Thinking About... Vikings

This set of 20 A5 cards brings the world of the Vikings to life, featuring photographs of key artefacts, sites, and aspects of Viking life on one side. Each card includes five questions or activity suggestions on the reverse, designed to engage students in historical enquiry. The activities are crafted to suit a wide range of abilities, encouraging students to develop their observational, descriptive, and analytical skills. This versatile set is perfect for whole-class discussions, small group work, or individual tasks and can serve as a starter or plenary activity, or as a foundation for an in-depth exploration of Viking history.

Key Features:

• 20 A5 Cards: Each card features a photograph of significant Viking artefacts, locations, or scenes, with five questions or activity suggestions on the reverse.
• Range of Activities: The activities are adaptable for varying abilities, promoting research, creative tasks, and group discussions.
• Skill Development: Focuses on developing historical inquiry, observational skills, and the ability to analyse and describe Viking culture, from their society to their raids.
• Versatile Use: Suitable for whole-class activities, small group projects, or individual research tasks. The set can be used as starters, plenary activities, or to support an entire unit on the Vikings.
• Differentiation: Flexible tasks make this resource suitable for students of all abilities.

Historical Context:
The Vikings (c. 793–1066 CE) were seafaring warriors, traders, and settlers from the Scandinavian countries of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Known for their raids on coastal towns across Europe, they also established vast trade networks, explored new lands, and settled in places like Iceland, Greenland, and North America. The Vikings were skilled in shipbuilding, warfare, and craftsmanship, leaving a lasting impact on European history, particularly through the establishment of the Danelaw in England and their influence in Normandy.

Educational Purpose:

• Historical Inquiry: Students investigate essential aspects of Viking life, including their raids, society, trade, and mythology, using the photographs and activities.
• Skill Building: Encourages critical thinking, descriptive writing, and the ability to analyse and interpret Viking artefacts and historical sites.
• Enquiry-Based Learning: Promotes a deeper understanding of Viking history through thought-provoking questions and activities that encourage students to explore and reflect on primary sources.

Ideal For:

• Classroom Learning: A valuable resource for lessons on the Vikings, perfect for introducing or summarising the topic.
• Research Projects: Ideal for students conducting in-depth research on specific aspects of Viking history, from their invasions to their daily life.
• Group Work: Encourages teamwork and collaboration as students work together to analyse Viking artefacts and historical sites.

These Vikings Activity Cards offer an engaging, hands-on way for students to explore the fascinating world of the Vikings, promoting critical thinking, historical enquiry, and creative expression. Perfect for a variety of teaching activities, this set provides a comprehensive look at one of the most exciting periods of medieval history.