The Vikings
Strange histories Series
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
This series takes a look at ancient civilizations, focusing on the weird and unusual aspects of their lives and cultures. Each title features full-color photographs of ancient objects and artwork showing how the people lived. Meet Thora, her brother Erik, and their friend Deirdre, who live on the Orkney Islands. Readers explore their island, learn about Viking raids, and imagine sailing in a Viking longship. This educational story is told from a child's perspective with full-color illustrations.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-10
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think life was like for a Viking child like you?
How do the Viking's exploration journeys compare to adventures you can think of today?
Why do you think the Vikings built ships the way they did?
What can we learn from the ways Vikings solved problems or faced challenges?
If you were a Viking, what role would you choose to have in the community and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the Viking era while discussing, enhancing empathy and engagement.
Relate the Viking’s exploration to modern explorers or personal family trips to make the subject matter more relatable.
Ask your child how they would solve a problem similarly to the Vikings, promoting critical thinking and personal connection to the material.
Have a map handy to trace Viking exploration routes together, making the discussion educational and interactive.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The story highlights the Vikings working together on their voyages and in their communities to achieve common goals.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning the value of cooperating and achieving together.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Facing Challenges
Explanation: The Vikings often faced harsh conditions and unknown territories, yet they persevered and adapted to their environments.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of staying strong and adaptable in difficult situations, whether it's dealing with changes in school or overcoming obstacles.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness and Appreciation
Explanation: The book showcases the rich culture, traditions, and innovations of the Viking era, encouraging respect for different histories and societies.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and appreciate diverse cultures, which can enhance empathy and social awareness.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout their journeys, the Vikings encountered numerous problems that they had to solve in order to survive and thrive.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the importance of critical thinking and problem solving in daily life, from figuring out how to repair a broken toy to resolving conflicts with friends.
Example Lesson: Discovery and Exploration
Explanation: The Vikings were explorers who discovered new lands. The narrative conveys a sense of adventure and the thrill of discovering the unknown.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be curious and adventurous in their learning, exploring new subjects and areas of interest both academically and personally.