Grade 5 Chapter 17: Clothes - Our Necessity

Topics covered: Why we need clothes, Types of clothes according to seasons, Different types of fabrics, Natural and synthetic fibres, Care of clothes, Clothes and culture.

Why Do We Need Clothes?

Can you tell?

• What kind of clothes do you wear in summer?
• What kind of clothes do you wear in winter?
• What kind of clothes do you wear when it rains?

Clothes are one of our basic necessities, just like food and shelter. We wear clothes primarily to protect our body from the sun, cold, wind, and rain. Clothes also protect us from insect bites and dust. Besides protection, clothes also make us look presentable and reflect our culture and traditions.

[Note: Students should refer to the image showing people wearing different types of clothes according to seasons on page 82 of their textbook.]

Think about it:

1. What would happen if we didn't wear clothes in very cold weather?
2. How do clothes protect us from the sun's heat?

Clothes According to Seasons

We wear different types of clothes in different seasons because the weather changes. Our clothes help us adapt to these changes.

• Summer: In summer, the weather is hot. We wear light-coloured cotton clothes. Cotton clothes absorb sweat and allow air to pass through, keeping us cool and comfortable. Light colours reflect sunlight and do not absorb much heat.
• Winter: In winter, the weather is cold. We wear woollen clothes. Woollen clothes are thick and trap air, which keeps our body warm. Dark colours are also preferred as they absorb more heat from the sun.
• Rainy Season: When it rains, we wear clothes that dry quickly. We also use raincoats and umbrellas, which are made of waterproof materials, to protect ourselves from getting wet.

[Note: Students should refer to the image showing clothes for different seasons on page 83 of their textbook.]

Use your brain power!

1. Why do people wear white clothes in hot regions?

   Answer: White clothes reflect sunlight and absorb less heat, keeping the body cool.

2. Why are raincoats made of special material?

   Answer: They are made of waterproof material that prevents water from soaking through, keeping us dry.

Always remember: Our clothes help us feel comfortable in different types of weather.

Different Types of Fabrics

Let’s try this (Activity):

1. Collect small pieces of different fabrics like cotton, wool, silk, and nylon.
2. Touch and feel each piece. How do they feel different?
3. Try to observe how they absorb water.

Clothes are made from different types of materials called fabrics. These fabrics are made from fibres. Fibres can be natural or synthetic (man-made).

Natural Fibres

These fibres are obtained from plants or animals.

• Cotton: Obtained from the cotton plant. It is soft, absorbs sweat, and keeps us cool. Used for summer clothes.
• Wool: Obtained from the fleece of sheep and other animals like goats and rabbits. It is warm and used for winter clothes.
• Silk: Obtained from silkworms. It is smooth, shiny, and strong. Used for special occasion clothes.
• Jute: Obtained from the jute plant. Used for making bags, ropes, and coarse clothes.

[Note: Students should refer to the images of cotton plant, sheep, silkworm, and jute plant on page 84 of their textbook.]

Synthetic Fibres (Man-made Fibres)

These fibres are made by humans using chemicals in factories.

• Nylon: Strong, elastic, and waterproof. Used for making ropes, stockings, and swimwear.
• Rayon: Looks like silk but is cheaper. Used for clothes and home furnishings.
• Polyester: Strong, wrinkle-resistant, and dries quickly. Used for clothes, curtains, and upholstery.

[Note: Students should refer to the images of synthetic fibre products on page 85 of their textbook.]

Think about it:

1. Why are synthetic clothes often used for sportswear or rainwear?
2. What is the difference between a natural fibre and a synthetic fibre?

Care of Clothes

Can you recall?

• How do your parents wash clothes at home?
• Why do we iron clothes?

Taking good care of our clothes makes them last longer and look good. Here are some ways to care for clothes:

• Washing: Wash clothes regularly to keep them clean. Different fabrics may require different washing methods (e.g., hand wash, machine wash, dry clean).
• Drying: Dry clothes properly in the sun or in a well-ventilated area to prevent mildew and bad smells.
• Ironing: Ironing removes wrinkles and makes clothes look neat.
• Storing: Store clothes properly in cupboards or drawers to protect them from dust, insects, and moisture. Woollen and silk clothes need special care to protect them from moths.
• Repairing: Mend torn clothes promptly to prevent further damage.

[Note: Students should refer to the image showing care of clothes on page 86 of their textbook.]

Use your brain power!

1. Why is it important to wash clothes regularly?

   Answer: To remove dirt, sweat, and germs, keeping them hygienic and fresh.

2. How can we protect woollen clothes from moths?

   Answer: By storing them with mothballs or neem leaves in airtight containers or bags.

Clothes and Culture

What’s the solution?

You are going to attend a cultural program. What kind of clothes would you choose to wear?

Clothes are not just for protection; they are also an important part of our culture and identity. In India, people wear a wide variety of traditional clothes that reflect their region, customs, and festivals. For example, a saree is a traditional dress worn by women in many parts of India, while a dhoti or kurta is worn by men. Different states have their unique traditional attire.

Clothes also tell us about different professions. For example, doctors wear white coats, police officers wear uniforms, and chefs wear special outfits.

[Note: Students should refer to the image showing traditional clothes from different regions of India on page 87 of their textbook.]

Always remember: Clothes are a reflection of our culture, traditions, and even our profession.

What We Have Learnt

• Clothes are a basic necessity for protecting our body from weather and other elements.
• We wear different clothes according to the seasons: cotton in summer, woollen in winter, and waterproof clothes in the rainy season.
• Fabrics are made from natural fibres (cotton, wool, silk, jute) or synthetic fibres (nylon, rayon, polyester).
• It is important to care for our clothes by washing, drying, ironing, storing, and repairing them properly.
• Clothes are also a part of our culture and identity, reflecting regional traditions and professions.

Exercises

1. Fill in the blanks.
   1. We wear __________ clothes in summer.
   2. Woollen clothes keep us __________ in winter.
   3. Silk is obtained from __________.
   4. __________ fibres are made by humans.
2. Answer the following questions.
   1. Why do we need clothes?
   2. Name two natural fibres and two synthetic fibres.
   3. How should we care for our clothes?
   4. Why do people wear different clothes in different seasons?
3. Match the following:

   Column A	Column B
   1. Cotton	a. Warm clothes
   2. Wool	b. Silkworm
   3. Silk	c. Cotton plant

Activities

1. Collect pictures of traditional clothes from different states of India.
2. Visit a tailor's shop and learn about different types of fabrics.
3. Learn how to wash and fold your own clothes properly.