What is a House or Shelter?
Let’s start with a simple question: Where do you live?
Most kids say, “I live in a house!”
But what is a house or a shelter?
Let’s find out!
Definition:
A house or shelter is a place where people or animals live.
It protects us from rain, heat, cold, wind, and wild animals. It makes us safe, warm, and comfortable.
Example:
You live in a house with your family.
Dogs live in kennels.
Birds live in nests.
A lion lives in a cave.
All of these are types of shelters.
Why Do We Need a House?
Let’s understand why a house is important.
Protection from Weather
A house protects us from:
• Hot sun
• Rain
• Cold weather
• Strong winds
Example: When it rains, you stay dry inside your house.
Safety from Wild Animals and Thieves
A house keeps us safe from danger.
Example: A locked door protects your family when you are sleeping at night.
Comfort and Rest
We sleep, eat, and relax in our house.
It gives us peace and rest.
Example: After playing outside, you come home to rest on your cozy bed.
Place to Live with Family
A house is where you live with your family—your parents, siblings, and sometimes grandparents or pets.
Example: You celebrate birthdays and festivals with your family at home.
Types of Houses
There are different types of houses all around the world.
Let’s look at some common types:
Permanent Houses
These are strong houses made of bricks, cement, and concrete.
• Flats or apartments
• Bungalows
• Villas
Example: Most people in cities live in flats or bungalows.
Temporary Houses
These are light and easy-to-move houses.
People who travel or work in farms often use these.
• Tents – Made of cloth or plastic
• Huts – Made of mud, straw, or bamboo
• Houseboats – Houses that float on water
• Igloos – Snow houses used in very cold places
Example: Eskimos live in igloos in snowy areas like Alaska.
Materials Used to Build Houses
Houses are made using different materials depending on the place and weather.
Bricks and Cement
• Used in cities for strong houses
• Lasts for many years
Wood and Bamboo
• Used in forests or hilly areas
• Keeps the house warm
Snow Blocks
• Used in places with heavy snow
• Eskimos build igloos with blocks of ice
Mud, Clay, and Straw
• Used in villages for huts
• Keeps houses cool in summer
Cloth or Plastic
• Used in tents
• Light and easy to move
Example: Soldiers use tents in forests and deserts.
Parts of a House
Let’s learn the different parts that make up a house.
Door
We enter and exit through the door.
Doors can be opened or locked.
Windows
Windows let in air and sunlight.
We can open them for fresh air.
Rooms
A house has different rooms for different purposes:
Bedroom – For sleeping
Dining room – For eating
Bathroom – For bathing
Kitchen – For cooking
Living room – For relaxing or watching TV
Roof
The top part of the house.
Protects from rain and sun.
Houses in Different Climates
Houses are built differently in different places depending on the weather.
Hot Places
Houses have high ceilings and windows for air.
Made of mud or bricks to stay cool.
Rainy Places
Have sloping roofs to drain rainwater.
Made with materials that don’t absorb water.
Cold Places
Made of wood or snow to stay warm.
Small windows to keep cold out.
People and Their Homes
Different people live in different types of homes:
People Type of Home
Farmers Huts or houses near farms
City people Flats or apartments
Nomads (travelers) Tents or caravans
Eskimos Igloos
Boat dwellers Houseboats
Example: In Kashmir, some people live in beautiful houseboats on lakes!
Animal Shelters
Humans aren’t the only ones who need homes.
Animals also need shelters!
Animal Shelter
Dog Kennel
Cat Basket or cushion in the house
Bird Nest
Lion Cave
Cow Shed
Horse Stable
Ant Anthill
