A Viking We Will Go!

Dear Families,
   Over the next two months, your child will be learning about the ancient Viking civilization. Through listening to the story of a young boy named Bjorn, your child will be introduced to the Vikings' cultural practices and their history of shipbuilding, sailing, raiding, and trading. We will also learn about the geography of the places where Vikings lived and explored, and how living near bodies of water influenced the Viking lifestyle.  Below are some suggestions for activities that you may do at home to reinforce what your child is learning about the Vikings.

Geography and Culture

   On a world map or globe, have your child locate Scandinavia, which includes the modern countries of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. Talk with your child about how Scandinavia is surrounded by water. Discuss how living close to bodies of water influences what civilizations eat, how they travel, etc. Ask your child what the word Viking means. Discuss that the Vikings traveled by sea to raid and plunder other lands. They also traded with other people, gathering resources and goods not available in their homeland. Emphasize that the Vikings were the warriors of a larger Norse civilization. Have your child locate rivers near Scandinavia, and discuss how the Vikings would also use these bodies of water to reach faraway lands. You may wish to have your child draw a map of Scandinavia and label Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. 

Draw and Write
   Have your child draw and write what they have learned about the Vikings, such as their ships, homes, clothing,  food, the things they imported and exported for trading, and so on. Ask questions to help your child use the vocabulary learned at school.

Words to Use
We will learning many new vocabulary words within this unit. Try to use (or point out) these words come up in everyday speech with your child.

• ferocious
• treacherous
• reliable
• unison
• reluctant
• maneuver
• intently
• invaluable
• mingling

Sayings and Phrases

   Your child will be learning the sayings, "last straw" and "rule the roost". Talk with your child about the meaning of each phrase. In relation to "last straw," share with your child a time when you experienced a series of difficult events, with the last event causing you to lose your temper or cry. In relation to "rule the roost," share with your child someone you know who acts as the boss in your family, your workplace, etc. What did that person do that allowed them to "rule the roost"? Find opportunities to use these sayings again and again to reinforce meaning within a familiar context. 

Upcoming Projects

Fun Fact! Viking helmets did NOT have horns!

   We will be making our Viking helmets when we return after the Thanksgiving weekend. Each child will need a baseball-style hat that can be repurposed. Generally speaking, a hat that is a tad too big works better than one that is too small. If you have extra hats lying around the house to share with those who are are not able to bring one in, your donation is greatly appreciated. Students should bring their hats to school on December 1st. 

Celebrating our Learning

   We will end our unit with a family celebration- a Viking Feast- on Thursday, December 18th. More details will come home the first week of December, but please put it on your calendars!

Thank you for reading! Please write "longship" in your child's planner and they will receive a Dojo point for teamwork!  Have a wonderful weekend!

Mrs. Gausman