Norse Mythology

First day of Norse Mythology.

When I did the Norse block with my eldest I wasn’t pleased with the block I created. I’ve identified a few places where the disconnect happened. I think ultimately, in my excitement for the subject, I tried to pour too much information into the block, didn’t fully understand the WHY behind bringing it and took away all of the magic and mystery. Another reason why I think it might not have felt living is that my son went through the “nine year change” a bit later than what is generally assumed, so I actually am not sure he was ready for these stories. When he saw me pulling resources for the block again, my son asked if he could join us for a second round and of course I said yes! I will use it as a segue into Greek Mythology starting in the new year for him, and continue with a second block later on in the year.

This time around I’m confident in my ability to know what my children need and I actually understand WHY this is brought to children. The powerful characters in Norse mythology are a wonderful reflection of a child that has just stepped out of the awakening that happens during the nine year change. Characters with powerful wills, love of adventure, often questionable nature that tests the limits of morality and human relationships. These characters are almost larger than life, are really the first steps away from the fairy tales and fables from first to third, and a bridge to where mythology meets history in upcoming grades for Greek and Roman mythology. They provide a picture of human relationships and illustrate the grey area that many interactions live within. The picture of Bifrost, the rainbow bridge that spans between Midgard and Asgard perfectly illustrates this transition.

I’ve selected stories to share that I fell will speak to my children and I’ve also included much more “hands and heart”, whereas last time it was SO much head. We are really going to lean into the art so there is more balance between head and hands. For books, I have chosen:

• D’aulaires Norse Mythology book as our main read aloud
• Children of the North Lights (supplemental)
• Pippi Longstocking (supplemental)
• I have a few DVDs that show various crafts of the Norse people, like boat and sail making, rope making, shield carving and painting etc. We will then attempt as many of the crafts as possible (boat making in mini, of course!)
• For my own education I read Roy Wilkinson’s Norse Stories and Their Significance. Very good read for those looking to see the depth of what these blocks can bring to children!

If the lack of success of the first attempt for this block taught me anything, it’s that our enthusiasm as teachers has such an important influence on how our children receive and respond to lessons. It must be enthusiasm that reflects the needs of the students and not our own interests.

Well placed vs misplaced enthusiasm, you could say.

Until next time,
Marina