Little Hands, Big Courage – Chapter 1

Short Summary

Dilna and her little brother, Isaac, were playing outside when they noticed it was about to rain. Upon entering the house, they discovered their mother lying unconscious on the floor. Despite her fear, Dilna recalled her grandmother’s teachings on emergency response and dialed 101 for help. She clearly communicated her situation and location to the emergency responder. Firemen arrived, provided first aid, and revived her mother. Later, they honored Dilna for her courage. Though she didn’t feel like a hero, she was grateful for her mother’s safety and promised to teach Isaac how to handle emergencies.

ദിൽനയും അവളുടെ അനുജൻ ഐസാക്കും വീടിനു വെളിയിൽ കളിച്ചു കൊണ്ടിരിക്കുകയായിരുന്നു. പെട്ടെന്നൊരു മഴ. രണ്ടുപേരും വീടിനുള്ളിലേക്ക് ഓടിക്കയറി. അകത്തു ചെന്നപ്പോൾ അവരുടെ അമ്മ നിലത്തു കിടക്കുന്നതുകണ്ട് രണ്ടുപേരും അങ്ങോട്ട് ഓടി. അമ്മക്ക് അനക്കമില്ല. പെട്ടെന്ന് എന്തെങ്കിലും ചെയ്യണം. മുത്തശ്ശി പഠിപ്പിച്ച ഒരു ഗെയിം ഓർമ്മ വന്ന ദിൽന എമർജൻസി നമ്പർ 101 ഡയൽ ചെയ്ത് കാര്യങ്ങൾ വിശദീകരിച്ചു. ദിൽന കൊടുത്ത വിവരങ്ങൾ വച്ച് ഫയർഫോഴ്‌സ് എത്തുകയും അമ്മക്ക് പ്രഥമ ശുശ്രൂഷകൾ കൊടുത്തു സുഖമാക്കുകയും ചെയ്തു. കുറച്ച് ദിവസങ്ങൾക്കു ശേഷം ഫയർഫോഴ്‌സ് ദിൽനക്ക് അവാർഡ് സമ്മാനിച്ചു. ദിൽനക്ക് താൻ അമ്മക്കുവേണ്ടി ചെയ്ത വലിയകാര്യം ഓർത്ത് അഭിമാനവും സന്തോഷവും തോന്നി.

30-Point Summary

• Dilna and Isaac were playing outside when it started to rain.
• They quickly ran inside the house.
• In the kitchen, they found cookies and ate some.
• Isaac called out to their mother but received no response.
• They rushed to the living room and found their mother lying on the floor.
• Dilna called out to her but got no reply.
• Isaac asked if their mother was sleeping.
• He cried as he tried to wake her up.
• Dilna reassured Isaac, although she herself was scared.
• She shook her mother gently but got no response.
• Dilna remembered a game her grandmother had taught her about emergencies.
• She recalled the importance of calling 101 for help.
• She ran to the phone and dialed the number.
• A lady answered and asked about the emergency.
• Dilna explained her mother was unconscious.
• The responder asked about their father, who was working abroad.
• The lady praised Dilna for staying calm and asked for their address.
• Dilna clearly provided their location.
• The lady assured her that help was on the way.
• The siren of the fire engine was soon heard.
• The responder told Dilna it was safe to open the door.
• Two firemen entered and assessed the situation.
• They provided first aid to her mother.
• Slowly, her mother regained consciousness.
• Isaac was overjoyed and thanked the firemen.
• The firemen praised Dilna for her quick thinking.
• She admitted she was scared but did what was needed.
• A few days later, she was invited to the Fire Station.
• They gave her an award for her bravery.
• She promised to teach Isaac how to handle emergencies.

Short Answer Questions and Answers

1. Where were Dilna and Isaac playing?
   In the backyard of their house.
2. Why did they run inside the house?
   Because it looked like it was going to rain.
3. What did they find in the kitchen?
   A plate of cookies.
4. Why did Isaac call out to their mother?
   To tell her it was raining.
5. Where did they find their mother?
   Lying unconscious on the living room floor.
6. What did Isaac ask when he saw their mother?
   He asked if she was sleeping.
7. How did Dilna react to the situation?
   She stayed calm and reassured Isaac while trying to wake their mother.
8. What did she remember from her grandmother’s lesson?
   To call 101 in case of an emergency.
9. What was her father’s situation?
   He was working abroad.
10. What did the emergency responder ask her to do?
    To provide her address clearly.
11. Where did Dilna live?
    At 1203, Ramnagar Street, Cheruvappadi.
12. How did the emergency responder speak to her?
    Softly but seriously, keeping her calm.
13. What did the responder ask Dilna to do while waiting for help?
    To stay on the phone until the firemen arrived.
14. What did the firemen do first upon arrival?
    Provided first aid to her mother.
15. How did Isaac react when his mother woke up?
    He shouted with joy.
16. What did the firemen say about Dilna?
    That she was a hero.
17. How did Dilna feel after receiving praise?
    She admitted she was scared but did what was needed.
18. Where was she invited after the incident?
    To the Fire Station.
19. What did the firemen do for her there?
    Gave her an award.
20. What did she promise Isaac at the end?
    To teach him about handling emergencies, just like their grandmother had taught her.

Long Answer Questions and Answers

1. Describe the moment when Dilna and Isaac first discovered their mother.
   Dilna and Isaac ran inside after noticing rain approaching. In the kitchen, they found cookies and ate them. When Isaac called out to their mother, there was no reply. They rushed to the living room and saw their mother lying on the floor. Both children panicked, with Isaac asking if she was sleeping, while Dilna tried to wake her up.
2. How did Dilna demonstrate courage despite her fear?
   Although she was only eight, she remained calm and reassured her brother instead of panicking. She remembered her grandmother’s lesson about emergencies, realized the seriousness of the situation, and took the right steps to call for help.
3. Explain the significance of Dilna’s grandmother’s lesson.
   Her grandmother’s lesson played a crucial role in preparing her for emergencies. When faced with a crisis, Dilna recalled the instructions on calling 101, stating her name and address clearly, which allowed her to get help quickly.
4. What role did the emergency responder play in the situation?
   The responder guided Dilna through the process, asking important questions about her mother, her father’s whereabouts, and their address. She reassured Dilna that help was on the way and kept her on the phone to ensure she stayed calm.
5. How did the firemen handle the emergency?
   Upon arrival, they assessed the situation, provided first aid, and helped revive her mother. They also reassured the children and praised Dilna for her presence of mind.
6. Why did Dilna feel she wasn’t a hero?
   Even though the firemen praised her, she admitted she had felt scared. She believed she only did what was necessary in the moment rather than something extraordinary.
7. Why was it important for Dilna to teach Isaac emergency skills?
   She realized the importance of knowing what to do in critical moments and wanted Isaac to be prepared for similar situations in the future.
8. What emotions did Isaac go through during the incident?
   At first, he was happy and carefree, enjoying cookies. Then, he became confused and frightened upon seeing his mother unconscious. After she woke up, he was overwhelmed with relief and joy.
9. How did the firemen’s actions impact the family?
   They not only saved their mother but also reinforced the importance of emergency preparedness. Their appreciation of Dilna’s actions instilled a sense of responsibility and confidence in her.
10. What lessons does this story teach about emergencies?
    It highlights the importance of staying calm, remembering emergency procedures, and clearly communicating information to first responders.

Letter 1

Dear Grandmother,

I hope you are doing well. I want to tell you something very important that happened today.

Mom fainted, and she wouldn’t wake up. Isaac and I didn’t know what to do at first, but then I remembered the game you used to play with me—the one where I had to call 101 and say my name and address clearly. I did exactly that, and the firemen came quickly to help Mom. She woke up, and everything is okay now.

The firemen said I was a hero, but I don’t feel like one. I was just scared and followed what you taught me. I’m so grateful for your lessons because they helped me save Mom today.

I love you, Grandmother! I miss playing games with you. I’ll teach Isaac everything you taught me so he can be prepared too.

With love, Dilna

Conversation 1

• Isaac: Dilna, I was so scared when Mom wouldn’t wake up!
• Dilna: Me too, Isaac. But I knew I had to stay calm and call for help.
• Isaac: You knew the number for emergencies? How did you remember?
• Dilna: Grandmother used to play a game with me. She always said we must know our name, address, and the emergency number.
• Isaac: You were really brave. The firemen even called you a hero!
• Dilna: I was scared, Isaac. I didn’t feel like a hero. I just did what I had to do.
• Isaac: Still, you saved Mom! I want to learn too.
• Dilna: Yes! I’ll teach you everything Grandmother taught me. If something like this ever happens again, you’ll know what to do.
• Isaac: Thank you, Dilna! You’re the best sister ever!

Textual Analysis

Dilna and her little brother, Isaac, were playing in the backyard of their house. Dilna looked up at the sky and said, “Isaac, we should go inside. I think it’s going to rain.”

“Yes, let’s go!” Isaac nodded, a little worried.

Both of them quickly ran into the house.They went straight to the kitchen and spotted a plate of cookies on the table. “Cookies!” Isaac said with a big smile as he grabbed one. Dilna too grabbed a cookie. “Mom! it’s raining!” Isaac shouted. There was no reply.

Then they ran to the living room. Mother was lying on the floor. “Mom” Dilna called loudly. She didn’t answer.

“Why is Mom lying on the floor? Is she sleeping?” Isaac asked his sister. “Mom, wake up!” He cried. “Don’t worry, Isaac. She will be okay.” Dilna said, trying to console him. Dilna rushed to her mother’s side and shook her gently. “Mom, please wake up!” Dilna begged, but she didn’t move. Dilna tried again, shaking her a little harder, but she still didn’t respond. Isaac’s eyes filled with tears.

Dilna was only eight years old. But as the elder child, she had to do something. She felt scared, but she knew she had to stay calm. She looked everywhere. Suddenly, Dilna remembered the game she used to play with her grandmother. She remembered her grandmother asking to call 101 in times of emergency. “What’s your name?” “Where do you live?” Dilna realised this wasn’t a game anymore; she knew what she had to do.

She ran to the phone and dialled 101, the helpline number. Her hands were shaking. A lady’s voice came on the line. “101, what’s your emergency?” Dilna took a deep breath. “Hello, my name is Dilna. My mom is lying still on the floor. But I can’t wake her up.” The lady asked, “Where is your father?” Dilna replied, “He is working abroad.” “Okay, Dilna, you are doing a great job. Can you tell me your address?” The lady spoke softly but seriously. Dilna remembered to speak loudly and clearly, just like her grandmother had taught her. “I live at 1203, Ramnagar Street in Cheruvappadi.” “Thank you, Dilna; I will help you.” The lady said. “Stay on the phone with me until the firemen get there, okay?” Dilna agreed.

Dilna heard the siren of the approaching fire engine. Soon, there was a knock at the door. The lady on the phone said, “Dilna, it’s safe to open the door now. The firemen are there.” She ran to the door and opened it. Two firemen rushed in. Dilna led them to the living room. Her mom was still lying on the floor.

The firemen checked her mother and gave her first aid. Slowly, she opened her eyes. Then they gave her some water to help her feel better. “Mom!” Isaac shouted with joy. “Mom, these people helped us.” Dilna said. “Thank you.” The mother said softly, smiling at the firemen. One of the firemen said to the mother, “Your daughter did a great job. She is a hero.” Dilna felt happy. “Actually, I was scared,” Dilna admitted. “I just did what I had to do.” The firemen smiled and patted her.

After a few days, the firemen invited Dilna to the Fire Station. They gave her an award. She didn’t really feel like a hero. She was glad that her mother was safe. As they left the Fire Station, Dilna turned to Isaac and said, “You know, in an emergency, it’s important to know what to do. I’ll teach you, just like grandmother taught me.” Isaac looked up at his sister and smiled. “Thanks, Dilna. You are the best.”