Across the Wall – Complete Guide for CBSE Class 5 EVS Chapter 17

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Our learning resources for the chapter, Across the Wall! in EVS for Class 5th are designed to ensure that you grasp this concept with clarity and perfection. Whether you’re studying for an upcoming exam or strengthening your concepts, our engaging animated videos, practice questions and notes offer you the best of integrated learning with interesting explanations and examples. 

Across the Wall: Breaking Barriers and Chasing Dreams! 

Meeting the Stars of Nagpada Basketball Team 🏀

Afsana Mansuri and her friends from Nagpada Basketball Association in Mumbai have an inspiring story to share. These girls are not just breaking walls of their neighborhood but also smashing stereotypes about what girls can and cannot do. Let’s join their journey of courage, teamwork, and hard work.

Afsana’s Journey: From Her Home to the Court 

At just 13 years old, Afsana faced many challenges:

• Her home and the court: Afsana lived in a small house near the basketball court, but stepping out to play was not easy.
• Society’s expectations: People believed basketball wasn’t a game for girls.
• Breaking barriers: With her determination and support from her coach, Afsana overcame these hurdles and became a star player!

Girls on the court, chasing their dreams!

Activity: Your Basketball Story

Imagine you are Afsana. Write a short diary entry about your first day on the basketball court. How did you feel? What challenges did you face?

Meet the Team: Stories of Grit and Determination 

The Nagpada Basketball team consists of girls like Zarin, Khushnoor, and Afreen who all have unique stories:

Zarin’s Wish

Zarin would watch boys play basketball from her balcony and dream of joining them. When her coach encouraged her to gather other girls, she took the first step to form the team.

Khushnoor’s Fight

Khushnoor had to convince her parents to let her play. Her persistence paid off, and she became one of the key players on the team.

Afreen’s Support System

Afreen faced criticism from her grandmother, but her father supported her dreams, even teaching her special moves he learned as a young player.

Training Together: Building a Strong Team 

The girls practice every day under their coach’s guidance. Their training includes:

• Jogging and exercises: To build stamina.
• Basketball drills: Learning how to pass, dodge, and shoot.
• Team spirit: Supporting each other through wins and losses.

Coach’s Advice: “While playing, don’t think you are girls. Play like a player!” This mindset helps the girls compete equally with boys’ teams.

Discussion: Team Spirit

• Have you ever played as part of a team? What did you learn from the experience?
• Why is teamwork important in sports?

Breaking Stereotypes: The Gender Wall 

Afsana’s mother initially believed that girls shouldn’t play basketball, but Afsana, with her friends and coach, proved otherwise. The girls showed that with hard work, they could play as well as boys.

What is Gender Bias?

Gender bias is when people think boys and girls should behave in certain ways or do certain tasks. This idea creates a wall that stops many girls from pursuing their dreams.

Activity: Break the Wall

Draw a brick wall on paper. Write down stereotypes (e.g., “Girls can’t play sports”) on the bricks. Now, tear the paper or draw cracks on the wall to break these ideas!

Facing Challenges and Learning Lessons 

The team faced many challenges:

• Mocking by boys: Initially, the boys teased them, but the girls turned this into motivation.
• Playing with boys: They asked to be treated equally, without leniency.
• Matches in Sholapur: In one match, players from different places didn’t cooperate. The girls realized how important teamwork is for success.

Practicing as a team builds trust and strength.

Dream Big: Afsana’s Vision for the Future 

Afsana dreams of:

• Representing India in basketball.
• Winning a gold medal.
• Inspiring other girls to follow their dreams.

What We’ve Learned

1. Equal opportunities: Everyone deserves a chance to play and pursue their dreams.
2. Teamwork: Success is about cooperation, not just individual talent.
3. Breaking stereotypes: Girls can excel in any field they choose.

Final Activity: Create Your Dream Team

Imagine you’re forming a basketball team:

1. Pick 5 players (real or imaginary) and give them special abilities.
2. Design a team name and logo.
3. Write a motto for your team, like “Together We Win!”

Let’s work together to make the world more equal for everyone!

To read the NCERT text of Across the Wall, click here.

To read our notes for the previous chapter Who Will Do This Work?, click here.