My Shadow – Class 5 English NCERT Solutions

Explore the solutions for “My Shadow,” Class 5 English NCERT. This delightful poem by Robert Louis Stevenson teaches children about the fascinating phenomenon of shadows. Through this poem, students learn about the playful relationship between light and shadows, encouraging their observation skills and scientific curiosity. The poem also helps children understand how shadows change throughout the day, making science learning fun and engaging.

Summary of the Poem

The poem “My Shadow” is a charming description of a child’s fascination with their shadow. The speaker talks about how their shadow follows them everywhere, jumping and playing along. The child finds it amusing how the shadow can grow tall or short and sometimes completely disappears. The poem ends with a humorous note where the child wakes up early one morning to find their “lazy” shadow still sleeping in bed.

कविता का सारांश

कविता “माय शैडो” एक बच्चे और उसकी परछाई के बीच की मनोरंजक कहानी है। कविता में बच्चा बताता है कि कैसे उसकी परछाई हर जगह उसका साथ देती है, उसके साथ कूदती और खेलती है। बच्चे को यह देखकर मजा आता है कि कैसे परछाई कभी लंबी हो जाती है, कभी छोटी और कभी-कभी तो बिल्कुल गायब हो जाती है। कविता का मजेदार अंत तब होता है जब एक सुबह बच्चा जल्दी उठता है और पाता है कि उसकी “आलसी” परछाई अभी भी बिस्तर में सो रही है।

Word Meanings

Let’s Read

Why are he and me alike?

In the poem, ‘he’ and ‘me’ are alike because the shadow (he) is an exact replica of the speaker (me). Just like a mirror image, the shadow copies every movement and shape of the person, from head to toe. That’s why the poet says they are “very, very like me from the heels up to the head.”

Who do you think your shadow looks like?

My shadow is an exact copy of my shape and form. It mimics all my movements and actions, creating a dark silhouette that looks just like me. Whether I’m walking, running, or dancing, my shadow matches every motion I make, appearing as my faithful dark companion.

Why do you think your shadow jumps into bed before you can?

My shadow jumps into bed before me because of the position of the light source behind me. When the light comes from behind, my shadow is cast in front of me. So, when I move towards my bed, my shadow appears to reach there first. It’s like a fun race where my shadow always wins by getting to places before I do!

What time of the day do you think when your shadow is the tallest? Why?

Our shadow is the tallest during early morning and late evening because during these times, the sun’s rays fall at a slanting angle. When the sun is low in the sky, it creates longer shadows. This is different from noon time when the sun is directly overhead and creates shorter shadows. It’s like a daily shadow magic show where our shadow grows and shrinks throughout the day!

Read the lines from the poem and answer: “He is very like me. From the heels up to the head!” Who does ‘he’ refer to?

‘He’ in these lines refers to the shadow. The poet uses ‘he’ to personify the shadow, giving it human-like qualities. This makes the shadow seem like a playful companion rather than just a dark shape on the ground.

Who does ‘me’ refer to?

‘Me’ refers to the speaker of the poem, who is a child observing and describing their shadow. The child is amazed by how their shadow follows them around and mimics their every movement, making it feel like a constant companion.

Let’s Talk

What would you do if you have forgotten your homework copy at home?

If I forgot my homework copy at home, I would:

• Immediately inform my teacher about the situation honestly
• Apologize sincerely for my forgetfulness
• Promise to bring it the next day
• Ask if I could submit it the following day

Work in pairs and discuss: What would you do if a dog chases you?

If a dog chases me, I would:

• Stay calm and avoid panicking
• Stop running as this might make the dog chase more
• Stand still like a tree and avoid eye contact with the dog
• Slowly back away without making sudden movements
• Call for help in a calm voice if someone is nearby

What would you do if you are alone in a room and the lights go out?

If I’m alone in a room and the lights go out, I would:

• Stay calm and wait for my eyes to adjust to the darkness
• Use my mobile phone’s flashlight if available
• Try to find a torch or emergency light that I know is kept nearby
• Call out to family members if they are home
• Stay in one place if I’m not sure about my surroundings to avoid bumping into things

Fun Time

Shine a torch behind your hand and see its shadow on the wall. Move the torch a little away from your hand and see the shadow on the wall. Do you find a difference in the size of the hand on the wall?

Yes, there is a fascinating difference in the size of the shadow when I move the torch! When I move the torch farther away from my hand, the shadow becomes larger on the wall. When I bring the torch closer to my hand, the shadow becomes smaller. This happens because of how light travels and spreads out. It’s like having a magical way to make my hand appear giant-sized or tiny on the wall just by moving the light source!

Let’s Write

Fill in the blanks with who/whose/which:

Here are the sentences completed with the correct relative pronouns:

1. Where is the child whose parents have come to school?
2. I saw many houses which were quite spacious.
3. Mathematics which is my favourite subject, is so interesting.
4. The poem that you read out, is so lovely.
5. I know the street that he lives on.
6. I like reading books that have pictures in it.
7. The old lady whom I met in your house is my neighbour.

Complete this description about a dog by answering the given questions:

Let me tell you about a special dog named Shadow. She got her name because she’s always following her owner Mithoo everywhere, just like a faithful shadow! Shadow is a beautiful dog with soft grey fur that makes her look elegant. She has the sweetest personality – always wagging her tail and greeting everyone with a friendly bark. When it comes to food, Shadow gets super excited about her favorite treats: crunchy dog biscuits and chicken bones. She’s the kind of dog who makes everyone smile with her playful nature and loving personality.