So You Think You've Got It Bad? A Kid's Life as a Viking
So You Think You'Ve Got It Bad? Series
What’s inside...
Part of Nosy Crow's list of publishing in collaboration with the British Museum, developed in consultation with some of the world's leading experts on Viking history. A kid's life as a Viking might sound like fun, what with all those cool battles and awesome longships, but actually life...
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it would be like to live as a Viking child compared to your life today?
What aspects of Viking life did you find most interesting or surprising?
How do you think the chores of Viking children differ from the chores you might do at home?
Why do you think the Viking children learned the skills they did? How do you think these skills helped them?
If you could meet a Viking child, what would you ask them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing what you found intriguing about Viking culture after reading the book together.
Encourage your child to imagine their daily life as a Viking, discussing both the exciting and challenging aspects.
Relate the responsibilities and skills of Viking children back to those your child may have, drawing parallels and noting differences.
Ask questions that prompt your child to think critically about how history shapes the way people live.
Use the book's illustrations and historical facts to spark deeper questions and draw connections to the text.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and Adaptation
Explanation: The book explores the challenging lifestyle of Vikings, teaching children how they adapted to harsh conditions and thrived.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be resilient and adapt to changes in their own lives, whether it's moving to a new school or dealing with a tough situation.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Community
Explanation: Viking societies were heavily based on collaboration and mutual support. The book highlights how Vikings worked together to overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to value teamwork in group projects at school or collaborating with friends during playtime.
Example Lesson: Historical Awareness
Explanation: Through engaging storytelling, the book educates children about Viking history and culture, expanding their understanding of the past.
Real-World Application: Enhances children’s curiosity and understanding about different cultures and histories, encouraging respect and inclusivity in their interactions with diverse groups.
Example Lesson: Innovation and Resourcefulness
Explanation: The narrative showcases the innovative tools and techniques Vikings used for navigation and everyday life.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to think creatively and use available resources to solve problems or create new ways of doing things.
Example Lesson: Courage and Exploration
Explanation: Characters in the book embark on voyages and face unknown territories, epitomizing the Viking spirit of exploration.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to step out of their comfort zones and explore new activities, ideas, or places safely and confidently.