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Guided Reading Lesson Monday, June 15, 2020

Dear Year 5 Pupils,

Today, you will read an informative essay entitled “Vikings and European Explorers – The Vikings.” Read this text carefully – you will answer questions to check your comprehension once you are done. Enjoy the story

- Your teacher, Mr. Fansler

Vikings and Europeans Explorers – The Vikings

Most people think Christopher Columbus was the first European to reach North America. The truth is that he wasn't. The Norse (also known as Vikings) arrived nearly five hundred years before Columbus' voyage. A Viking named Leif Eriksson led them to North America. They settled on the coast, but only stayed a few years.

Vikings were a fierce people. They often made their living as pirates, traveling to other countries, and terrorizing and robbing their inhabitants. They originally lived in Scandinavia, a part of Northern Europe. Today that region includes Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.

Vikings were masters at shipbuilding. Their superior vessels and navigating skills at sea help them reach many distant places all over Europe and even Russia. They also made important discoveries. Besides North America, Vikings landed on Iceland and Greenland. They eventually settled on these two masses of land that had previously not even been known to exist.

Vikings have become infamous for being ruthless. As settlements grew, however, they strayed from their violent ways. They changed their pirating routes to trading routes. Many Norsemen also farmed. The Viking Age lasted from the late 700s to about 1100.

Comprehension Questions –

1. Christopher Columbus was the first European to reach America.

A. TrueB. False

2. According to the passage, what does ruthless mean?

A. cruelB. kindC. shyD. bold

3. All of the following describe Vikings, except

A. fierce.B. peacemakers.C. skilled shipbuilders.D. pirates.

4. What did the Vikings do after they gave up piracy?

A. huntingB. weavingC. tradingD. start wars

5. What do you think helped the Vikings explore so many lands?

A. The Viking's ships and navigating skillsB. The Viking's skill at flyingC. The Viking's ability to swimD. The Viking's personality

6. The question below is an incomplete sentence. Choose the word that best completes the sentence.

The Vikings settled on the coast, ________ only stayed a few years.

A. beforeB. whereC. becauseD. but

7. Based on the passage, what sorts of character traits would Vikings need in order to be able to achieve what they did as shipbuilders, explorers, and settlers of new distant lands?

(THIS QUESTION TO BE ANSWERED / WRITTEN OUT IN YOUR BOOKS)

Dear Year 5 Children,

You may answer these questions in the books which were given to you.

However, you may also answer these questions online. These are the steps to follow if you choose to answer online.

Step 1: Go to joinmyquiz.com

Step 2: Enter the code for this quiz – 8 5 3 1 8 3 0 (On the website, it will ask you to “Enter a game code”)

Step 3: You will be asked to enter your name. For this, please write your first name, then a full stop, then the first letter of your last name. As an example, I would write my name as: Patrick.f

Step 4: After you’ve written your name, select “Start game.”

Step 5: A window may pop up to ask you to sign up and create your free account. Do not worry about doing this if you don’t want to. Just close that window and continue on to the quiz.

Step 6: After you complete your quiz, I (Mr. Fansler) will be able to see that you’ve completed your task. Well done!

Good luck!

Mr. Fansler

P.S. If you choose to answer these questions in your book, do not worry about writing everything down. Simply write down the number, and the letter to the answer next to it. For example: 1. A, 2. B, 3. C, etc.

For those children who choose to write the answer in their books, an answer document will be sent to you at the end of each week, on Fridays.

Guided Reading Lesson Tuesday, June 16, 2020

Dear Year 5 Pupils,

Today, you will read an informative essay entitled “Viking Voyages.” Read this text carefully – you will answer questions to check your comprehension once you are done. Enjoy the story!


Viking Voyages

Archaeologists in north-western England are thrilled about a rare find. The scientists unearthed a burial site of six Viking men and women. They discovered swords, spears, jewellery, and other artifacts.

The site was excavated, or dug up, after a metal detector user discovered two copper brooches in the ground. The worker informed archaeologists, who believe the site dates back to the 10th century. It is one of only a few Viking cemeteries found in England.

Smash and Grab

The Vikings were pirates and warriors, known for their seafaring voyages. From the late 700s to 1100, the Vikings lived in Scandinavia. That region of Europe includes the present-day countries of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

Viking sailors spread fear throughout Europe. They raided and conquered coastal villages in Europe and along the Mediterranean coast. During their raids, Vikings captured slaves. They also pillaged, or stole, treasures, such as silver and gold.

For their voyages, Viking sailors crafted swift, narrow longships that could navigate the stormiest seas. The Vikings were the master shipbuilders of their time. Vikings also worked as farmers and craftspeople. Others hunted and fished.

Edge of the Unknown

The Vikings' claim to fame may have been their fearsome raids, but they were explorers and traders too. They were among the earliest explorers to travel across the Atlantic Ocean to North America.

One of the most famous Vikings was explorer Leif Eriksson. He reached North America almost 500 years before Columbus arrived in 1492.

Time Capsule to the Past

Over time the Viking raiders lost their power, as people learned to defend against their attacks. Today, the remains of Viking villages can be found throughout Europe and North America.

Archaeologists have been studying the burial ground in England to learn more about the life of the Vikings. Based on the objects found, they believe the site was once a Viking settlement.

Vikings were known to bury valuable items with the dead. As one historian put it, the site will allow experts to "uncover the secrets of a time capsule more than 1,000 years old."

Viking Longships: Ready to Raid

· Longships varied in size, but many were between 60 feet and 90 feet in length. · A larger ship could carry about 50 raiders at a time. · Strong winds allowed a longship, which had one large sail, to reach speeds of up to 17 miles an hour. · Vikings used multiple oars to row the ship when there was no wind. · The front end of a longship curved upward and was adorned with a wood carving of a snake's or a dragon's head.


1. The Vikings became less powerful after

A. many diseases affected the Viking community.B. other explorers began sailing to the Americas.C. people learned to defend themselves. D. their boats started sinking.

2. Based on the text, which event took place last?

A. Columbus reached North America in 1492.B. The Vikings raided and conquered coastal villages in Europe.C. A Viking burial site was discovered.D. Viking explorers travelled to North America.

3. The Vikings reached North America ____ Columbus.

A. beforeB. afterC. around the same time asD. because of

4. Archaeologists discovered

A. jewellery.B. silver.C. an oar.D. a longship.

5. One historian said that this burial ground is like a "time capsule." What does this mean?











Good luck!

Mr. Fansler



Guided Reading Lesson Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Dear Year 5 Pupils,

Today, you will read an informative essay entitled “Vikings and European Explorers – Viking Religion.” Read this text carefully – you will answer questions to check your comprehension once you are done. Enjoy the story!


Vikings and European Explorers – Viking Religion

The Vikings had a religion filled with interesting characters and stories. They worshipped several gods, who dwelled in a place called Asgard. Among the most important of the Viking gods were Thor, Odin, Frey, and Freyja.

Thor, ruler of the sky, was the god of thunder and lightning. He was the most popular god because he represented the values Vikings treasured most: courage and boldness. Thursday is named after Thor.

Odin was the leader of the Viking gods. He was father of Thor and other gods. Odin lived in Asgard, the home of the gods. The Vikings believed if they died fighting, they would join Odin. In Asgard, they would be able to celebrate their victories as much as they wished. Wednesday is named after Odin.

Frey and Freyja were twins. Frey was the god of agriculture. Freyja was the goddess of love and fertility. Vikings worshipped Frey for a good harvest. They worshipped Freyja to bless a marriage and for help with child bearing.

The Vikings told many stories or myths about their gods. One of the most humorous involves Thor dressing up as a bride so that Freyja would not have to marry an ugly giant. Over time, however, the myths lost ground to Bible stories. English and German missionaries went into the Viking lands and converted the Vikings to Christianity. Christianity became the chief religion in Scandinavia by the 1100s.


1. Another good title for this passage would be

A. Christianity's Effect on the Vikings.B. The Viking Gods.C. Viking Ships.D. Attack of the Killer Vikings.

2. Why was Thor a favourite god?

A. He had total control of the sky.B. He represented values Vikings admired mostC. He was god of thunderD. Thursday was named after Thor.

3. Thor and Odin were

A. enemies.B. best friends.C. at odds.D. related.

4. According to the passage, dwelled means

A. lived.B. laughed.C. cried.D. celebrated.

5. What happened to the Vikings after the English and German missionaries went into their land?

A. The Vikings continued to worship Odin.B. The Vikings did not worship any gods.C. The Vikings converted to Christianity.D. The Vikings continued to worship Thor.

6. The question below is an incomplete sentence. Choose the word that best completes the sentence.

Vikings believed they would join Odin _______ they died fighting in battle.

A. butB. ifC. soD. because

7. Why did the Vikings worship Frey and Freyja?











Good luck!

Mr. Fansler



Guided Reading Lesson Thursday, June 18, 2020

Dear Year 5 Pupils,

Today, you will read an informative text entitled “Vikings & European Explorers – Shipbuilding and Warfare.” Read this text carefully – you will answer questions to check your comprehension once you are done. Enjoy the story!


Vikings & European Explorers – Shipbuilding and Warfare

Vikings were not only fierce pirates; they were also the best shipbuilders of their time. Their masterful wooden ships were perfect for warfare. They were faster and stronger than those of other cultures. Water travel was the primary means of transportation for the Vikings. Most of Scandinavia is surrounded by water. Hundreds of fjords cut into the coastline. The fjords gave the Vikings easy access to the ocean and helped make them a seafaring people.

Viking ships are easy to identify because of their unique shape. The aerodynamic design starts and ends with a tall point at either end. But what made Viking ships sail better than the rest was something they developed called a keel. A keel is a long, narrow piece of wood that runs along the bottom of a boat. Like a

fin, it cuts into the water and helps keep the ship steady so it can go faster. The keel also makes it easier to steer the ship.

There were two types of Viking ships. One was used for trade and the other for warfare. Trading ships were wide and short, usually about 50 feet long. Warships were thinner but longer, from 65 to 95 feet. Viking ships could travel at great speeds with the help of the wind and a huge woolen sail on a mast at the center of the boat. Most vessels also had oars. Rowers helped the ship through rivers and narrow straits. The front end of a Viking warship often had a carving of the head of a dragon or snake. Vikings used their swift ships to rule the seas and terrorize people. When they landed on a coast they would sneak quietly onto land so that they could attack their victims by surprise.


1. What were Viking ships made of?

A. woodB. steelC. snakesD. fjords

2. What does the text describe?

A. different ships countries build todayB. the daily lives of VikingsC. Viking shipsD. wars Vikings won

3. The keel was a very important part of Viking ships. What evidence from the text best supports this statement?

A. The keel helps keep the ship steady so that it can go faster.B. The keel a long, narrow piece of wood that runs along the bottom of a boat.C. The keel cuts into water like the fin of a fish.D. The Vikings were the best shipbuilders of their time.

4. How did Viking ships most likely impact the Vikings' efforts to rule other lands and people?

A. Viking ships made these efforts harder.B. Viking ships made these efforts easier.C. Viking ships stopped these efforts.D. Viking ships did not affect these efforts.

5. What is the text mostly about?

A. Viking shipsB. the surroundings of ScandinaviaC. Viking cultureD. Viking trading ships

6. Choose the word that best completes the sentence.

_________ the Vikings developed the keel, they could sail even faster.

A. WhereB. AfterC. AsD. Before

7. Compare the ships Vikings built for trade with those they built for warfare. Use evidence from the text to support your answer.











Good luck!

Mr. Fansler



Guided Reading Lesson Friday, June 19, 2020

Dear Year 5 Pupils,

Today, you will read an informative essay entitled “Explorers.” Read this text carefully – you will answer questions to check your comprehension once you are done. Enjoy the story!


Explorers

Imagine being the first person, not just in your country, but in your continent, to set eyes on a new landmass. The horizon over the sea has receded for months in front of your ship. Maybe you and your crew have had navigational difficulties. Maybe at the start of the trip, you didn't even know whether there would be a destination at the end of the trip. Supplies are getting scarce, the ship's cat is listless. Morale is low. Illness and death have begun to thin the crew's ranks. You're held accountable to a private patron or perhaps a monarch back at home - someone would have had to provide funding for the journey. But at this point, so much more is at stake than just money. Of course your life is at stake, but so is your reputation. The idea of failing to discover new territory and having to return home empty-handed is terrifying.

Finally, after months, maybe even years, of nothing but the vast grey sea spread out in every direction, you spy a thin worm of land in the distance. Finally, you get to scream LAND HO!

But the ordeal isn't over. Far from it. After another several days of traveling towards this tiny promise of land, seeing it appear to grow every day in size and detail, you have to land and assess the premises. Is there anyone there you need to subdue? Will locals be cooperative?

That is what the life of explorers, centuries ago, looked like. Explorers were motivated by the powerful desire to touch the other side of the world. One of them, Ferdinand Magellan, is still famous for attempting the first circumnavigation of the world. Although Magellan perished on the trip, he and his crew made it across the Atlantic and gained passage, for the first time, into the Pacific. Once in the Philippines, Magellan was speared to death by a native in a bloody confrontation. Magellan's high-ranking crewmen aboard the ships offered a high ransom for his remains, but the body was kept by the king of their population as a war trophy.

Meanwhile, back in Magellan's hometown of Seville, his wife and child had died of ailments. When Magellan's crew returned to their port of origin, it was as though Ferdinand Magellan had never existed. Eerily, except for the massive circumnavigation project he had organized and led, all traces of his personal life had evaporated.

We can see from Magellan's chilling example that the price of exploration was high. But even the threat of death didn't deter early explorers, who were motivated by grand ambitions. They thought only of the riches they might reap after opening new trade routes or the celebrity they would enjoy.

There was so much that early explorers didn't grasp before setting out to take hold of the world and everything it had to offer. For example, they couldn't fully understand how long it would realistically take to travel around the world, because it hadn't been done before. It seemed like a much more achievable goal than it actually was. This perhaps accounts for why so many of them were willing to tackle the challenge, seemingly without major concern for anything besides finding the money to buy supplies and pay a crew.

As explorers attempted to touch the other side of the world, their failures were often as grandiose as their successes.


1. What is Ferdinand Magellan famous for?

A. discovering North AmericaB. completing the most expeditions C. attempting the first circumnavigation of the worldD. creating the first map of the world

2. What does the author describe at the beginning of the passage?

A. a failed sea voyage B. the achievements of different explorersC. navigational difficulties explorers facedD. the challenges of a sea voyage

3. Early explorers were either brave or reckless. What evidence from the passage best supports this conclusion?

A. "But even the threat of death didn't deter early explorers, who were motivated by grand ambitions."B. "Imagine being the first person, not just in your country, but in your continent, to set eyes on a new landmass."C. "The idea of failing to discover new territory and having to return home empty-handed is terrifying."D. "This perhaps accounts for why so many of them were willing to tackle the challenge."

4. How can early explorers best be described?

A. hesitantB. ambitiousC. intelligentD. conservative

5. What is this text mostly about?

A. violent interactions between explorers and nativesB. Ferdinand Magellan and his successful explorations C. reasons why early explorers were so reckless D. the problems and dangers faced by early explorers

6. Read these sentences from the text.

There was so much that early explorers didn't grasp before setting out to take hold of the world and everything it had to offer. For example, they couldn't fully understand how long it would realistically take to travel around the world.

As used in this sentence, what does the word "grasp" mean?

A. recognizeB. physically hold on to

C. ignoreD. understand

7. Choose the answer that best completes the sentence below.

_________ there were risks and dangers involved, explorers were eager to travel the world.

A. AfterB. For exampleC. AlthoughD. In particular

8. Explain why many explorers were eager to explore the world despite the dangers. Support your answer using information from the text











Good luck!

Mr. Fansler



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