We Need Shelter Chapter Notes | Environmental Studies Class 1 ICSE PDF Download

Introduction

A house is a special place where we live with our family. It keeps us safe and happy. In this chapter, we will learn why we need a house, the different kinds of houses, their parts, who makes them, and how to take care of our home. Let’s explore all about shelters!

Why We Need a House

• We need a house to live in with our family.
• A house keeps us safe from the sun.
• It protects us from rain and cold.
• A house saves us from storms.
• It keeps away bad people like thieves.
• It stops stray animals from coming inside.
• A house keeps away dust, dirt, and insects.

Kinds of Houses

Houses are of many types. People make houses based on what they need.

Portable Houses

• Some houses can be moved easily. They are called portable houses.
• A tent is a portable house made of cloth.
• Soldiers and campers live in tents.
• A houseboat is a portable house that floats on water.
• A caravan is a portable house on wheels.

Kutcha Houses

• Kutcha houses are made of mud, wood, bamboo, clay, and straw.
• They are not very strong and can break easily.
• They are temporary houses, which means they can be broken down and made again.
• Kutcha houses are also called huts.
• Some huts are made of mud.
• Some huts are made of wood and are called log huts.

Pucca Houses

• Pucca houses are made of brick, cement, steel, iron, concrete, sand, small stones, and water.
• Some pucca houses also have wood.
• Pucca houses are stronger than kutcha houses or portable houses.
• Most people in cities and towns live in pucca houses.
• Pucca houses are of many types.

Stilt Houses

• Stilt houses are built on high bamboo poles called stilts.
• We find stilt houses in places with heavy rainfall.

Igloos

• Igloos are houses made of snow.
• They are built in very cold places.

Parts of a House

• A house has many rooms for different things.
• It has a roof on top to cover the house.
• Each room has walls on all sides.
• Every room has a floor at the bottom to walk on.
• A house has many doors and windows.
• Roofs keep the house safe from rain.
• Walls separate the rooms inside the house.
• Chimneys let smoke and steam come out of the house.
• Windows let fresh air come inside the house.
• We have a bedroom to sleep in.
• We have a kitchen to cook food.
• We have a bathroom to take a bath.
• We have a drawing room to sit and talk.
• We have a dining room to eat food.
• The entrance is the door we use to go inside the house.

Fun Fact

All rooms in a house must get proper sunlight and fresh air.

People Who Make Our House

Many people work together to build a house such as:

• An architect draws a plan and makes the design of the house.
• A mason lays the bricks and cements the walls and floor.
• A carpenter makes things of wood like doors and windows.
• A plumber fits the water pipes, sinks, and taps.
• An electrician fits the electrical wires, lights, fans, and bulbs.
• A painter paints the walls, doors, windows, and ceilings.

A Good Home

A house where a family lives is called a home. It is a place where we rest and play together. We must keep our home clean to stay healthy.

• Dust things every day to keep away insects.
• Keep your house free from cobwebs.
• Keep things in their proper places.
• Do not scribble on the walls.
• Empty and clean dustbins regularly.
• Sweep and mop the floor every day.
• Keep the surroundings of your house clean.