Chapter 4 - The Heart of the Tree
Understanding the poem
A.
1. The poet calls the tree a friend of the sun and sky.
2. When one plants a tree, they plant the forest's heritage.
3. The trees planted now are the harvest for the generations to come.
4. A person plants a tree out of love and loyalty for his home. Here, home
stands for earth.
5. Planting a tree is also a blessing for the neighbourhood.
B.
1. a. In these lines, 'he' refers to the person who plants a tree.
b. The home refers to the lush trees that prove an ideal habitat for birds to
nest and nurture their fledglings.
c. 'He' plants a perfect home for the birds, who make their nests, sing and
raise their babies in the tree. It is an ideal dwelling for the mother bird
to croon to her baby birds.
2. a. These lines refer to the heart of the person who plants a tree.
b. By sowing a seed, this person paves the path for future trees, and the
promise of a rich harvest. His actions make the land fertile and help in
the growth of the nation.
c. Here, the phrase 'stirs in his heart' refers to the emotions of people who
are sensitive to the needs of the planet. They understand that we need
trees and forests to survive and maintain balance and this inspires them
Suggested answers. Accept all valid responses.
1. According to me, planting a tree is a noble work. People must continue to plant
trees for the wellbeing of humankind. Planting trees is an act of love towards the
Earth. If people fail in this duty, the Earth will be unable to maintain a good habitat
for flora and fauna to survive. Its land will move easily during earthquakes and
landslides, the air will be polluted and impossible to breathe and the climatic
changes could bring about the end of the planet. Hence, planting a tree is an
important activity for each human being.
Grade - 5
2. By planting a tree, a person contributes to not only the growth of their nation, but
also to the global growth. Trees help life on Earth, give birds and animals a
habitable land, maintain the ecosystem and allow a country to grow. They save
the Earth from the scorching sun and their shade and blossoms are a boon. Trees
are a country's heritage and their benefits are for future generations to harvest.
Trees give rise to forests and those in turn control the climate and rain because
they befriend the sun and the sky and reward us with a healthy planet. They
beautify the land they are rooted in and provide ideal conditions for all living
beings to survive. They are the richest inheritance for the next generation and
they shall surely reap rich benefits from it.
A. 1. And years that fade and flush again
2. Who in the hollow of His hand
3. The fair breeze blew, the white foam flew
4. In a summer season when soft was the sun
5. He bought a crooked cat, which caught a crooked mouse
B. 1. In hushed and happy twilight heard
2. He plants a home to heaven anigh.
C. 1. The tree was a green umbrella that saved us from the sun.
2. My brother is a gem of a person, who always helps others.
3. Tia's granny is a storehouse of stories.
4. Shayar is so clever. He is the Einstein of the class.
5. Shakespeare wrote that 'All the world's a stage.
6. Sudip is a bookworm. He reads three books every week.
7. Kanika must be a fish because she swims so gracefully.
8. When we share food, Prateek always takes the lion's share.
2 Grade - 5
Free response. Accept all valid responses.
Activity
Suggested answer. Accept all valid responses.
Benefits of planting trees
• provide a home for birds and animals
• used to make medicine, gum, coffee, rubber, wood, blossoms, fruits
• regulate the temperature and rain
• provide shade and are pleasing to the eyes
• hold the soil and prevent disasters
3 Grade - 5
