Here we go a-Viking!

Dear Families,
   This month, your child will be learning about the ancient Viking, or Norse, civilization. Through listening to the story of a young boy named Bjorn, we 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.

Unit Objectives:

3.C.2 Rights, Roles, and Responsibilities in the Political Process.  I compare and contrast citizenship and slavery, including the applicable rights and responsibilities of each..

* I can identify the three orders/classes of Norse people; thralls, karls, and jarls

* I can describe everyday life of the Norse people.

* I can can recall that the Thing was an assembly where the Norse made decisions for their community

3.E.1 Nature and Function of Economic Systems. I analyze how the finite nature of resources affects (and affected) the choices of individuals and communities.

* I can describe the V. peoples’ proficiency and legacy as sailors, raiders, and traders.
* I can explain that only the warriors who went on raids to other lands were called Vikings, and why they are also called Norsemen or Northmen.

3.G.1 Spatial Thinking. I use geographic terms and tools (maps, globes, legends, etc.) to describe space and place and to organize, represent, summarize, and interpret geographical data.

* I can identify and locate Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Denmark) as the area from which the Vikings originated.

* I can locate Greenland, Iceland, Newfoundland, Canada, the Atlantic Ocean, the Arctic Ocean, the Baltic Sea, the North Sea, and the Norwegian Sea

3.H.1 Historical Perspectives.  I identify and analyze the impacts of significant people, developments, events, and resources of the eras I am studying; I create and interpret a timeline.

* I can explain the importance of Erik the Red and Leif Eriksson.
* I can explain that Norse people worshipped many gods and goddesses, and name the 8 most important deities within Norse mythology.

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: REAL Viking helmets did not have horns!

   We will be making our Viking helmets in class this week. Next week we begin practicing our Norse Mythology plays! Most of the work will be done in class, but students may bring scripts home to practice, or ask to bring costume/prop pieces from home. 

Celebrating our Learning

   We will end our unit with a family celebration- a Viking Feast- on Tuesday, November 22nd from 2:00-3:30 in the lunchroom. Each family is asked to bring a dish to share, inspired by a Scandinavian food. More details will come home next week, 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