Chapter 9 of 12
Chapter 9: Staying Healthy and Happy
Personal Hygiene, Physical Exercise, Yoga Asanas, Adequate Sleep, and Mental Well-being | CBSE Session 2026–27
Core Pedagogical Competencies & Concepts
- Daily personal hygiene habits: Brushing teeth twice, bathing, washing hands with soap, clipping nails.
- Physical fitness: Outdoor sports, skipping, swimming, and basic yoga postures (Tadasana, Vrikshasana).
- Rest and recovery: 8 to 9 hours of uninterrupted night sleep for cognitive development.
- Emotional hygiene: Expressing feelings openly, practicing mindfulness breathing, and limiting screen time.
All Textbook Exercises & In-Text Tasks (17 Questions)
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Q1
Handwashing Protocol
What are the six critical steps of proper handwashing with soap, and when must we wash our hands?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
When to Wash: Before eating meals, after using the restroom, after playing outdoors with pets, and after coughing or blowing one's nose.
6 Steps of Effective Handwashing (20 Seconds):
1. Wet hands with clean running water and apply soap.
2. Rub palms together to create rich lather.
3. Rub the back of each hand with interlaced fingers.
4. Clean between fingers and under fingernails.
5. Grip and rotate thumbs in palms.
6. Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry with a clean personal towel.
6 Steps of Effective Handwashing (20 Seconds):
1. Wet hands with clean running water and apply soap.
2. Rub palms together to create rich lather.
3. Rub the back of each hand with interlaced fingers.
4. Clean between fingers and under fingernails.
5. Grip and rotate thumbs in palms.
6. Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry with a clean personal towel.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Identification of critical handwashing times
1 Mark
Detailed 6-step technique covering palms, fingers, and nails
2 Marks
Q2
Sleep & Screen Time Balance
Why is adequate sleep essential for school children, and how does excessive mobile screen time harm health?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
During deep sleep (8 to 9 hours nightly), the child's brain consolidates memory, releases growth hormones, and rejuvenates tired muscles.
Harmful Effects of Excessive Screen Time:
• Blue light from phone and tablet screens disrupts melatonin production, making it difficult to fall asleep.
• Sitting motionless with digital gadgets causes poor spinal posture, weak vision (myopia), and obesity.
• It isolates children from real outdoor social play and creative hobbies.
Harmful Effects of Excessive Screen Time:
• Blue light from phone and tablet screens disrupts melatonin production, making it difficult to fall asleep.
• Sitting motionless with digital gadgets causes poor spinal posture, weak vision (myopia), and obesity.
• It isolates children from real outdoor social play and creative hobbies.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Physiological importance of 8-9 hours sleep for memory/growth
1.5 Marks
Physical and psychological hazards of screen addiction
1.5 Marks
Q3
Posture and Spinal Health
Describe the correct sitting posture while reading or writing at a study desk.
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Keep the back straight with the spine resting against the chair backrest. Feet should touch the floor flatly, shoulders should remain relaxed, and the book should be kept at a distance of 30 cm from the eyes without hunching the neck forward.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Accurate physical alignment of spine, feet, and eye distance
2 Marks
Q4
Hygiene Protocol • WHO 6-Step Hand Washing
Explain why and how we should wash our hands with soap for at least 20 seconds. List three critical moments when hand washing is compulsory.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Hand Hygiene Protocol:
• Soap breaks down oily dirt and viral membranes, lifting disease-causing germs off our skin so running water can rinse them away.
Three Compulsory Moments:
1. Before eating meals or touching snacks.
2. Immediately after using the toilet/washroom.
3. After returning home from playing outdoors or touching pets.
• Soap breaks down oily dirt and viral membranes, lifting disease-causing germs off our skin so running water can rinse them away.
Three Compulsory Moments:
1. Before eating meals or touching snacks.
2. Immediately after using the toilet/washroom.
3. After returning home from playing outdoors or touching pets.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Scientific rationale for soap destroying germs
1.5 M
Three compulsory everyday moments named
1.5 M
Q5
Oral Health • Dental Care Rules
Why do cavities form in teeth, and what two rules prevent tooth decay?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Dental Hygiene:
• Cause of Cavities: Sugary food particles stuck between teeth feed bacteria, which produce acids that erode tooth enamel and cause painful cavities.
Two Preventive Rules:
1. Brush teeth thoroughly twice daily (once in the morning and once before bedtime at night).
2. Rinse mouth with clean water after every meal or snack.
• Cause of Cavities: Sugary food particles stuck between teeth feed bacteria, which produce acids that erode tooth enamel and cause painful cavities.
Two Preventive Rules:
1. Brush teeth thoroughly twice daily (once in the morning and once before bedtime at night).
2. Rinse mouth with clean water after every meal or snack.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Bacteria and acid decay explained
1.5 M
Two daily preventive dental rules
1.5 M
Q6
Healthy Body Posture • Spine Health
What is good posture while sitting at a study desk? What happens if you slouch continuously?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Posture & Ergonomics:
• Good Posture: Sit upright with your back straight against the chair, shoulders relaxed, feet flat on the floor, and books at comfortable eye level.
• Harm of Slouching: Continuous bending and slouching strains neck muscles, causes chronic back pain, and compresses the ribcage, reducing breathing capacity.
• Good Posture: Sit upright with your back straight against the chair, shoulders relaxed, feet flat on the floor, and books at comfortable eye level.
• Harm of Slouching: Continuous bending and slouching strains neck muscles, causes chronic back pain, and compresses the ribcage, reducing breathing capacity.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Correct sitting posture described
1.5 M
Health consequences of slouching explained
1.5 M
Q7
Screen Time & Sleep • Mental Well-Being
Why should growing children sleep for 8 to 9 hours every night?
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Rest and Growth:
• During deep sleep, the body produces human growth hormone, repairs tired muscles, consolidates memory and learning from the school day, and boosts the immune system against diseases.
• During deep sleep, the body produces human growth hormone, repairs tired muscles, consolidates memory and learning from the school day, and boosts the immune system against diseases.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Growth hormone and brain memory consolidation explained
2.0 M
Q8
Find Out & Write • Environmental Observation
In Chapter 9 ('Staying Healthy and Happy'), what key natural elements or community roles are highlighted? List three observations.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Observations:
1. Interdependence: Plants, animals, and humans depend closely on each other for food, oxygen, and shelter.
2. Community Helpers: People in our neighbourhood perform essential services (farmers, sanitation workers, doctors, teachers).
3. Resource Conservation: Water, soil, and clean air are precious gifts that must not be polluted or wasted.
1. Interdependence: Plants, animals, and humans depend closely on each other for food, oxygen, and shelter.
2. Community Helpers: People in our neighbourhood perform essential services (farmers, sanitation workers, doctors, teachers).
3. Resource Conservation: Water, soil, and clean air are precious gifts that must not be polluted or wasted.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Interdependence observed
1 M
Community helpers recognized
1 M
Conservation awareness
1 M
Q9
Discuss & Share • Classroom Activity
Discuss with your classmates: How does the change of seasons impact the food we eat, clothes we wear, and activities in 'Staying Healthy and Happy'?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Seasonal Impact:
• Summer: We wear light cotton clothes, drink lots of water and fresh juices, and eat fruits like mangoes and watermelons.
• Winter: We wear warm woollens, enjoy hot soups and nuts, and sit in the sun.
• Monsoon: We use umbrellas and raincoats, and enjoy hot pakoras while taking care to avoid stagnant water.
• Summer: We wear light cotton clothes, drink lots of water and fresh juices, and eat fruits like mangoes and watermelons.
• Winter: We wear warm woollens, enjoy hot soups and nuts, and sit in the sun.
• Monsoon: We use umbrellas and raincoats, and enjoy hot pakoras while taking care to avoid stagnant water.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Summer adaptations
1 M
Winter adaptations
1 M
Monsoon adaptations
1 M
Q10
Think & Reflect • Environmental Care
What simple daily action can you and your family take to reduce waste and protect nature as suggested in 'Staying Healthy and Happy'?
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Daily Actions:
1. Segregate Waste: Keep green dustbins for wet biodegradable kitchen waste and blue dustbins for dry recyclable plastic/paper.
2. Avoid Single-Use Plastic: Carry cloth bags for vegetable shopping and refill reusable steel water bottles.
1. Segregate Waste: Keep green dustbins for wet biodegradable kitchen waste and blue dustbins for dry recyclable plastic/paper.
2. Avoid Single-Use Plastic: Carry cloth bags for vegetable shopping and refill reusable steel water bottles.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Waste segregation explained
1 M
Avoiding single-use plastics
1 M
Q11
Activity • Classification & Grouping
Classify the following items into Living Things and Non-Living Things: Neem tree, School bus, Butterfly, River stone, Honeybee, Wooden table.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Classification:
• Living Things: Neem tree, Butterfly, Honeybee (they breathe, grow, and reproduce).
• Non-Living Things: School bus, River stone, Wooden table (they do not grow or breathe).
• Living Things: Neem tree, Butterfly, Honeybee (they breathe, grow, and reproduce).
• Non-Living Things: School bus, River stone, Wooden table (they do not grow or breathe).
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Living things identified correctly
1.5 M
Non-living things identified correctly
1.5 M
Q12
Field Exploration • Plants in Neighbourhood
Look closely at leaves of different plants around your school. How do they differ from one another in shape, colour, and texture?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Leaf Observations:
• Shape: Banana leaves are broad and long, peepal leaves have a pointed tip, and pine needles are thin and pointy.
• Colour: Leaves vary from light yellow-green to dark emerald green, and some crotons have red or purple spots.
• Texture: Lotus leaves feel waxy, rose leaves feel soft with serrated margins, and hibiscus leaves feel slightly rough.
• Shape: Banana leaves are broad and long, peepal leaves have a pointed tip, and pine needles are thin and pointy.
• Colour: Leaves vary from light yellow-green to dark emerald green, and some crotons have red or purple spots.
• Texture: Lotus leaves feel waxy, rose leaves feel soft with serrated margins, and hibiscus leaves feel slightly rough.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Difference in shape
1 M
Difference in colour
1 M
Difference in texture
1 M
Q13
Health & Hygiene • Good Habits
Why must we wash our hands with soap before eating and after using the toilet? Describe the correct 6-step method.
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Importance & Method:
• Washing with soap removes invisible disease-causing germs and bacteria.
• Steps: Wet hands, apply soap, rub palms together, wash backs of hands, clean between fingers and under nails, rinse thoroughly under running water, and dry with a clean towel.
• Washing with soap removes invisible disease-causing germs and bacteria.
• Steps: Wet hands, apply soap, rub palms together, wash backs of hands, clean between fingers and under nails, rinse thoroughly under running water, and dry with a clean towel.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Reason for washing hands
1 M
Steps described
1 M
Q14
Water Conservation • Every Drop Counts
List three practical ways to save drinking water at home and in school.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Water Saving Ways:
1. Turn off the tap tightly while brushing teeth instead of letting water run.
2. Use a bucket and mug for bathing rather than a shower.
3. Pour leftover water from drinking bottles into plant pots instead of draining it away.
1. Turn off the tap tightly while brushing teeth instead of letting water run.
2. Use a bucket and mug for bathing rather than a shower.
3. Pour leftover water from drinking bottles into plant pots instead of draining it away.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Three valid water conservation methods
3 M
Q15
Animal Empathy • Coexistence
How can we help birds and stray animals during the hot summer season?
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Helping Summer Animals:
• Place an earthen clay bowl filled with clean fresh water on the terrace, balcony, or under a tree for thirsty birds.
• Keep a bowl of water in the shade outside the house for community dogs and cats.
• Never disturb bird nests or throw stones at sleeping animals.
• Place an earthen clay bowl filled with clean fresh water on the terrace, balcony, or under a tree for thirsty birds.
• Keep a bowl of water in the shade outside the house for community dogs and cats.
• Never disturb bird nests or throw stones at sleeping animals.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clay water bowls for birds
1 M
Kind treatment and shade
1 M
Q16
Community Living • Festivals and Food
Name two traditional Indian festivals and describe the special food items prepared and shared during these celebrations.
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Festivals and Traditional Foods:
1. Eid: Families prepare and share sweet Sevaiyan (vermicelli pudding) and biryani with neighbours.
2. Holi: People celebrate spring by sharing traditional Gujiyas and refreshing thandai.
3. Diwali: Families distribute homemade Laddoos, kaju katli, and savoury namkeens.
1. Eid: Families prepare and share sweet Sevaiyan (vermicelli pudding) and biryani with neighbours.
2. Holi: People celebrate spring by sharing traditional Gujiyas and refreshing thandai.
3. Diwali: Families distribute homemade Laddoos, kaju katli, and savoury namkeens.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Two festivals named with corresponding special food
2 M
Q17
Review Questions • True or False
State True or False:
(a) Plants take in carbon dioxide and give out oxygen during daytime.
(b) Rainwater harvesting means collecting and storing rainwater for future use.
(c) Burning dry leaves and plastic in open air keeps the environment healthy.
[3 Marks]
(a) Plants take in carbon dioxide and give out oxygen during daytime.
(b) Rainwater harvesting means collecting and storing rainwater for future use.
(c) Burning dry leaves and plastic in open air keeps the environment healthy.
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Answers:
• (a) True: Photosynthesis produces oxygen.
• (b) True: Rainwater harvesting replenishes groundwater.
• (c) False: Burning releases toxic smoke and causes severe air pollution. Dry leaves should be composted into organic manure.
• (a) True: Photosynthesis produces oxygen.
• (b) True: Rainwater harvesting replenishes groundwater.
• (c) False: Burning releases toxic smoke and causes severe air pollution. Dry leaves should be composted into organic manure.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
True, True, False with explanations
3 M
🌟 NEP 2020 Competency-Based Case Study
Mental Fitness: Calming Anxiety with Mindfulness Breathing
During the annual sports day running race, 8-year-old Rohan feels his heart beating very fast, his palms sweating, and his stomach churning with nervous fear right before the whistle blows.
Analytical Task: What simple breathing exercise (Pranayama) and positive self-talk can Rohan use to calm his nervous system and perform happily?
Evaluation & Model Answer:
Rohan can practice the '4-4-4 Box Breathing Technique': Inhale deeply through the nose for 4 counts, hold the breath gently for 4 counts, and exhale slowly through the mouth like blowing out a candle for 4 counts. Repeating this three times activates the parasympathetic nervous system, lowers the elevated heart rate, and calms muscle trembling. Combined with encouraging positive self-talk ('I have practiced well, I will do my best, and participating with joy is what truly matters'), Rohan can channel nervousness into focused energy.
Rubric: Physiological understanding of anxiety, practical breathwork technique (Pranayama), positive emotional reframing (4 Marks).