Viking Boy - Learning Sequence

The 'Viking Boy' learning sequence is a comprehensive unit overview designed to guide students through an immersive reading and analytical experience over a six-week period. In the initial weeks, students employ a word detective grid to decipher unfamiliar vocabulary and engage in predictive exercises about the book's content. They delve into the first chapter, examining the sensory descriptions of the protagonist's home and the impact of these on the reader. As they progress through chapters two and three, the focus shifts to character analysis, where students scrutinize the attributes of the character Father, using evidence to support their interpretations of his bravery and protectiveness. Additionally, they explore the character Skuli and step into the shoes of Gunnar, the central character, particularly at the pivotal moment of his father's death. The narrative deepens with the reading of chapter four, where students articulate the thoughts of Gunnar and his mother through thought bubbles, as they encounter mysterious winged creatures.

During the subsequent weeks, students continue to map out the plot, chart Gunnar's emotional journey, and engage in creative writing activities such as crafting a flashback paragraph and an eyewitness account of Gunnar's enslavement. They are encouraged to critically evaluate the writer's choice of language and its impact on portraying horror. The learning sequence also prompts students to consider Viking beliefs, with external resources supplementing their understanding of the cultural context. As the unit progresses, students read further chapters, analyzing Gunnar's character development and the dynamics of his relationships, particularly with Rurik. They are asked to support their impressions with textual evidence. In the final weeks, the learning sequence culminates with students reflecting on Gunnar's thoughts and feelings, exploring themes, and even writing chapters from Gunnar's autobiography, allowing them to synthesize their understanding of the events and character traits that define the story's journey.