – Road safety, teamwork, and fair play are highlighted. 

👉 👉 We should always be honest and responsible when we find something that does not belong to us. Friendship, teamwork, and a positive attitude help us enjoy life. Even unexpected problems can be handled with laughter and good spirit. 

Chapter 3. The Rainbow 

The Rainbow is a beautiful poem that celebrates the beauty of nature. The poet compares the rainbow with rivers, seas, ships, and bridges, and says that the rainbow is more beautiful than all man-made things. It is described as a colourful “bow” that connects the earth and the sky.

The poem uses simple and lively language to create bright pictures in our minds. It teaches us to admire natural beauty and understand the seven colours of the rainbow (VIBGYOR). Along with appreciating poetry, students learn new vocabulary, rhyming words, grammar concepts, and even the scientific reason behind how a rainbow is formed.

Overall, the poem reminds us that nature’s creations are truly wonderful and magical.

Key Points

• Poem Theme – The poem compares rivers, seas, bridges, and clouds with the beauty of a rainbow.

• Main Idea – The poet feels that the rainbow is more beautiful than ships, boats, and bridges.

• Rainbow as a Bridge – The rainbow is described as a “bow” that connects earth and sky.

• Nature’s Beauty – The poem highlights the beauty of natural things over man-made ones.

• Poetic Language – Simple words and imagery make the poem lively and colourful.

• Vocabulary Learning – New words like overtops, bridges, and bow are introduced.

• Word Formation – Learners rearrange letters and form meaningful words from the poem.

• Sound Awareness – Rhyming words and listening activities improve pronunciation.

• Speaking Skills – Poems are recited using different emotions (happy, angry, surprised).

• Creative Writing – Students write about their travel experiences.

• Grammar Practice – Use of compound words, nouns, verbs, and opposites is taught.

• Colour Knowledge – VIBGYOR explains the seven colours of the rainbow.

• Creative Activities – Colour mixing, drawing, and designing flowerpot friends develop creativity.

• Scientific Link – Formation of rainbow through sunlight and droplets is explained. 

👉 👉 Nature is more beautiful and wonderful than anything made by humans. We should admire, respect, and protect natural gifts like rainbows, clouds, and rivers. The poem teaches us to enjoy simple beauty around us. 

Chapter 4. The Wise Parrot 

The Wise Parrot is a story about a clever parrot kept in a golden cage by a rich merchant. Though the merchant loves the parrot, he does not set it free. The parrot longs for freedom and wishes to fly in the open sky.

One day, the parrot sends a message to its friends in the forest. After hearing the message, a forest parrot pretends to die. When the merchant tells this to his pet parrot, it understands the hidden meaning and also pretends to be dead. The merchant places the “dead” parrot on the windowsill, and it quickly flies away to freedom.

The story teaches that intelligence and presence of mind are more powerful than strength. It highlights the value of freedom and wisdom in solving problems.

Key Points

• Story Setting – The story is set in a quiet village where a rich merchant keeps a parrot in a golden cage.

• Main Character – The parrot is intelligent, talkative, and loves freedom.

• Parrot’s Wish – The parrot wishes to fly freely in the open sky instead of living in a cage.

• Merchant’s Love – The merchant loves the parrot but does not want to set it free.

• Hidden Message – The parrot asks the merchant to send greetings to its friends in the forest.

• Clever Plan – A forest parrot pretends to die after hearing the message.

• Imitation – The pet parrot also pretends to die after hearing the merchant’s story.

• Escape – The merchant places the “dead” parrot on the windowsill, and it flies away.

• Wisdom and Intelligence – The parrot uses intelligence instead of strength to gain freedom.

• Vocabulary Learning – New words like merchant, tender, distressed, perch, windowsill, sighed are introduced.

• Grammar Focus – Collective nouns and present perfect tense are practised.

• Listening and Speaking – Sound practice (ai/oi) and discussion activities improve speaking skills.

• Creative Writing – Students complete the story and write imaginatively.

• Environmental Awareness – Activities encourage caring for birds through feeders. 

👉 👉 Intelligence and presence of mind are more powerful than physical strength. Freedom is precious, and wisdom helps us overcome difficult situations. The story teaches us to think smartly and value independence. 

Chapter 5. The Frog

The Frog is a lively poem that describes the life and habits of a frog. It tells us where the frog lives — in ponds, muddy drains, rainwater, and other damp places. The poem also explains that a frog begins its life as a tadpole in water and later grows into an adult frog.

The frog catches insects by quickly flicking its long tongue. It hops on land and swims easily with the help of its webbed feet. Its body colour helps it hide among plants and trees to protect itself from enemies like snakes. The frog croaks loudly and can live both on land and in water, making it an amphibian.

The poem helps students learn new words, practise grammar, and understand how frogs adapt to their environment. It also creates awareness about aquatic life and nature.

Key Points

• Poem Theme – The poem describes the life, habits, and nature of a frog.

• Living Places – The frog lives in ponds, rainwater, muddy drains, and damp places.

• Life Cycle – The frog starts life as a tadpole and later becomes an adult frog.

• Food Habit – The frog catches insects by flicking its long, fast tongue.

• Movement – It hops on land and swims easily in water using webbed feet.

• Camouflage – The frog’s colours match plants and trees, helping it hide from enemies.

• Enemies – Snakes are dangerous to frogs, so they must be careful.

• Sound – The frog makes loud croaking sounds.

• Adaptation – The frog can live both on land and in water (amphibian nature).

• Vocabulary Learning – New words like hop, muddy, flick, damp, dew, beware, croak, webbed are taught.

• Grammar Focus – Use of conjunctions (and, but, because) and sentence formation is practised.

• Speaking Skills – Tongue twisters and sound practice improve pronunciation.

• Creative Activities – Drawing “My Frog’s World” and colouring tasks encourage creativity.

• Writing Practice – Students write replies and short messages.

• Environmental Awareness – Learners explore aquatic animals and learn about water life. 

👉 👉Every animal has special qualities that help it survive in nature. The frog teaches us about adaptability, alertness, and living in harmony with the environment. We should respect and protect all living beings. 

Chapter 6. What a Tank!

What a Tank! is an informative chapter about water conservation and the importance of storing water. It explains how people in different parts of India have used traditional methods like Ooranis in Tamil Nadu, Panam Keni in Kerala, and Tankas in Rajasthan to store rainwater for many months.

The chapter also describes modern overhead water tanks found on rooftops. In Punjab, some tanks are uniquely designed in shapes like footballs, tractors, roosters, and aeroplanes, reflecting the owner’s interests and profession. These tanks are built using steel rods, cement, and concrete and are important to rural communities.

Through the story “A Day without Water,” students learn how difficult life becomes without water and why it must be saved. The chapter encourages water-saving habits, rainwater harvesting, and community awareness. It teaches that water is precious and should never be wasted.

Key Points

• Chapter Theme – The chapter focuses on water conservation and the importance of water tanks.

• Traditional Methods – Ooranis (Tamil Nadu), Panam Keni (Kerala), and Tankas (Rajasthan) store rainwater.

• Underground Tanks – Tankas can store water for six to seven months.

• Overhead Tanks – Most houses use overhead water tanks on roofs to store water.

• Punjab’s Special Tanks – Punjab is famous for uniquely designed water tanks shaped like footballs, tractors, roosters, and aeroplanes.

• Cultural Identity – Tank shapes reflect the owner’s profession, hobbies, and interests.

• Construction Method – Tanks are made using steel rods, cement, and concrete.

• Community Value – Unique tanks are the heart of rural Punjab communities.

• Grammar Learning – Contractions (isn’t, can’t, don’t) and exclamatory sentences are taught.

• Language Skills – Sentence rewriting, reading, and speaking activities improve fluency.

• Animal Families – Names of male, female, and young ones are learnt.

• Water Saving – Students discuss ways to prevent water wastage.

• Story: A Day without Water – Suma learns the value of water during shortage.

• Awareness Activities – Posters, tree planting, and competitions promote conservation.

• Creative Work – Poster design, drawing, and role-play (Thirsty Crow) develop creativity.

• Environmental Education – Rainwater harvesting and tank cleaning are introduced. 

👉 👉 Water is precious and limited. We must use it wisely, avoid wastage, and protect water sources. Small habits like saving water and cleaning tanks can help build a better future for everyone. 

Chapter 7. Gilli Danda

Gilli Danda is a joyful poem about a traditional outdoor game played with two sticks — a small one called the gilli and a long one called the danda. The children gather in the playground under the bright blue sky and happily swing the danda to hit the gilli high into the air.

The poem shows the excitement, freedom, and energy the players feel while playing together. It highlights friendship, teamwork, and the fun of outdoor games. Through lively action words and cheerful images, the poem captures the spirit of play and togetherness.

The chapter also helps students learn new vocabulary, grammar concepts like prefixes and pronouns, and improves speaking and writing skills. Overall, it celebrates traditional games and reminds us of the happiness of playing outdoors with friends.

Key Points

• Poem Theme – The poem celebrates the traditional outdoor game Gilli Danda and the joy of playing together.

• Game Description – The game is played with two sticks: a small one (gilli) and a long one (danda).

• Setting – Children play in the playground under the bright blue sky and golden sunlight.

• Feelings – The players feel happy, free, excited, and energetic while playing.

• Friendship – Playing with friends builds teamwork and bonding.

• Movement and Action – Swinging, hitting, jumping, and watching the gilli fly are highlighted.

• Vocabulary Learning – New words like gather, gilli, quit, and underneath are taught.

• Grammar Focus (Prefixes) – Use of prefixes (un-, re-) to change meanings of words.

• Nouns Learning – Difference between concrete nouns and abstract nouns is explained.

• Pronouns Practice – Possessive pronouns (mine, yours, his, hers, ours, theirs) are practised.

• Speaking Skills – Students describe games and respond with actions.

• Writing Skills – Rearranging words into questions and sentence formation is practised.

• Spelling Skills – Practice of double-letter words (tt, pp, ll, ss, etc.).

• Word Meaning – Dictionary use to learn meanings of new words.

• Creative Activity – Making Gilli Danda using waste materials.

• Fun Learning – Riddles and spellathon improve thinking and vocabulary. 

👉 👉 Outdoor games keep us healthy, happy, and active. Playing together teaches teamwork, discipline, and friendship. Traditional games like Gilli Danda help us enjoy nature and build strong relationships. 

Chapter 8. The Decision of the Panchayat

The Decision of the Panchayat is a story about a hardworking farmer who buys a well from his neighbour to water his fields. However, the cunning neighbour refuses to let him take water, claiming that he sold only the well, not the water inside it.

The worried farmer seeks help from the village chief. A Panchayat meeting is held under the banyan tree where both sides present their arguments. The wise chief gives a clever judgment: if the water belongs to the neighbour, he must remove it from the well immediately. Since this is impossible, the water rightfully becomes the farmer’s property. The neighbour is fined and made to apologise.

The story teaches that honesty and wisdom always win over dishonesty. It highlights the importance of justice, fairness, and community decision-making.

Key Points

• Story Setting – The story is set in a small village where a hardworking farmer owns fields and a well.

• Main Problem – The neighbour sells the well but refuses to let the farmer use the water.

• Cunning Behaviour – The neighbour tries to cheat by saying the water still belongs to him.

• Farmer’s Action – The worried farmer goes to the village chief for help.

• Panchayat Meeting – A meeting is held under the banyan tree with villagers present.

• Discussion – Both sides explain their views before the Panchayat.

• Wise Judgment – The chief says that if water belongs to the neighbour, he must remove it from the well.

• Justice Done – The water becomes the farmer’s property when the neighbour fails.

• Punishment – The neighbour is fined and made to apologise.

• Victory of Truth – Honesty and fairness are rewarded.

• Vocabulary Learning – New words like panchayat, adamant, cunning, apologise, wisdom are taught.

• Grammar Focus – Use of prepositions and matching words with meanings.

• Word Formation – Learning suffix “-less” (priceless, careless, hopeless).

• Writing Skill – Letter writing from the farmer’s point of view.

• Speaking Skill – Predicting story endings using pictures.

• Listening Skill – Passage on Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.

• Reading Skill – Passage on the Neem Tree and its uses.

• Observation Skill – Finding differences between pictures. 

👉 👉 Honesty, fairness, and wisdom always win in the end. Cheating may bring short-term gain but leads to punishment. The story teaches us to trust justice and respect community decisions. 

Chapter 9. Vocation

Vocation is a poem about a school-going child who admires different professions he sees during the day. On his way to school, he watches a hawker selling bangles and wishes to be as free and carefree as him. In the afternoon, he sees a gardener digging the ground and likes the idea of working freely in nature. At night, he observes a watchman walking with a lantern and imagines guarding the streets.

The child feels that each job is exciting and independent. Through his imagination, he dreams of becoming a hawker, gardener, and watchman. The poem uses beautiful imagery, such as comparing a street-lamp to a giant, to make the scenes lively.

The chapter teaches us to respect all kinds of work and understand that every profession has its own importance and dignity.

Key Points

• Poem Theme – The poem shows a child’s admiration for different professions (vocations).

• Speaker – A school-going child who observes people on the way to school and back.

• Hawker’s Life – The child likes the hawker’s freedom and carefree life.

• Gardener’s Work – The gardener works freely with his spade and enjoys nature.

• Watchman’s Duty – The watchman guards the street at night with a lantern.

• Imagination – The child imagines himself in different jobs.

• Sense of Freedom – Each vocation appears joyful and independent to the child.

• Poetic Imagery – Beautiful pictures like “street-lamp like a giant” are used.

• Vocabulary Learning – Words like vocation, gong, lane, giant, spade, lantern are learnt.

• Grammar Practice – Correction of errors in sentences and matching words with meanings.

• Tools and Professions – Identification of tools (telescope, hammer, stethoscope, etc.).

• Listening and Speaking – Group discussions and pronunciation practice are included.

• Writing Skills – Paragraph writing, family vocations, and job descriptions.

• Creative Thinking – Job mix-up and drawing favourite vocation activities.

• Career Awareness – Students explore many professions like teacher, pilot, farmer, photographer, dancer, and chef.

• Respect for Work – The chapter highlights that all jobs are important. 

👉 👉 Every profession has dignity and importance. We should respect all kinds of work and understand that behind every job there is hard work and responsibility. No work is small or inferior. 

Chapter 10. Glass Bangles  

Glass Bangles is a story set in Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh, a town famous for its beautiful glass bangles. Ravi, a skilled artisan, continues his family’s long tradition of crafting colourful and delicate bangles. In his busy workshop, glass is heated in a furnace, shaped carefully, decorated with bright colours and patterns, and then cooled to perfection.

During Diwali, the demand for bangles increases. Ravi’s daughter, Ananya, who has completed her schooling, joins him and suggests adding modern floral and geometric designs to the traditional styles. At first, Ravi is unsure, but he later supports her creative ideas. Their new collection becomes a great success and brings more work and income to the local community.

The story highlights the importance of hard work, creativity, tradition, and teamwork. It also teaches students about grammar, financial awareness, and respect for Indian crafts and culture.

Key Points

• Story Setting – The story is set in Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh, famous for glass bangles.

• Main Character – Ravi is a skilled glass artisan who makes beautiful bangles.

• Family Tradition – Ravi’s family has been making bangles for many years.

• Workshop Life – The workshop is full of activity with clinking glass and busy artisans.

• Making Process – Glass is heated in a furnace, shaped, coloured, and cooled carefully.

• Quality Work – Ravi makes each bangle with great care to ensure beauty and strength.

• Festival Demand – During Diwali, demand for bangles increases greatly.

• Ananya’s Role – Ravi’s daughter Ananya introduces modern designs with traditional patterns.

• Innovation – She adds floral and geometric designs to improve beauty.

• Initial Doubt – Ravi is hesitant but later supports Ananya’s ideas.

• Success – The new Diwali collection becomes very popular.

• Community Benefit – More jobs are created in making, packing, and transport.

• Pride and Satisfaction – Ravi and Ananya feel proud seeing people wear their bangles.

• Grammar Learning – Past perfect tense and punctuation are practised.

• Language Skills – Speaking, listening, and writing activities improve communication.

• Life Skills – Banking, saving money, and financial awareness are introduced.

• Cultural Learning – Students learn about Indian crafts and festivals. 

👉 👉 Hard work, creativity, and respect for tradition lead to success. When old skills are combined with new ideas, great progress is possible. The story teaches us teamwork, dedication, and pride in our culture.