The Whispering Forest - Year 5 NSW Probing Questions by
Stanza
STANZA 1 ANALYSIS
In the forest, where shadows play,
Among the trees, both night and day,
A gentle breeze begins to sway,
Whispering secrets, far away.
Question 1.1: Word Choice
Why did the poet choose the word "play" instead of "move" when describing the shadows?
Answer: The word "play" makes the shadows seem friendly and fun, like children playing games. If the
poet had used "move," it would sound ordinary and maybe a bit scary. "Play" makes us think the forest is
a happy, safe place where even the shadows are having fun.
Question 1.2: Setting Understanding
What does "both night and day" tell us about this forest? Is it special or ordinary?
Answer: "Both night and day" tells us this forest is magical and special. Most places seem different at
night (sometimes scary), but this forest is wonderful all the time. It's not like a regular forest - it's always
beautiful and safe, whether it's light or dark outside.
Question 1.3: Mystery and Curiosity
What do you think the "secrets" might be? Why would the breeze whisper them?
Answer: The secrets might be things like where animals hide their babies, which flowers bloom first in
spring, or stories about what happened in the forest long ago. The breeze whispers because secrets are
special and quiet - you don't shout secrets, you share them softly with people you trust.
Question 1.4: Making It Alive
How does the poet make the forest seem alive like a person?
Answer: The poet gives the forest human actions: shadows "play" (like children), the breeze "whispers"
(like a friend telling secrets), and things "sway" (like dancing). This makes the forest feel friendly and alive,
not just a place with trees and plants.
STANZA 2 ANALYSIS
Leaves rustle softly, a secret song,
The brook nearby hums along,
Nature's symphony, pure and strong,
In the forest, where we belong.
Question 2.1: Nature's Music
What different sounds can you hear in this stanza? Why does the poet call it a "symphony"?
Answer: We can hear leaves rustling, water humming, and a secret song. The poet calls it a "symphony"
because all these sounds work together like musicians in an orchestra. Each sound has its own part, but
together they make beautiful music that sounds better than any single sound alone.
Question 2.2: Feeling at Home
What does "where we belong" mean? How would you feel in a place where you belong?
Answer: "Where we belong" means this is our special place where we fit perfectly and feel comfortable.
In a place where you belong, you would feel safe, happy, and welcome - like being at home with your
family. You wouldn't worry about anything because you know you're exactly where you should be.
Question 2.3: Secret Song
Why do you think the leaves sing a "secret song"? What makes a song secret?
Answer: A secret song is special and not everyone can hear it - only people who really listen carefully and
love nature. The leaves might sing about growing, changing colors, or dancing in the wind. It's secret
because you have to be quiet and pay attention to hear it, not everyone takes time to listen to nature.
Question 2.4: Strong and Pure
How can music be both "pure" and "strong"? Give an example.
Answer: "Pure" means clean and natural, like a baby's laugh or water from a mountain stream. "Strong"
means powerful and lasting. Nature's music is pure because it's real and honest (not fake), and strong
because it never stops and makes you feel good inside. Like when you hear birds singing - it's simple but
it makes you feel happy and peaceful.
STANZA 3 ANALYSIS
The sun peeks through the canopy high,
A golden beam in the endless sky,
Birds soar, wings spread to fly,
In this world, we wonder why.
Question 3.1: Sun's Behavior
Why does the poet say the sun "peeks" instead of "shines"? What picture does this create?
Answer: When you "peek," you look carefully and quietly, often through a small opening. The sun
peeking makes it seem like it's being gentle and playful, looking through the tree branches like playing
hide-and-seek. It creates a picture of friendly, warm sunlight filtering softly through the leaves instead of
bright, harsh light.
Question 3.2: Golden Beam
Why is the sunlight described as "golden"? How does this make you feel about the forest?
Answer: Gold is precious and beautiful, like treasure or a special gift. Calling the sunlight "golden" makes
it seem valuable and magical, not just ordinary light. It makes the forest feel like a treasure chest full of
beautiful, precious things that are worth discovering.
Question 3.3: Bird Freedom
What do the birds represent with their "wings spread to fly"? Why might this make us "wonder
why"?
Answer: The birds represent freedom and the ability to go anywhere they want. When we see them
flying freely, we might wonder why we can't be that free, or wonder what it would feel like to fly, or
wonder why some creatures can fly and others can't. It makes us think about big questions about life.
Question 3.4: Wonder Questions
What kinds of questions might people ask when they see this beautiful forest?
Answer: People might wonder: "How did this forest become so beautiful?" "Why does nature make us
feel so peaceful?" "What would it be like to live here forever?" "Why do I feel so happy here?" "How do all
these plants and animals know how to live together so well?"
STANZA 4 ANALYSIS
The mossy ground, a soft green bed,
Where creatures small, rest their head,
The forest's stories, quietly said,
In this place, where dreams are led.
Question 4.1: Comfortable Forest
How does calling the ground a "soft green bed" change how you think about the forest floor?
Answer: Instead of thinking the ground is dirty or uncomfortable, it sounds cozy and inviting - like your
own bed at home. It makes you want to lie down and rest there. The forest floor becomes a place where
you'd feel comfortable and safe, not worried about getting dirty or uncomfortable.
Question 4.2: Small Creatures
Why do you think the poet mentions "creatures small" instead of big animals like bears or deer?
Answer: Small creatures like mice, rabbits, or birds are cute and not scary. They make us think about the
forest taking care of little, helpless animals - like a mother caring for babies. This shows the forest is
gentle and kind, protecting even the tiniest creatures who need help the most.
Question 4.3: Forest Stories
What stories do you think the forest might tell? Why are they told "quietly"?
Answer: The forest might tell stories about animals growing up, seasons changing, storms it survived, or
happy times when animals played together. They're told quietly because stories are special and you need
to listen carefully to hear them. Also, quiet stories feel more magical and important than loud ones.
Question 4.4: Dreams Led
What does it mean that dreams are "led" in this place? How is this different from dreams being
forced?
Answer: When dreams are "led," they're guided gently like a friend taking your hand and showing you
something wonderful. It's not forced or scary - the forest helps your imagination think of good, happy
dreams. It's like the forest gives you ideas for the best dreams ever, but lets you choose what to dream
about.
STANZA 5 ANALYSIS
So much to see, so much to hear,
In this forest, there is no fear,
A world of wonder, crystal clear,
A place to hold, forever dear.
Question 5.1: Sensory Richness
What does "so much to see, so much to hear" tell us about the forest? Give examples of what you
might see and hear.
Answer: The forest is full of amazing things everywhere you look and listen. You might see: colorful
flowers, butterflies, squirrels, sunlight patterns, interesting tree shapes. You might hear: birds singing,
wind in leaves, water flowing, insects buzzing. There's so much happening that you could explore for
hours and always find something new.
Question 5.2: No Fear
Why is it important that "there is no fear" in this forest? How is this different from scary forests in
stories?
Answer: In many stories, forests are dark and dangerous with wolves or witches. But this forest is
completely safe - nothing bad can happen here. This makes it a perfect place where you can relax,
explore, and have fun without worrying. It's like a magical playground where only good things happen.
Question 5.3: Crystal Clear
What does "crystal clear" mean? How does this describe the wonder in the forest?
Answer: "Crystal clear" means perfectly clear and easy to see through, like clean glass or pure water. In
the forest, this means everything is easy to understand and beautiful. The wonder isn't confusing or scary
- it's clear and simple to enjoy. You can see and understand all the amazing things around you.
Question 5.4: Holding Dear
What does it mean to hold something "forever dear"? What special places do you hold dear?
Answer: To hold something "forever dear" means to love it and keep it in your heart always, like your
favorite teddy bear or memories of special times with family. Even when you're not in the forest, you carry
the happy feelings with you. Special places I might hold dear could be my bedroom, grandma's house, or
a park where I love to play.
Question 5.5: Perfect Ending
How does this last stanza make you feel about the whole poem? Does it make you want to visit
this forest?
Answer: This stanza makes the whole poem feel complete and happy. It sums up all the wonderful things
about the forest and makes it sound like the most perfect place ever. Yes, it makes me want to visit
because it sounds safe, beautiful, fun, and full of amazing things to discover. It would be like visiting a
real-life fairyland.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS FOR YEAR 5 STUDENTS
Personal Connection
Have you ever been in a place that felt as special as this forest? Describe how it made you feel.
Imagination Extension
If you could add one more stanza to this poem, what would you want to describe about the forest?
Vocabulary Building
Choose three words from the poem that are new to you or used in an interesting way. How do
they help create the forest's mood?
Compare and Contrast
How is this forest different from forests you've seen in movies or other stories? What makes this
one special?
