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Hummingbird Tale Analysis Worksheet

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Hummingbird Tale Analysis Worksheet

Read the original tale below. Then answer the questions using details from the story. For open-ended questions, more than one interpretation may be reasonable if you support it with evidence.

The Hummingbird and the Fire

One dry afternoon, a spark leapt from a fallen branch and caught in the grass. Wind hurried the flames toward the forest. Animals fled to the riverbank, where they watched smoke darken the sky. “Nothing we do can stop a fire this large,” said Bear. “We must wait for the rain.” A small hummingbird darted to the river, gathered one drop of water in its beak, and flew back to the flames. It dropped the water, then returned for another. Fox shook his head. “That tiny drop will not put out a forest fire.” “I know,” said the hummingbird. “But the forest is my home. I can still do what I can.” The other animals looked from the fire to the bird. Bear began carrying wet branches to a clear patch of ground. Fox and the rabbits warned animals farther along the river. Soon, many creatures were working together: some moved dry leaves away from the flames, while others brought water. The fire did not disappear at once. But the animals slowed its spread until rain finally came. By morning, part of the forest was blackened, yet many trees and nests remained safe. “We did not save every tree,” Bear said. “No,” replied the hummingbird, resting beside the river. “But each helpful act mattered.”

Understand the Tale

Answer each question in complete thoughts. Use a detail from the tale when asked.

1.What does the hummingbird do first after the animals reach the riverbank?
  • It asks Bear to carry water.
  • It gathers a drop of water and flies to the fire.
  • It warns the animals along the river.
  • It waits for the rain.
2.Why does the hummingbird keep returning to the fire even after Fox says its drop is too small? Support your answer with a story detail.
3.How do Bear and Fox respond differently from the hummingbird at first? What changes later?
4.Which is the main external conflict in the tale?
  • The animals disagree about where to live.
  • The hummingbird struggles to find the river.
  • The fire threatens the forest and its animals.
  • Bear and Fox compete to lead the group.
5.Explain how the hummingbird’s actions influence what the other animals do.
6.What might the hummingbird’s drop of water symbolize? Explain how the tale supports your interpretation.
7.Which statement best expresses a theme of the tale?
  • People should wait until a problem is easy to solve.
  • Small acts can matter, especially when they encourage others to work together.
  • Only the strongest members of a group can help.
  • A successful effort always prevents every loss.
8.The fire still destroys part of the forest, but many trees and nests remain safe. How does this ending make the message more realistic than a perfect rescue might?
9.Why is a hummingbird an effective main character for this tale? Give one detail about the bird’s actions and explain what it helps readers notice.
10.Imagine a neighborhood park is covered with litter after a busy weekend. Describe one small action a person could take and explain how it might encourage a larger response. Connect your idea to the tale.

3 printable pages

  • Hummingbird Tale Analysis Worksheet, page 1 of 3: The Hummingbird and the Fire, Understand the Tale

    Page 1

  • Hummingbird Tale Analysis Worksheet, page 2 of 3: 2. Why does the hummingbird keep returning to the fire even after Fox says its drop is…

    Page 2

  • Hummingbird Tale Analysis Worksheet, page 3 of 3: 8. The fire still destroys part of the forest, but many trees and nests remain safe. How…

    Page 3

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