This poem describes a small, funny moment between a child and Papa. It tells how Papa thinks he has lost his spectacles and searches the house in a worried, hurried way, while the spectacles are actually sitting on his head. The language is simple and playful to make young readers smile, and the poem gently shows how ordinary mistakes can turn into warm, humorous family memories. It also encourages careful observation and kindness when we help others.
Today our papa
Is searching everywhere,
He has lost his spectacles,
It was his only pair!
In these lines the poet tells us that Papa has misplaced his spectacles. The phrase "It was his only pair" shows why he is worried - without them he finds many everyday tasks difficult. The words make the reader picture Papa moving around the house, anxious to find the glasses that help him see clearly.

He can't read the newspaper,
He can't watch TV,
He can't cut the vegetables,
Oh! Where can it be?
This stanza explains how the loss affects Papa's day. Because he cannot see properly, he cannot read the newspaper, follow the television, or even perform simple household work like cutting vegetables. The short sentences and the repeated idea of things he "can't" do make the situation sound both serious and a little comic. Young readers can understand how one small thing - losing spectacles - can make ordinary activities hard.
He checked inside his pockets,
He glanced under his chair,
He searched near the window,
He looked everywhere.
Here Papa searches many likely places. He checks his pockets, looks under furniture, and searches near windows; yet he still does not find the spectacles. The stanza shows his growing worry and how thoroughly he looks around. It also sets up the final, surprising moment when the child discovers the truth.
I told him, "Stop, Papa!"
I went up close, and said!
"Papa, your spectacles
Are right there on your head!"
In the last stanza the child calmly points out the silly truth: the spectacles were on Papa's head all along. The child's tone is gentle and helpful rather than mocking. The ending is humorous and warm - a small family scene that ends with laughter and relief. The poem emphasises care, patience, and how children can notice things adults miss.

This short, pleasant poem uses simple language to tell a small, funny story: Papa loses his spectacles and searches everywhere, only for the child to discover they were on his head. The poem teaches gentle lessons about observation, patience and the loving support between family members, while making readers smile at an ordinary, human moment.
| 1. What is the main story of Papa's Spectacles and why does the father lose his glasses? | ![]() |
| 2. Who are the main characters in Papa's Spectacles NCERT Class 5 story and what roles do they play? | ![]() |
| 3. What is the moral lesson or message behind Papa's Spectacles story for Class 5 students? | ![]() |
| 4. How does the author use humour in Papa's Spectacles to engage Class 5 readers? | ![]() |
| 5. What specific incidents or scenes happen in Papa's Spectacles that make it memorable for CBSE students? | ![]() |