CBSE Class 3 English Poem: Don't Tell (Unit 9)

Hello young learner! Have you ever felt that grown-ups think you are too small to do big things? The poem 'Don't Tell' from your NCERT book is all about this feeling. It is written from the point of view of a child who feels that everyone tells them they are not old or big enough for many things. But this child has a secret – they feel like a giant on the inside and are just waiting for the right moment to show everyone what they can do! In this chapter, we will read the poem, understand the child's feelings, learn some new words, and answer questions. It's a fun poem that reminds us that even when we are small, we have big dreams and abilities waiting to be discovered.

Summary of the Poem 'Don't Tell'

The poem 'Don't Tell' is a short and sweet poem about a child's feelings. The child complains that there are many things 'they' (the grown-ups) don't let him or her do. The grown-ups say the child is not old enough yet. The child lists some examples, like how there are many spaces where he/she is not allowed to go.

Even though the grown-ups think the child is small, the child has a secret. Inside, the child feels very big and strong, like a 'giant'. The child feels that they can do all the things the grown-ups say they can't. The child is just being patient and waiting for the right time, or 'chance', to come. When that time comes, the child will show everyone all the amazing things they are capable of. The poem ends with the child telling us, the readers, not to reveal this secret to the grown-ups. It's their special secret plan!

New Words and Their Meanings

Enough
As much as is needed. In the poem, the child is told they are not 'old enough'.
Chance
An opportunity to do something. The child is waiting for a 'chance' to show what they can do.
Giant
A very, very big and strong person. The child feels like a 'giant inside'.
Patient
Able to wait for a long time without getting angry or upset. The child is 'patiently' waiting.

Understanding the Stanzas

  1. Stanza 1: The Complaint — The poem starts with the child saying, "There are lots of things / They won't let me do". 'They' are the parents or other adults. The child feels sad and a little frustrated because they are always told, "I'm not big enough yet."
  2. Stanza 2: The Secret — Here, the child shares a secret with us. "But I'm a giant inside". This means that even if the child looks small on the outside, they feel powerful and capable on the inside. They are just hiding their true abilities.
  3. Stanza 3: The Plan — The child is not just complaining; they have a plan! They are patiently waiting for a chance to come. The line "I'll show them all / One of these days" shows their confidence. They believe a day will come when everyone will see how grown-up they are.
  4. Stanza 4: 'Don't Tell!' — The poem ends by making the reader a part of the secret. The child says not to tell the grown-ups about this plan. This makes the poem feel very personal and special, like sharing a secret with a friend.

Practice Questions with Solutions

  • Q: In the poem, who are 'they' and 'them'?
    A: Step 1: Read the first stanza where the child says, "They won't let me do" things and says "I'm not big enough yet."
    Step 2: Think about who usually tells a child they are not big enough. It's usually parents, older siblings, or other grown-ups.
    Final answer: 'They' and 'them' in the poem refer to the grown-ups or adults in the child's life, like parents.

  • Q: What is the secret that the child is keeping in the poem?
    A: Step 1: Look for the line where the child talks about something hidden. The poem says, "But I'm a giant inside".
    Step 2: A secret is something you don't tell everyone. The child feels big and capable inside, but the grown-ups don't know this.
    Final answer: The secret the child is keeping is that they feel like a 'giant' on the inside, meaning they feel strong and capable of doing many things, even if they look small.

  • Q: What does the child plan to do one day?
    A: Step 1: Find the part of the poem where the child talks about the future. The lines are "And when I'm grown up / I'll show them all".
    Step 2: 'Show them all' means the child wants to prove to the grown-ups that they can do all the things they were not allowed to do before.
    Final answer: The child plans to show all the grown-ups what they are capable of doing once they get a chance or grow up.

  • Q: Why do you think the child says "Don't tell" at the end?
    A: Step 1: Think about what a secret is. It's something you share only with trusted people.
    Step 2: The child is sharing his or her inner feelings and plans with the reader. By saying "Don't tell," the child is making the reader a friend and a part of the secret plan.
    Final answer: The child says "Don't tell" at the end because they are sharing a personal secret. They want to surprise the grown-ups one day with their abilities, and they trust the reader not to spoil the surprise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main message of the poem 'Don't Tell'?

The main message is that children often feel more capable and grown-up than adults think they are. It encourages us to respect a child's feelings and believe in their hidden potential.

Why does the child feel like a 'giant inside'?

The child feels like a 'giant inside' because, in their mind and heart, they feel strong, brave, and ready to do big things. It's a way of saying their spirit is much bigger than their small body.

Is the child in the poem angry at the grown-ups?

The child might be a little frustrated, but not necessarily angry. The tone is more about hopeful waiting and confidence, as the child is patiently planning to show everyone their abilities one day.