NCERT Class 4 Environmental Studies Looking Around(EVS): Chapter 21 — Food and Fun
This chapter, "Food and Fun", from NCERT's Class 4 Environmental Studies book 'Looking Around', introduces the concept of boarding schools through a conversation between friends Manpreet, Gurnoor, Divya, and Swastik. Divya and Swastik, who attend a boarding school, share their experiences. They discuss missing home-made food but enjoying the fun of eating together with other children. The chapter prompts students to consider the differences between boarding schools and regular schools, the food provided, and the daily routines like cooking, serving, and washing vessels. It also touches upon the children's visit to a Gurudwara, highlighting the community kitchen (Langar) where food is prepared and served to everyone. This chapter helps students understand different living and learning environments and the importance of community kitchens.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 4 |
| Subject | Environmental Studies |
| Book | Looking Around(EVS) |
| Chapter | Chapter 21 — Food and Fun |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 1 minute |
| Word count | 177 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concept and lifestyle of boarding schools.
- Compare boarding schools with regular schools.
- Learn about community kitchens like the Gurudwara's Langar.
- Appreciate the experience of eating together and sharing food.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Hostel | A building providing accommodation for students or workers. |
| Vacations | A period of the year when schools or universities are closed for holidays. |
| Gurudwara | A place of worship for Sikhs. |
| Boarding School | A school where students live in dormitories during the term. |
| Langar | A communal kitchen and dining hall in a Gurudwara where food is served to all visitors free of charge. |
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Practice questions
- What is a boarding school? Answer: A boarding school is a school where students live in dormitories during the term.
- What did Divya and Swastik say about hostel life? Answer: They said that hostel life is fun, even if they don't always like the food, they enjoy eating together with all the children.
- Where did the children go after chatting? Answer: They went to the Gurudwara.
- What is a Langar? Answer: A Langar is a huge kitchen in the Gurudwara where food is cooked and served to everyone.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of the chapter 'Food and Fun'?
The chapter discusses boarding school life, comparing it with regular schools and highlighting experiences like eating together and visiting a Gurudwara's community kitchen.
What are some differences between boarding schools and other schools mentioned in the chapter?
Boarding schools involve living away from home, eating together with many children, and having specific routines for cooking and cleaning.
What is the significance of the Gurudwara in the chapter?
The Gurudwara is shown as a place where children visit, and it features a large community kitchen (Langar) where food is prepared and served to everyone.
Do children in boarding schools miss home-made food?
Yes, the chapter suggests that children in boarding schools sometimes miss home-made food but enjoy the communal dining experience.
What activities happen in the Gurudwara's kitchen?
In the Gurudwara's kitchen, food like channa and urad dal is cooked in huge vessels, indicating a large-scale community meal preparation.
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 4 Environmental Studies — Looking Around(EVS) — Chapter 21 — Food and Fun. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.