NCERT Class 4 – The World Around Us: Exploring Our Wondrous World

The world we live in is full of wonders. From green fields and flowing rivers to tall buildings and modern machines, everything around us forms an important part of our daily life. The NCERT Class 4 textbook “The World Around Us”, included in the series “Our Wondrous World”, is designed to help young learners understand their surroundings in a simple, engaging, and meaningful way.

This textbook introduces children to nature, human life, technology, and the environment. It helps students observe the world carefully, ask questions, and develop a sense of responsibility towards nature and society. Through colourful illustrations, simple language, and activity-based learning, NCERT Class 4 – The World Around Us builds a strong foundation for environmental awareness and social understanding.

Understanding the World Around Us

According to NCERT Class 4 – The World Around Us, the world around us includes everything we see, feel, and use in our daily life. It is made up of natural things such as air, water, soil, plants, animals, and sunlight, as well as human-made things like houses, roads, vehicles, machines, schools, and cities.

The textbook helps children understand that both nature and human creations are equally important. Nature supports life, while human inventions make life comfortable. However, the book also teaches that misuse of natural resources can damage the environment, which is why balance is necessary.

Nature: The Lifeline of Our Planet

One of the main themes of NCERT Class 4 – The World Around Us is the importance of nature. Nature provides all the basic needs of life—air to breathe, water to drink, food to eat, and land to live on.

Natural Resources

Natural resources are gifts of nature that humans depend on. The textbook explains different types of natural resources in a child-friendly manner:

• Air – essential for breathing

• Water – used for drinking, farming, and cleaning

• Soil – helps plants grow

• Sunlight – source of energy and warmth

• Plants and animals – provide food, clothing, medicine, and shelter

Children also learn that some resources are renewable while others are non-renewable. This concept helps students understand why conservation is important.

Plants: Our Green Protectors

In NCERT Class 4 – The World Around Us, plants are described as our green friends. They are essential for life on Earth. Plants give us oxygen, fruits, vegetables, wood, medicines, and many useful products.

The textbook explains:

• How plants make food using sunlight

• Why trees help in keeping the air clean

• How roots hold soil and prevent floods

Children are encouraged to plant trees, water plants, and protect greenery. This lesson builds love and respect for nature at an early age.

Animals and Living Beings

Animals form an important part of our environment. The NCERT Class 4 textbook explains the difference between domestic animals and wild animals. Domestic animals help humans in many ways, such as farming, transportation, and providing food. Wild animals live in forests and should be protected.

Students learn:

• Animals depend on plants and humans

• Humans should be kind to animals

• Endangered animals need protection

These lessons promote compassion and responsibility towards all living beings.

Human Life and Society

NCERT Class 4 – The World Around Us also focuses on human life and social relationships. Humans live together in families and communities. We depend on each other for food, safety, education, and happiness.

The textbook introduces:

• Family members and their roles

• Neighbourhoods and community life

• Community helpers like farmers, teachers, doctors, police, and shopkeepers

Children learn the importance of cooperation, sharing, discipline, and respect in society.

Agriculture and Food

Farming is one of the most important topics covered in NCERT Class 4 – The World Around Us. The book explains how food reaches our plates through the hard work of farmers.

Students learn about:

• Growing crops

• Use of soil and water

• Agricultural tools and machines like tractors

• Importance of farmers in society

The textbook helps children appreciate rural life and understand the value of food.

Transport and Communication

Modern life is made easier through transport and communication. NCERT Class 4 – The World Around Us introduces different means of transport:

• Road transport – cars, buses, bicycles

• Rail transport – trains

• Air transport – aeroplanes

• Water transport – boats and ships

The textbook also explains communication tools such as mobile phones, computers, and the internet. These lessons help children understand how technology connects people across distances.

Science and Technology in Daily Life

Technology plays an important role in today’s world. The NCERT textbook shows how machines and tools help humans in daily activities such as farming, education, banking, and travel.

Examples include:

• Computers for learning

• ATMs for banking

• Machines in factories

• Tractors in agriculture

Students are taught to use technology wisely and responsibly.

Energy and Renewable Resources

Energy is needed for all activities. NCERT Class 4 – The World Around Us introduces children to renewable energy sources such as:

• Solar energy

• Wind energy

• Water energy

These sources are clean and environment-friendly. The book encourages students to prefer renewable energy to protect the Earth from pollution.

Caring for the Environment

Environmental protection is a key message of NCERT Class 4 – The World Around Us. Children learn simple habits to protect nature, such as:

• Saving water

• Keeping surroundings clean

• Reducing waste

• Reusing and recycling materials

• Planting trees

These lessons help develop eco-friendly behaviour from a young age.

Health, Games, and Physical Activity

The textbook also highlights the importance of health and fitness. Playing outdoor games keeps the body active and the mind fresh. Team sports teach cooperation, discipline, and friendship.

A healthy lifestyle and a clean environment together ensure a happy life.

Learning Through Pictures and Activities

One of the best features of NCERT Class 4 – The World Around Us is its attractive illustrations and engaging activities. Pictures of villages, cities, farms, machines, and children at play make learning enjoyable.

Activity-based learning encourages:

• Observation

• Thinking skills

• Creativity

• Environmental awareness

Values and Life Skills

Beyond knowledge, NCERT Class 4 – The World Around Us focuses on building values such as:

• Respect for nature

• Kindness towards animals

• Responsibility towards society

• Teamwork and cooperation

These values help children grow into responsible and caring citizens.

Conclusion

NCERT Class 4 – The World Around Us is a thoughtfully designed textbook that helps young learners understand their surroundings in a meaningful way. It connects nature, humans, and technology through simple explanations and real-life examples.

By promoting awareness, responsibility, and curiosity, the book prepares children to protect the environment and contribute positively to society. Truly, our world is wondrous—and through education, we can learn to care for it better.