How Would You Survive as a Viking?
How Would You Survive? Series
on Goodreads (14)
What’s inside...
This book provides an interactive and engaging approach to learning about the lives of the Vikings. It combines vivid illustrations and lively text to transport readers back to Viking times, exploring various aspects of their daily life from home life, farming, and meals, to clothing, trade, festivals, and beliefs. At the end of the book, a quiz allows readers to test their survival rating based on the information learned. First published in 1993, the book is designed to be suitable for National Curriculum Key Stage 2-3 and encourages children to consider how they would have coped in Viking times.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-12
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
If you were a Viking, what role would you choose in the village and why?
What do you think were the biggest challenges Vikings faced during their voyages?
How do Vikings’ beliefs and traditions compare to ours today?
What have you learned about the way Vikings solved problems?
Can you think of any modern tools or technologies that could have helped Vikings on their journeys?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the Viking era, asking them how they would feel and react in various scenarios depicted in the book.
Discuss the problem-solving strategies used by Vikings, relating them to challenges your child faces today.
Highlight the differences and similarities between the lifestyle of Vikings and modern life to enhance cultural understanding and historical perspective.
Use the illustrations in the book to spark discussions about daily life, Viking crafts, and navigation techniques.
Emphasize the importance of resilience and innovation, traits shown by Vikings, discussing how these qualities can be relevant today.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resourcefulness
Explanation: The book vividly illustrates how Vikings used the materials available to them to build ships, homes, and tools. Children learn about the importance of using resources wisely.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to use objects around them creatively, whether it's recycling materials for a project or finding multiple uses for a single item.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Through the depiction of Vikings working together to navigate, trade, or conduct raids, the book highlights the effectiveness of cooperation and collaboration.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of teamwork in group activities at school, sports, and family tasks, emphasizing that many goals are achievable through collective effort.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The harsh conditions and challenges faced by Vikings are showcased, teaching children how persistence and resilience were key to their survival and success.
Real-World Application: Children learn to persist in the face of challenges, whether in solving a difficult puzzle, mastering a new skill, or dealing with everyday conflicts.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: The book shows how Vikings adapted to various environments, whether at sea or in foreign lands, using skills and knowledge to thrive.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be flexible and adaptable in new situations such as moving to a new school or trying out a new activity.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: By exploring the lifestyle, beliefs, and practices of the Vikings, the book fosters an understanding and appreciation of different cultures.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect cultural differences in their communities and be open to learning about ways of life different from their own.