Don’t Tell – CBSE NCERT Study Resources

In the poem Don’t Tell, the poet explains that some things are better kept as secrets because sharing them might spoil the fun or surprise. For example, the poet mentions how a magician never reveals his tricks because it would take away the magic and wonder for the audience. Similarly, a surprise gift or a hidden treasure loses its excitement if revealed too soon.

The poet also suggests that secrets can be special and personal, like a dream or a wish. Sharing them might make them less meaningful. The poem teaches us that some mysteries make life more interesting, and keeping a few secrets can add joy and curiosity to our experiences.

The poem Don’t Tell teaches us about trust and patience by showing that some things are worth waiting for. The poet uses examples like a seed growing into a plant or a caterpillar turning into a butterfly. These processes take time, and rushing them would ruin the natural beauty.

Similarly, the poet hints that trusting someone to keep a secret is important. For instance, a surprise party or a hidden gift requires trust between friends or family. If someone reveals it early, the special moment is lost. The poem encourages us to be patient and trust that good things come to those who wait.

The poet in Don’t Tell says that some secrets are fun to keep because they bring joy and excitement. Secrets can be like little surprises that make life more interesting. For example, the poem mentions keeping a secret about a surprise gift or a special plan. These secrets make us happy because we know something others don’t, and sharing them later can be even more fun.

Additionally, the poet explains that secrets can make us feel important. When we keep a secret, it shows that someone trusts us. For instance, if a friend tells us a secret, it means they believe we won’t tell anyone else. This trust makes the secret special and fun to keep.

In the poem Don’t Tell, keeping a secret helps build trust because it shows that we are reliable and respectful. When someone shares a secret with us, they are trusting us with something important. If we keep that secret, it proves that we are trustworthy. For example, the poem suggests that a secret is like a promise. When we don’t break that promise, the other person feels safe and valued.

Moreover, the poem highlights that trust grows when secrets are kept. If we always keep secrets, people will trust us more and share more with us. This creates stronger friendships and relationships. The poet reminds us that trust is like a delicate thread—once broken, it’s hard to repair. So, keeping secrets is a way to strengthen that thread.

In the poem Don’t Tell, the poet feels frustrated because adults often ignore or dismiss children’s ideas, assuming they are too young to understand. The poet believes that even though children are small, they have big dreams and thoughts that deserve attention.

Adults should listen to children because:

• Children have unique perspectives that can be creative and valuable.
• Listening helps build confidence and encourages them to express themselves.
• Ignoring their thoughts may make them feel unimportant or discouraged.

The poem teaches us that everyone, regardless of age, deserves to be heard and respected.

The poet in Don’t Tell uses simple words and a child-friendly tone to express big emotions. For example, phrases like "I’m small, but I’ve got big plans" show that even young children have dreams and ideas.

The deep message is conveyed through:

• Repetition: The poet repeats "Don’t tell" to emphasize frustration.
• Imagery: Words like "big plans" help readers visualize a child’s ambitions.
• Emotional appeal: The poem makes adults reflect on how they treat children.

This simplicity makes the poem relatable while delivering a powerful lesson about respecting children’s voices.

In the chapter Don’t Tell, the poet explains that some secrets are meant to be kept because they can protect others or make someone happy. For example, in the poem, the child keeps a secret about a surprise to make someone smile. Trust and kindness are important reasons to keep secrets.

In real life, if a friend shares a personal problem and asks you not to tell anyone, keeping their secret shows you respect their feelings. Another example is when parents plan a surprise birthday party—keeping it a secret makes the celebration special. However, it is also important to know when a secret might hurt someone, and in such cases, we should tell a trusted adult.

The poem Don’t Tell helps us understand that not all secrets are bad. We should keep a secret if it is meant to make someone happy or protect them, like in the poem where the child hides a surprise. However, if a secret can harm someone or is unsafe, we must share it with a trusted adult.

• When to keep a secret: If a friend shares a fun surprise plan or a personal dream, keeping it shows you care.
• When to share a secret: If someone is hurt, bullied, or in danger, telling an adult is the right thing to do.

For example, if a classmate is being teased and asks you not to tell, you should still inform a teacher to help them. The poem teaches us that kindness and responsibility help us make the right choice.

In the chapter Don’t Tell, the child feels frustrated because adults often dismiss their ideas by saying they are too small to understand or do certain things. This can make children feel unimportant or ignored. Listening to children's opinions is important because:

• It helps them feel valued and respected, boosting their confidence.
• Children may have creative or simple solutions that adults might overlook.
• Ignoring their feelings can lead to frustration, as seen in the chapter where the child says, They think I’m too small.

For example, the child in the chapter wants to help but is told not to do things. If adults listen, they can guide the child safely instead of saying no outright. This builds trust and encourages learning.

The poem Don’t Tell shows the child's wish to do things on their own, like climbing trees or making decisions. Adults can support this independence while ensuring safety by:

• Guiding instead of forbidding: Instead of saying Don’t climb, adults can teach the child how to climb safely or supervise them. This way, the child learns while staying protected.
• Giving small responsibilities: The child in the poem feels capable but is not allowed to try. Adults can assign age-appropriate tasks, like tying shoelaces, to build confidence.

For instance, the child says, I can do it myself, showing their readiness. Adults can encourage this by providing opportunities to try, with gentle support. This balance helps children grow independently while staying safe.

In the chapter Don’t Tell, the child feels frustrated because adults often ignore or dismiss their feelings just because they are small. The child believes that being young does not mean their emotions or opinions are less important. They want to be heard and taken seriously.

Adults can understand the child's emotions better by:

• Listening carefully without interrupting or judging.
• Asking questions to know what the child is thinking or feeling.
• Respecting their ideas even if they seem silly or small.
• Encouraging them to express themselves freely.

When adults show empathy and patience, children feel valued and understood. This helps build trust and confidence in the child.

In the poem Don’t Tell, the child wants to show that they can do things independently. Two instances where this is seen are:

• Climbing a tree: The child wants to climb a tall tree to prove they are brave and capable, even though adults might think it’s too dangerous.
• Using a sharp knife: The child believes they can handle a knife carefully, showing they are responsible and grown-up.

This desire for independence is important for the child’s growth because:

• It helps them learn new skills and gain confidence.
• It teaches them problem-solving and decision-making.
• It prepares them to face challenges as they grow older.

When children are allowed to try things (with guidance), they feel trusted and motivated to learn more.