Word sorts - Vikings

In this engaging classroom activity, students are tasked with identifying words associated with the Vikings from a provided list. Working in pairs, they engage in discussion to determine which six terms are relevant to Viking history and culture. The activity encourages collaboration and critical thinking as students circle the words they agree are related to the Vikings, such as 'Danelaw', 'King Canute', 'Jorvik', 'Odin', 'Freya', 'longship', 'hill fort', and 'longhouse'. Each pair can earn a point for every correct identification, making the exercise both educational and competitive. The activity is time-bound, with students allowed 10 minutes to complete the task.

The exercise also prompts students to explore the broader historical context by considering the question: "How did Britain change between the end of the Roman occupation and 1066?" This encourages students to reflect on the significant period of transition and transformation that occurred in Britain, from the decline of Roman influence to the eve of the Norman Conquest. By connecting the vocabulary exercise to a larger historical narrative, students can better understand the impact of the Vikings and other historical forces on the shaping of Britain.