Sees Behind Trees (Ch. 5-7): Listening & Reading Comprehension Worksheet for 9-Year-Olds

Instructions

Hi River! As you read or listen to chapters 5-7 of Sees Behind Trees, think carefully about not just what happens, but why it happens and how the characters feel. The people in this story have a special way of understanding the world. Let's see what you can understand about their world by answering the questions below.

Chapter 5: A New Name

1. What does Gray Fire ask Walnut to do to test his "inner sight"?
   
   
   
2. Walnut "sees" a mother bear and her two cubs. How do the men know that he was right?
   
   
   
3. At the end of the chapter, Walnut is given the new name "Sees Behind Trees." How do you think he felt when he heard his new name? What makes you think that?
   
   
   

Chapter 6: The Long Journey

1. The people are getting ready to travel to a place called the Land of Water. Why is Sees Behind Trees worried about this journey?
   
   
   
2. Sees Behind Trees' sister, Otter, tells him, "Your legs are strong. Your inner sight is strong." What was she trying to help him understand by saying this?
   
   
   
3. What does Sees Behind Trees' mother tell him that shows she believes in him?
   
   
   

Chapter 7: A Way to See

1. What problem does Sees Behind Trees have as the group begins to walk through the woods?
   
   
   
2. Gray Fire gives Sees Behind Trees a long, straight stick. How does this stick help him?
   
   
   
3. Gray Fire doesn't just feel sorry for Sees Behind Trees; he finds a way to help him. What does this action tell you about Gray Fire and the values of his community?
   
   
   

Answer Key

Chapter 5: A New Name

1. What does Gray Fire ask Walnut to do to test his "inner sight"?
   He asks Walnut to look at a distant ridge and describe what is on the other side.
2. Walnut "sees" a mother bear and her two cubs. How do the men know that he was right?
   Two of the men run to the ridge and find the tracks of a mother bear and her two cubs in the mud.
3. At the end of the chapter, Walnut is given the new name "Sees Behind Trees." How do you think he felt when he heard his new name? What makes you think that?
   (Sample answer) He probably felt very proud, happy, and relieved. His special ability was real and was now recognized and honored by his whole village with a special name.

Chapter 6: The Long Journey

1. The people are getting ready to travel to a place called the Land of Water. Why is Sees Behind Trees worried about this journey?
   He is worried because his physical eyes do not see clearly, and he is afraid he will stumble, slow everyone down, or be a burden to the group.
2. Sees Behind Trees' sister, Otter, tells him, "Your legs are strong. Your inner sight is strong." What was she trying to help him understand by saying this?
   (Sample answer) She was reminding him that even if one of his senses is weak (his eyesight), he has other strengths that are just as important. She was encouraging him to focus on what he *can* do.
3. What does Sees Behind Trees' mother tell him that shows she believes in him?
   She tells him, "You will find a way." This shows she has faith in his ability to overcome challenges.

Chapter 7: A Way to See

1. What problem does Sees Behind Trees have as the group begins to walk through the woods?
   He keeps tripping over roots and bumping into trees because he cannot see the path well.
2. Gray Fire gives Sees Behind Trees a long, straight stick. How does this stick help him?
   It helps him feel the ground in front of him before he takes a step, so he can know if there are roots, rocks, or holes in his way.
3. Gray Fire doesn't just feel sorry for Sees Behind Trees; he finds a way to help him. What does this action tell you about Gray Fire and the values of his community?
   (Sample answer) This shows that Gray Fire is wise, kind, and practical. It shows that his community values helping each other and making sure no one is left behind. They find solutions to problems instead of just giving up.