Viking Raids Role-play

Overview

This 45-minute lesson engages Year 3 students in exploring the Viking raids on Anglo-Saxon settlements. By participating in an imaginative role-play that depicts a Viking raid, pupils will develop empathy with both Vikings and Anglo-Saxons, enhancing their understanding of historical events. This lesson directly supports the National Curriculum for England, History key stage 2, focusing on how invaders and settlers shaped Britain.

National Curriculum Links

History: Key Stage 2 – Pupils should be taught to:

“the Viking and Anglo-Saxon struggle for the Kingdom of England to the time of Edward the Confessor”
“significant historical events, people and places in their own locality”
Develop chronological understanding of significant historical events.
Understand and describe historical concepts such as invasion and settlement.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils will:

Describe key features of Viking raids and explain how they impacted Anglo-Saxon communities.
Demonstrate understanding of the perspectives of both Vikings and Anglo-Saxons through role-play.
Use appropriate historical vocabulary such as ‘raid,’ ‘settlement,’ and ‘invader’.
Work collaboratively to communicate historical ideas creatively and respectfully.

Resources Needed

Role cards (Viking raiders, Anglo-Saxon villagers, narrator)
Simple costume props (helmets, shields made of cardboard, cloaks)
Map of Anglo-Saxon England highlighting Viking raiding areas
Whiteboard or flipchart and markers
Post-it notes and coloured pencils

Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

Starter Question: What do you already know about Vikings? What does a ‘raid’ mean?
Show the map illustrating Viking invasion points with brief discussion.
Read a short descriptive narrative aloud describing a Viking raid on an Anglo-Saxon village (include sounds, sights, and feelings).
Introduce key vocabulary: raid, invader, settlement, village, longship.
Learning check: Quick group brainstorm on why Vikings might have raided Anglo-Saxon lands.

2. Role-play Preparation (10 minutes)

Divide class into small groups of 5 (each group: 2 Vikings, 2 Anglo-Saxons, 1 narrator).
Give each group simple role cards with character background info and objectives (e.g. Vikings want to take goods; Anglo-Saxons want to protect their village).
Allow groups to quickly assign props and decide how to act out their roles.
Teacher circulates supporting with role explanations and helps clarify historical details.

3. Role-play Activity (15 minutes)

Groups perform their Viking raid scenario in turn. Narrators provide a running commentary explaining what is happening and why.
Encourage use of historical vocabulary and dramatic expression.
After each group, teacher asks quick reflection questions: How did the Vikings feel? What about the Anglo-Saxons? What challenges did each group face?

4. Consolidation and Reflection (8 minutes)

Group discussion on what was learned about Viking raids and Anglo-Saxon life.
On post-it notes, pupils write one new word they learned and one feeling they had during the role-play (e.g. scared, excited).
Collect notes and share some aloud to encourage empathy and historical understanding.
Summarise how raids changed life in Anglo-Saxon England and how invaders and local people reacted differently.

Assessment

Formative assessment through observation of group discussions and role-play participation.
Pupils’ use of historical vocabulary during activities.
Post-it note reflections as a quick written check of understanding and emotional connection.
Teacher notes on individual contributions for ongoing assessment of historical empathy and terminology use.

Differentiation and Inclusion

Provide scaffolded role cards with simpler language for pupils needing additional support.
Offer more challenging tasks for higher ability pupils, e.g. writing a short diary entry from an Anglo-Saxon child’s perspective.
Ensure all children can participate in some form of role, including narrator roles for those less comfortable with acting.

Extension Ideas

Follow-up lesson: Create a simple comic strip illustrating the raid from both perspectives.
Research project: Find out about Viking longships or Anglo-Saxon village life and present to the class.

Teacher Reflection

Did pupils empathise with both sides?
Were historical terms used correctly?
Which parts of the role-play engaged students most?
What could be adapted for next time to deepen understanding or participation?

This immersive, hands-on lesson makes history vivid for Year 3 learners, building not only their knowledge of the Viking and Anglo-Saxon period but also critical empathy and communication skills aligned with the aims of the National Curriculum (England).

Teaching Instructions