Viking Boy - Teaching Slides

Viking Boy is a teaching resource that encourages students to delve deeply into the narrative, examining character feelings, motivations, and relationships through a variety of analytical exercises. The material guides students to explore the text's themes, such as friendship, loyalty, power, fate, and redemption. For instance, in the initial chapters, students are prompted to consider Gunnar's emotions as he detects the approach of riders and to infer from his parents' reactions the prevailing sense of urgency or fear. The relationship dynamics between characters like Gunnar's father and Skuli are scrutinized, with students asked to support their opinions with textual evidence. This approach is designed to foster critical thinking and enhance comprehension skills.

The resource also includes activities that help students to visualize and empathize with the characters' experiences. They are encouraged to map out events, chart character emotions, and even write from the perspective of Gunnar, imagining his thoughts and feelings during pivotal moments, such as the death of his father or his encounters with mythical creatures. To deepen their understanding of the setting and the era, the teaching slides also prompt discussions about Viking beliefs and culture. Students are tasked with creative writing exercises, such as crafting flashbacks or autobiographical chapters, using specific literary techniques to bring their narratives to life. This multifaceted approach not only enhances students' grasp of the story but also develops their writing and analytical skills.