Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

Short Stories for Kids

Complete lesson plans, including stories, listening, classroom activities, quiz questions and more!

The Gnome’s Hidden Treasure

A mischievous gnome named Gideon learns the true treasure is kindness and spreads joy to all.

Try this story at a different level?

 

Once upon a time, in a magical forest far away, there lived a mischievous gnome named Gideon. Gideon was known for his love of pranks and his knack for creating chaos wherever he went. One sunny day, as he was roaming through the forest, he stumbled upon a hidden treasure map. With excitement, he scurried off to find the treasure, convinced that it would be the ultimate prank to keep it all for himself.

As Gideon followed the map, he encountered all sorts of obstacles – from rickety bridges to thorny bushes. He jumped, climbed, and raced through the forest, determined to reach the treasure. Little did he know, a wise old wizard named Winston had been watching his every move. Winston knew that Gideon needed to learn a lesson about greed and the importance of sharing.

When Gideon finally reached the spot marked on the map, he dug frantically, expecting to find heaps of gold and jewels. To his surprise, all he found was a small box. Opening it cautiously, a radiant light streamed out, revealing a note that read, “The true treasure lies within kindness and generosity.” Confused but intrigued, Gideon pondered on the wizard’s message.

Winston then appeared before Gideon, explaining that the real treasure was not material wealth, but the joy and happiness that comes from helping others. Gideon realized that he had been so focused on his own interests that he had neglected the joy of friendship and making others smile. Determined to change, he promised Winston that he would use his mischievous nature for good.

In the following days, Gideon transformed into the forest’s biggest helper, spreading laughter and joy with his cheerful pranks. He became famous for brightening the days of all the forest creatures. From painting butterflies bright colors to surprising rabbits with tiny trampolines, his antics brought happiness to all. Gideon had finally discovered that the true treasure was not hidden in a chest, but within the hearts of those he loved.

And so, the mischievous gnome Gideon taught everyone that true happiness comes from sharing, kindness, and spreading joy. From that day on, the magical forest became a brighter and happier place, all thanks to the lessons learned from Gideon’s hidden treasure adventure.

🎧 Listen:

📖 Vocabulary:

1mischievousBehaving in a way that is playful but may cause annoyance or trouble
2chaosComplete disorder and confusion
3scurriedMoved quickly with short, hurried steps
4obstaclesThings that block one’s way or prevent or hinder progress
5ricketyUnstable or shaky, likely to fall apart
6thornyCovered with sharp points that can cause pain
7franticallyIn a wild and desperate manner
8radiantEmitting or seeming to emit light; shining brightly
9intriguedAroused the curiosity or interest of; fascinated
10generosityThe willingness to give or share things freely
11neglectedFailed to care for or give attention to
12anticsPlayful or mischievous actions or behaviors
13trampolinesGymnastic equipment used for bouncing
14cheerfulNoticeably happy and optimistic
15adventureAn exciting or remarkable experience

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What was Gideon known for in the magical forest?
2. What did Gideon find in the forest one sunny day?
3. What obstacles did Gideon encounter as he followed the treasure map?
4. Who had been watching Gideon’s every move?
5. What did Gideon expect to find when he reached the spot marked on the map?
6. What did Gideon find instead of heaps of gold and jewels?
7. Who appeared before Gideon and explained the true treasure to him?
8. How did Gideon transform after learning the lesson about greed and sharing?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Once upon a time, in a magical forest far away, there lived a mischievous gnome named Gideon. Gideon was (1)______ for his love of pranks and his (2)______ for creating chaos wherever he went. One sunny day, as he was roaming through the forest, he stumbled upon a hidden treasure map. With excitement, he scurried off to find the treasure, convinced that it would be the ultimate prank to keep it all for himself.

As Gideon followed the map, he encountered all sorts of obstacles – from rickety (3)______ to thorny bushes. He jumped, (4)______, and raced through the forest, determined to (5)______ the (6)______. Little did he know, a wise old wizard named Winston had been watching his every move. Winston knew that Gideon needed to learn a lesson about (7)______ and the importance of sharing.

When Gideon finally reached the spot marked on the map, he dug frantically, expecting to find heaps of gold and jewels. To his (8)______, all he found was a small box. Opening it cautiously, a radiant light streamed out, revealing a note that read, “The true treasure lies within kindness and generosity.” Confused but intrigued, Gideon pondered on the wizard’s message.

Winston then (9)______ before Gideon, explaining that the real treasure was not material wealth, but the joy and happiness that comes from helping others. Gideon realized that he had been so focused on his own interests that he had neglected the joy of friendship and (10)______ others smile. (11)______ to (12)______, he promised Winston that he would use his mischievous nature for good.

In the following days, Gideon transformed into the forest’s biggest helper, spreading laughter and joy with his cheerful pranks. He became famous for brightening the days of all the (13)______ creatures. From painting butterflies bright colors to surprising rabbits with tiny trampolines, his antics brought happiness to all. Gideon had finally discovered that the true treasure was not hidden in a chest, but within the hearts of those he (14)______.

And so, the mischievous gnome Gideon taught everyone that true happiness comes from sharing, kindness, and spreading joy. From that day on, the magical forest became a brighter and happier (15)______, all thanks to the (16)______ learned from Gideon’s hidden treasure adventure.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is the significance of Gideon’s love for pranks in the story?
2. How would you feel if you stumbled upon a hidden treasure map? Why?
3. Do you think Gideon was right to keep the treasure for himself? Why or why not?
4. What do you think the wise old wizard Winston wanted to teach Gideon?
5. Why do you think Gideon was so focused on material wealth and neglected friendship?
6. How do you think Gideon felt when he realized the true treasure was kindness and generosity?
7. Do you think Gideon’s transformation into the forest’s biggest helper was believable? Why or why not?
8. What do you think the forest creatures learned from Gideon’s cheerful pranks?
9. How do you think Gideon’s pranks brought happiness to the forest creatures?
10. Do you think true happiness comes from sharing, kindness, and spreading joy? Why or why not?
11. How has Gideon’s hidden treasure adventure changed the magical forest?
12. Can you think of a time when you learned a valuable lesson from an unexpected source? What happened?

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. mischievous
2. chaos
3. scurried
4. obstacles
5. rickety
6. thorny
7. frantically
8. radiant
9. intrigued
10. generosity
11. neglected
12. antics
13. trampolines
14. cheerful
15. adventure

Meanings:
(A) Failed to care for or give attention to
(B) Unstable or shaky, likely to fall apart
(C) Aroused the curiosity or interest of; fascinated
(D) Covered with sharp points that can cause pain
(E) An exciting or remarkable experience
(F) Behaving in a way that is playful but may cause annoyance or trouble
(G) Things that block one’s way or prevent or hinder progress
(H) The willingness to give or share things freely
(I) Playful or mischievous actions or behaviors
(J) Emitting or seeming to emit light; shining brightly
(K) Noticeably happy and optimistic
(L) In a wild and desperate manner
(M) Gymnastic equipment used for bouncing
(N) Moved quickly with short, hurried steps
(O) Complete disorder and confusion
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What was Gideon known for in the magical forest?
(a) Wisdom and knowledge
(b) Kindness and generosity
(c) Love of pranks and creating chaos
(d) Bravery and courage

2. What did Gideon find in the treasure chest?
(a) A small box
(b) Heaps of gold and jewels
(c) A magical wand
(d) A map to another treasure

3. Who had been watching Gideon’s every move?
(a) Mischievous gnome named Gideon
(b) Wise old wizard named Winston
(c) Helpful forest creatures
(d) None of the above

4. What did the note in the small box say?
(a) “The true treasure is hidden in a different location.”
(b) “The true treasure can only be found by solving riddles.”
(c) “The true treasure is guarded by a ferocious dragon.”
(d) “The true treasure lies within kindness and generosity.”

5. What did Gideon promise Winston?
(a) To keep all the treasure for himself
(b) To never play pranks again
(c) To use his mischievous nature for good
(d) To find more hidden treasures

6. How did Gideon transform after finding the small box?
(a) He became even more mischievous
(b) He became a wise old wizard
(c) He stopped caring about others
(d) He became the forest’s biggest helper

7. What did Gideon do to spread joy in the forest?
(a) Spread fear and chaos with mischievous pranks
(b) Spread laughter and joy with cheerful pranks
(c) Spread sadness and despair with mean pranks
(d) Spread wisdom and knowledge with riddles

8. What did Gideon teach everyone in the magical forest?
(a) True happiness comes from sharing, kindness, and spreading joy
(b) True happiness comes from material wealth and possessions
(c) True happiness comes from being the best at pranks
(d) True happiness comes from being alone and isolated

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. Gideon finds a treasure map in the ordinary forest.
2. Gideon decides to keep the treasure all for himself.
3. A foolish young wizard named Winston has been observing Gideon’s actions.
4. Gideon encounters various obstacles as he follows the map.
5. Gideon’s pranks bring joy and happiness to the forest creatures.
6. Gideon is a mischievous gnome who hates playing pranks.
7. Gideon discovers that the true treasure is not material wealth.
8. Gideon promises to use his mischievous nature for evil.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this story in two sentences. Here are some hints:
Who are the main characters?
What happens in the story?

Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What was Gideon known for in the magical forest?
Gideon was known for his love of pranks and his knack for creating chaos wherever he went.

2. What did Gideon find in the forest one sunny day?
Gideon found a hidden treasure map.

3. What obstacles did Gideon encounter as he followed the treasure map?
Gideon encountered rickety bridges and thorny bushes.

4. Who had been watching Gideon’s every move?
A wise old wizard named Winston had been watching Gideon’s every move.

5. What did Gideon expect to find when he reached the spot marked on the map?
Gideon expected to find heaps of gold and jewels.

6. What did Gideon find instead of heaps of gold and jewels?
Gideon found a small box that emitted a radiant light.

7. Who appeared before Gideon and explained the true treasure to him?
Winston, the wise old wizard, appeared before Gideon and explained the true treasure to him.

8. How did Gideon transform after learning the lesson about greed and sharing?
Gideon transformed into the forest’s biggest helper, spreading laughter and joy with his cheerful pranks.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) known
(2) knack
(3) bridges
(4) climbed
(5) reach
(6) treasure
(7) greed
(8) surprise
(9) appeared
(10) making
(11) Determined
(12) change
(13) forest
(14) loved
(15) place
(16) lessons
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. mischievous
Answer: (F) Behaving in a way that is playful but may cause annoyance or trouble

2. chaos
Answer: (O) Complete disorder and confusion

3. scurried
Answer: (N) Moved quickly with short, hurried steps

4. obstacles
Answer: (G) Things that block one’s way or prevent or hinder progress

5. rickety
Answer: (B) Unstable or shaky, likely to fall apart

6. thorny
Answer: (D) Covered with sharp points that can cause pain

7. frantically
Answer: (L) In a wild and desperate manner

8. radiant
Answer: (J) Emitting or seeming to emit light; shining brightly

9. intrigued
Answer: (C) Aroused the curiosity or interest of; fascinated

10. generosity
Answer: (H) The willingness to give or share things freely

11. neglected
Answer: (A) Failed to care for or give attention to

12. antics
Answer: (I) Playful or mischievous actions or behaviors

13. trampolines
Answer: (M) Gymnastic equipment used for bouncing

14. cheerful
Answer: (K) Noticeably happy and optimistic

15. adventure
Answer: (E) An exciting or remarkable experience
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What was Gideon known for in the magical forest?
Answer: (c) Love of pranks and creating chaos

2. What did Gideon find in the treasure chest?
Answer: (a) A small box

3. Who had been watching Gideon’s every move?
Answer: (b) Wise old wizard named Winston

4. What did the note in the small box say?
Answer: (d) “The true treasure lies within kindness and generosity.”

5. What did Gideon promise Winston?
Answer: (c) To use his mischievous nature for good

6. How did Gideon transform after finding the small box?
Answer: (d) He became the forest’s biggest helper

7. What did Gideon do to spread joy in the forest?
Answer: (b) Spread laughter and joy with cheerful pranks

8. What did Gideon teach everyone in the magical forest?
Answer: (a) True happiness comes from sharing, kindness, and spreading joy
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. Gideon finds a treasure map in the ordinary forest. (Answer: False)
2. Gideon decides to keep the treasure all for himself. (Answer: True)
3. A foolish young wizard named Winston has been observing Gideon’s actions. (Answer: False)
4. Gideon encounters various obstacles as he follows the map. (Answer: True)
5. Gideon’s pranks bring joy and happiness to the forest creatures. (Answer: True)
6. Gideon is a mischievous gnome who hates playing pranks. (Answer: False)
7. Gideon discovers that the true treasure is not material wealth. (Answer: True)
8. Gideon promises to use his mischievous nature for evil. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧

📚 How about these other Level 4 stories?

Four adventurous children discover a magical orchard filled with fruits that grant them extraordinary abilities.

The Orchard of Oddities

Four adventurous children discover a magical orchard filled with fruits that grant them extraordinary abilities.

A dragon and a squirrel team up to find an enchanted treasure, but the squirrel has a secret plan.

The Dragon’s Dream

A dragon and a squirrel team up to find an enchanted treasure, but the squirrel has a secret plan.

A young princess named Isabella embarks on a quest, armed with a magical crown and a talking parrot, to find an enchanted crystal and discovers that true strength lies within herself.

The Curious Case of the Crooked Crown

A young princess named Isabella embarks on a quest, armed with a magical crown and a talking parrot, to find an enchanted crystal and discovers that true strength lies within herself.

Freddie the squirrel learns a valuable lesson about the true meaning of happiness and unity.

The Peacock Parade

Freddie the squirrel learns a valuable lesson about the true meaning of happiness and unity.

Feedback