What Was The Viking Schooling Like?

From adventurous seafarers to industrious farmers, the Vikings have etched their mark in the annals of history. However, the aspects of Viking children and schooling have yet to be discovered. This article delves into the nuances of ancient Viking schooling and the approach to Viking education and schooling for kids.

Viking Children and Schooling

In Viking society, education wasn’t institutionalized like in modern societies. There were no schools or colleges in the way we perceive them today. Instead, Viking children were educated within the confines of their homes and through the rigors of daily life.

A Viking child’s education began at home with their parents, and as they grew older, they could also learn from their community. Their fathers typically taught boys, learning about farming, navigation, trade, and warfare. On the other hand, girls learned domestic skills such as weaving, cooking, and maintaining the homestead from their mothers.

Ancient Viking Schooling: A Skill-Based Education

In the context of ancient Viking schooling, it is imperative to recognize the value of skills in Viking society. The Vikings prioritized practical knowledge and hands-on skills over formal, structured education. This practicality was based on the necessities of the time; literacy was not a priority when survival was paramount.

Viking children learned through observing, imitating, and participating in real-life situations. A Viking child would watch their father construct a ship or cultivate the land and then try to replicate those actions under supervision. Similarly, girls would observe their mothers, aunts, and other women in their community managing household chores and gradually start participating. This form of experiential learning is recognized even today as a potent form of teaching.

What Kind of Education Did the Vikings Have?

The Vikings had an education system primarily skill-based, practical, and rooted in daily life rather than abstract learning. The primary schoolroom was the home or the farm, and the primary teachers were parents and community members. Children learned through observation, imitation, and participation. Boys were taught farming, shipbuilding, trading, and combat skills, while girls were taught domestic tasks like cooking, weaving, and managing the household.

On the other hand, Viking education wasn’t purely survival-oriented; cultural elements played a substantial role too. Viking society was rich in oral traditions and storytelling, through which children learned about their ancestors’ history, values, and deeds. Some Vikings also learned to read and write using runes, a writing system with strong symbolic significance. Children also learned societal norms and responsibilities through play, games, and mock battles. Viking education was a comprehensive blend of practical skills, cultural learning, and societal values.

Viking Education: Beyond Survival Skills

While much of Viking education was survival-oriented, it was not devoid of cultural and social learning. Viking society was rich in folklore, poetry, and oral traditions, all of which were integral to a child’s upbringing. During the long, dark winters, storytelling was a popular activity. Through these stories, children were able to learn about their history, traditions, values, and the actions of their ancestors.

Moreover, Vikings were known for their intricate woodwork, metalwork, and textiles. Artisan skills were highly valued and taught to the young ones. Some children learned the art of rune carving, contributing to the limited written communication in Viking society.

The Role of Play in Viking Education and Schooling for Kids

Viking children, like children everywhere, learned many of their skills through play. Games were not just for entertainment; they often mimicked adult roles, helping children to practice and understand societal norms and responsibilities. For instance, mock battles among boys would help develop the physical skills and strategic thinking necessary for future encounters.

Did Vikings Have a Class System?

In Viking society, education had no formal class system as we might understand it today. Education was not institutionalized; instead, it was woven into the fabric of daily life and accessible to all children, regardless of their parent’s status. Yet, social stratification did exist in the Viking Age and might have subtly influenced the type and breadth of education a child received.

Viking society was essentially divided into three broad categories: the Jarls (nobility), the Karls (free peasants), and the Thralls (slaves). The Jarls, being the wealthiest, had the most resources and may have had access to a wider range of learning experiences, such as trading expeditions or rune reading. The Karls, being free farmers and artisans, were likely to strongly emphasize practical skills in their education. As for the Thralls, their educational opportunities were probably limited, focusing mainly on the skills needed to serve their masters.

It’s important to note that regardless of a child’s social standing, there were no formal schools or teachers. All children learned primarily from their parents, other relatives, and community members. The focus was on gaining practical knowledge, survival skills, and understanding societal values and norms. This pragmatic approach ensured that all Viking children received an education that prepared them well for their adult societal roles, irrespective of their social class.

How did the Vikings Teach Their Children?

Teaching in the Viking Age was predominantly an act of guiding rather than instructing. The teaching style was “show and tell” – practical demonstration followed by hands-on practice. There was little in the way of formal instruction. Children were expected to learn through imitation and practice. Mistakes were seen as a natural part of the learning process.

Bridging the Gender Gap: Viking Schooling for Boys and Girls

In Viking society, the roles of men and women were clearly defined, reflected in their schooling. As mentioned, boys were prepared for their roles as farmers, warriors, and seafarers, while girls were trained to manage households effectively.

However, Viking society was not as rigid in its gender norms as many other societies of the time. Women held considerable respect and authority within their households and had the right to divorce. They were expected to be strong and self-reliant.

Similarly, though boys were expected to be warriors, they were also expected to have other skills. A good Viking was a jack-of-all-trades, skilled in various fields. The focus was not on specialization but on holistic learning.

The Role of Runes in Viking Education

Although literacy wasn’t a primary focus in Viking education, some Vikings learned to read and write runes, the Viking’s unique script. Runes were used not for writing long texts but inscriptions on stones, weapons, and personal belongings. Runes were magical and religious symbols for the Vikings, and learning them was considered prestigious.

Runes provided the few written insights we have into Viking society. Children learning runes would practice by carving into wood or bone under the supervision of a skilled adult. This task helped them develop fine motor skills, patience, and concentration.

The Value of Honor and Courage in Viking Schooling

The Viking concept of honor was a crucial part of their educational ethos. Children were taught to respect their elders, uphold their family names, and act courageously. These virtues were often emphasized in the sagas and stories shared within their communities.

Courage was not only considered a virtue but also a necessary survival skill. The harsh and often violent Viking life required both boys and girls to be brave and resilient. Through real-life experiences and storytelling, Viking children were taught to face challenges head-on and never avoid adversity.

Understanding The World: Navigation and Astronomy

Given the Vikings’ renowned seafaring abilities, it’s unsurprising that navigation and basic astronomy were part of a young Viking’s education. They learned to read the stars, understand the winds, and use landmarks for direction. This knowledge was crucial for their explorations and trading missions.

Their navigation skills greatly influenced the Viking’s understanding of the world. Their geographical knowledge was passed on to the next generation, making each successive generation a bit more knowledgeable than the last.

Conclusion: Viking Schooling, a Pragmatic Approach to Education

Viking schooling might seem unstructured and rudimentary compared to modern educational standards. Still, it was a pragmatic and efficient system tailored to meet the demands of their time. It focused on survival, societal responsibilities, practical skills, and moral values – aspects that are still relevant in education today.

Understanding the Vikings’ approach to teaching their children offers an alternative view of education. It reminds us that learning is not confined to classrooms and textbooks. Instead, it can emerge from our interactions with the world around us.