The Old Stag

Given: The story describes the old stag's nature and behaviour towards other animals.

The old stag was popular because he was kind, friendly, and warm-hearted. Each day, he warmly greeted his fellow animals and birds. He was loved and respected by all the creatures of the forest for his gentle and caring nature.

Given: The old stag lived on a hillock and fell ill.

The old stag did not go down the hillock to meet his friends because he had fallen ill. He was too weak and unwell to walk down and could not move around freely. He stayed on the hillock to rest and recover from his illness.

Given: Many animals visited the old stag on the hillock.

The green cover of the hillock slowly vanished because a large number of animals came to visit the old stag every day. As they walked up and down the hillock, they trampled the grass and plants. They also ate the tender grass and leaves growing there. Over time, all the green plants were destroyed and the hillock lost its green cover.

Given: The animals had unknowingly destroyed the green cover of the hillock.

Yes, the animals did realise their mistake towards the end. When they understood that their constant visits had destroyed the green cover and left the old stag without food, they felt sorry. They decided to stop visiting the hillock so that the grass could grow back. They also promised not to disturb the hillock. Some of them even brought fresh leaves for their sick friend so that he would have enough to eat while he recovered.

Yes, the animals did the right thing in the end. When they realised that their frequent visits had destroyed the green cover of the hillock and left the old stag without food, they stopped going there. They also brought fresh leaves for their friend. This shows that they cared for the old stag's well-being and understood the importance of protecting nature. By giving the hillock time to recover, they allowed the grass to grow back, which helped the old stag get better. It was the responsible and caring thing to do.

If each one of us thought only of our own needs, the green plants around us would be destroyed very quickly. People would cut down trees, pluck all the leaves, and trample the grass without thinking about others or about nature. There would be no trees left to give us shade, clean air, or food. Animals would lose their homes and food sources. The environment would become dry and barren. This story teaches us that we must use nature's resources wisely and think about the needs of others as well.

The correct matches are:

1. Lush forest → green and dense woods/forest
2. Tender grass → delicate young grass
3. Shaded spot → cool resting place
4. Healthy food → nourishing wholesome food
5. Speedy recovery → quick healing

This is a creative drawing activity. Students should read each descriptive phrase carefully and draw the picture it brings to their mind. For example:
- 'Lush forest' — draw tall, green, dense trees with lots of leaves.
- 'Friendly animals' — draw animals like deer, rabbits, and birds playing together happily.
- 'Shaded spot' — draw a cool, shady area under a big tree.
- 'Tender grass' — draw soft, short, bright green grass.
- 'Healthy food' — draw fresh fruits, vegetables, or green leaves.

Note: There is no single correct answer. Students are encouraged to use their imagination and creativity.

Adverbs that describe HOW something is done (adverbs of manner) are:

✔ badly — describes how something is done
✔ cheerfully — describes how something is done
✔ quietly — describes how something is done
✔ carefully — describes how something is done
✔ fast — describes how something is done
✔ loudly — describes how something is done

Note to students: Words like 'soon', 'lately', 'early', and 'regularly' tell us WHEN something is done (adverbs of time/frequency). 'Nearby' tells us WHERE (adverb of place). 'Highly' can describe degree. The adverbs of manner (how) to be encircled are: badly, cheerfully, quietly, carefully, fast, loudly.