Sports and Wellness
Part 1 — Change of Heart
Pre-Reading / Warm-up
Q1. Do you play outdoor games? Which is your favourite?
Yes, I play outdoor games. My favourite is cricket because it teaches teamwork and strategy.
Q2. What do we learn from playing games?
We learn discipline, teamwork, leadership, patience, and respect for rules.
Q3. How should we behave with our competitors?
We should respect them, play fairly, and show good sportsmanship whether we win or lose.
Comprehension Check
Q1. Who were Prabhat and Surya?
Prabhat and Surya were classmates and competitors in a running race.
Q2. How did Prabhat feel before the race?
Prabhat was nervous and wanted to win at any cost.
Q3. What happened during the race?
Prabhat ran fast, but when he saw Surya fall down, he stopped to help him instead of continuing.
Q4. What was the reaction of the spectators?
The spectators cheered for Prabhat’s kindness and appreciated his sporting spirit more than a medal.
Q5. What did Prabhat realise in the end?
He realised that true victory lies in humanity, compassion, and good sportsmanship, not just in winning medals.
Think & Answer
Q1. Why did Prabhat stop during the race?
Because he saw Surya fall and realised helping a friend was more important than winning.
Q2. What lesson does the story teach us?
It teaches us that humanity, kindness, and sportsmanship are more valuable than competition.
Vocabulary & Grammar
Q1. Opposites from the story:
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Win × Lose
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Start × Finish
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Nervous × Confident
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Friend × Enemy
Q2. Sentences:
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The player showed great sportsmanship by praising his opponent.
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Helping others is the true mark of humanity.
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She was nervous before the test.
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Winning with honesty brings pride.
Extra Questions
Short Answer
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Why did the audience clap for Prabhat?
Because he showed kindness and humanity, which were greater than winning. -
What did Surya learn from Prabhat’s action?
He learned that friendship and support matter more than rivalry. -
What does the title “Change of Heart” mean?
It means Prabhat changed his attitude from selfishness to kindness and humanity.
Long Answer
Q. How does the story highlight the true meaning of sports?
The story highlights that sports are not only about winning but also about discipline, compassion, and fair play. Prabhat initially wanted to win at any cost. However, when he saw Surya fall, he stopped and helped him instead of rushing to victory. This act earned him the respect of the spectators. The crowd valued his humanity more than a medal. Prabhat’s action showed that the spirit of sports lies in friendship, respect, and care. Winning is temporary, but kindness is remembered forever. The story teaches children that true success is measured by values, not trophies.
Summary of Change of Heart
Change of Heart is a heartwarming story about two classmates, Prabhat and Surya, who take part in a school running race.
Prabhat was determined to win and dreamed of standing first. He practised hard and wanted the medal badly. On the day of the race, the students gathered to cheer. Prabhat and Surya lined up with other competitors. The whistle blew, and the race began. Prabhat ran with all his strength, his eyes fixed on the finish line.
As the race progressed, Surya suddenly stumbled and fell to the ground. Seeing this, Prabhat felt torn. At first, he thought of running on to secure victory. But then his heart changed. Instead of ignoring Surya, he stopped, turned back, and helped his classmate to stand. The two boys walked together, finishing the race side by side.
The crowd erupted in applause. They admired Prabhat’s humanity more than they would have admired any winner. Though he lost the race, he won the hearts of all. The teachers and students praised him for showing true sportsmanship.
Prabhat realised that medals and trophies fade, but kindness and friendship are remembered forever. The story teaches us that the purpose of sports is not just to compete but to build discipline, friendship, and values.
The title Change of Heart refers to Prabhat’s transformation — from focusing only on victory to understanding that helping others is the real triumph. His noble act showed that compassion is greater than competition.
This story is an inspiring reminder for children and adults alike: winning is important, but playing with fairness, respect, and humanity is the true essence of sports.
Part 2 — The Winner
Poem by Georgia Heard
Pre-Reading / Warm-up
Q1. Who do you think is a winner?
A winner is someone who tries their best, shows courage, and does not give up, even if they lose.
Q2. Is winning only about medals and trophies?
No, true winning is about effort, honesty, and never losing hope.
Comprehension Check
Q1. What does the poet mean by “the one who listens to the heart”?
It means the true winner follows their inner voice, dreams, and values rather than focusing only on prizes.
Q2. Who does the poet call a real winner?
The poet calls someone a real winner who keeps trying, believes in themselves, and does not give up, whether they win a medal or not.
Q3. Why does the poet say the winner is not always the one who comes first?
Because winning is about courage, effort, and determination, not just standing first in a competition.
Think & Answer
Q1. How is effort more important than result?
Effort shows our strength, honesty, and spirit. Results may change, but effort makes us stronger and teaches lessons.
Q2. What message does the poem give to children?
That they should not worry only about ranks and medals. True victory lies in trying, dreaming, and believing in themselves.
Vocabulary & Grammar
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Courage = bravery to face difficulties
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Effort = hard work put into something
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Heart = symbol of feelings and inner strength
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Victory = success or triumph
Sentences:
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She had the courage to speak the truth.
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With constant effort, he improved his handwriting.
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Always listen to your heart while making decisions.
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The team celebrated their victory with joy.
Extra Questions
Short Answer
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Why is listening to the heart important?
Because it guides us to follow our dreams and stay true to ourselves. -
What kind of people are true winners?
Those who work hard, stay positive, and never give up even if they lose. -
Why does the poet say victory is not always about coming first?
Because the value lies in trying and showing courage, not just winning medals.
Long Answer
Q. How does the poem redefine the meaning of winning?
The poem The Winner teaches us that true winning is not about trophies or ranks but about courage, determination, and effort. The poet, Georgia Heard, explains that a real winner is someone who listens to their heart, follows their dreams, and does not give up. Such a person may or may not come first, but they have the courage to keep trying. The poem inspires children to value effort over results. It encourages them not to be discouraged by failure but to see every step as progress. This view makes winning more meaningful because it is about inner strength, not just outer prizes.
Summary of The Winner
Georgia Heard’s poem The Winner gives a new meaning to the idea of victory.
The poet says that the real winner is not always the person who comes first in a competition. Instead, the true winner is the one who listens to their heart, works hard, and never gives up. Winning is not just about medals and certificates but about courage, hope, and determination.
The poem explains that dreams and goals guide us, and those who keep following their dreams are true champions. Even if they fail sometimes, their effort makes them stronger. True winners rise after every fall and continue their journey with courage.
The poet’s message is simple: do not measure success only by trophies. Success is about honesty, effort, and inner satisfaction. Children should learn to try their best without fear of losing. The poem inspires everyone to be brave, hopeful, and determined in life.
Thus, The Winner is not about victory in sports alone but about victory in life through courage and perseverance.
Biography — Georgia Heard
Georgia Heard is an American poet, author, and educator known for her inspiring poems and books for children. She believes that poetry is not just about rhyme and rhythm but about feelings and truth.
She was born in 1958 in the United States and grew up with a love for reading and writing. She studied creative writing and later began teaching children how to express themselves through poetry. Her career is dedicated to making poetry meaningful and accessible to students.
Heard has written many poetry collections and books on teaching poetry, such as Awakening the Heart: Exploring Poetry in Elementary and Middle School, For the Good of the Earth and Sun, and The Arrow Finds Its Mark. Her works show how poetry can help children understand their emotions and connect with the world.
In her poems, she often talks about courage, dreams, and inner strength. The poem The Winner is an excellent example of her belief that success is about effort and self-belief, not just medals.
She has been honoured as a thoughtful teacher and writer who inspires both children and teachers. Her life’s work is to spread the joy of poetry and to teach young people that their voices matter.
Georgia Heard continues to write, teach, and inspire readers all over the world. Her poems are included in many schoolbooks because of their simple language and strong messages.
Part 3 — Yoga: A Way of Life
Pre-Reading / Warm-up
Q1. Have you ever practised yoga? How did you feel?
Yes, I have practised yoga. It made me feel calm, fresh, and more energetic.
Q2. Why do you think yoga is popular all over the world?
Because yoga improves both physical health and mental peace, and anyone can practise it.
Comprehension Check
Q1. What is yoga?
Yoga is an ancient practice from India that connects the body, mind, and spirit through postures, breathing, and meditation.
Q2. Who is known as the father of yoga?
Sage Patanjali is called the father of yoga because he compiled its principles in the Yoga Sutras.
Q3. How does yoga help our body?
It makes the body flexible, improves blood circulation, strengthens muscles, and keeps us fit.
Q4. How does yoga help the mind?
It improves concentration, reduces stress, and brings peace of mind.
Q5. Why is yoga called “a way of life”?
Because it is not just exercise but a discipline that guides how we live, eat, think, and behave in daily life.
Think & Answer
Q1. Why do people all over the world practise yoga today?
Because it improves health, reduces stress, and brings balance to life.
Q2. What lesson does yoga teach us?
It teaches harmony, discipline, self-control, and respect for both body and nature.
Vocabulary & Grammar
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Posture = the position of the body
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Meditation = practice of focusing the mind
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Discipline = training of the mind and body to follow rules
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Harmony = living peacefully and in balance
Sentences:
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The teacher corrected my sitting posture.
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Daily meditation brings peace of mind.
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Good health requires discipline.
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Music brings harmony to the soul.
Extra Questions
Short Answer
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What are some yoga postures mentioned in the text?
Examples include Padmasana (lotus pose), Bhujangasana (cobra pose), and Tadasana (mountain pose). -
Why is breathing important in yoga?
Because controlled breathing gives more oxygen, calms the mind, and improves focus. -
What does yoga combine together?
Yoga combines body, mind, and spirit into harmony.
Long Answer
Q. How is yoga different from ordinary exercise?
Yoga is different from ordinary exercise because it focuses on both the body and the mind. While exercise strengthens muscles and improves stamina, yoga also improves breathing, concentration, and emotional balance. Yoga includes postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation. It not only makes the body flexible but also helps to reduce stress and anxiety. Unlike exercises that may strain the body, yoga works gently and can be done by people of all ages. It teaches self-control, discipline, and harmony. That is why yoga is called a way of life.
Summary of Yoga: A Way of Life
Yoga: A Way of Life is an informative passage that explains the origin, benefits, and importance of yoga.
Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that connects the body, mind, and spirit. It was developed thousands of years ago and explained by Sage Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras. He is remembered as the father of yoga. The text explains that yoga is not only physical exercise but a lifestyle that promotes balance and harmony.
Yoga includes asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing exercises), and dhyana (meditation). Postures make the body strong and flexible, while breathing exercises improve oxygen supply and calm the mind. Meditation develops focus and peace. Together, these practices create overall well-being.
The passage explains that yoga benefits both the body and the mind. It helps in digestion, blood circulation, and muscle strength. It reduces stress, improves memory, and develops confidence. Unlike ordinary exercise, yoga is gentle and can be done by anyone. It also teaches discipline, healthy eating, and right thinking.
That is why yoga is called “a way of life.” It is not limited to the yoga mat but extends to how we live each day — with harmony, respect, and discipline.
Today, yoga has spread all over the world. People in every country practise it for fitness and mental peace. The United Nations has even declared June 21 as International Yoga Day to honour this priceless gift of India to the world.
The passage concludes by reminding us that practising yoga daily makes life healthier and happier. It brings unity between body and mind, and teaches us to live in balance with nature.
Biography / Note — Sage Patanjali
Sage Patanjali is remembered as the father of yoga. He lived in ancient India, though the exact dates of his life are not known. He is famous for compiling the Yoga Sutras, a collection of 195 short verses that explain the philosophy and practice of yoga.
Patanjali taught that yoga is more than exercise; it is a way to control the mind and achieve inner peace. According to him, yoga helps us reduce suffering, calm the mind, and move toward self-realisation. His Yoga Sutras describe the eightfold path of yoga, known as Ashtanga Yoga, which includes moral values, self-discipline, postures, breathing, concentration, meditation, and ultimate union with the spirit.
Because of his clear explanation, yoga became organised and easier to practise. That is why Patanjali is called the father of yoga. His teachings are still relevant today, and millions of people around the world practise yoga according to his principles.
Yoga is India’s gift to the world, and Sage Patanjali’s contribution is invaluable. By reminding us to live with discipline, harmony, and balance, his work continues to guide people toward a healthy and peaceful life.