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Pastel and Smudge CIC

Pastel & Smudge CIC is a creative education provider offering engaging, inclusive resources that support alternative and arts-based learning. Founded by artist and educator Hayley Hare, we specialise in materials that spark imagination, build confidence, and encourage exploration. Our resources are perfect for classroom, SEN, and home ed settings—designed to be flexible, accessible, and fun to use.

Pastel & Smudge CIC is a creative education provider offering engaging, inclusive resources that support alternative and arts-based learning. Founded by artist and educator Hayley Hare, we specialise in materials that spark imagination, build confidence, and encourage exploration. Our resources are perfect for classroom, SEN, and home ed settings—designed to be flexible, accessible, and fun to use.
Norse Mythology & The Viking World – Lesson 2: From Ice & Fire – The Norse Creation Myth
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Norse Mythology & The Viking World – Lesson 2: From Ice & Fire – The Norse Creation Myth

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Step into the wild and powerful world of Norse creation myths with this highly visual, engaging humanities lesson. Perfect for KS2 and KS3 learners (including those with SEN), this lesson explores how the Norse believed the world came into being through the magical clash of fire and ice — featuring giants, gods, and a mystical cow named Auðumbla! What’s Included: A beautifully designed, easy-to-follow PowerPoint with clear visuals and scaffolded questions Printable cut-and-stick comic strip activity to retell the Norse creation myth Focus on key Norse themes: nature, sacrifice, transformation Optional extension homework: fact file on Auðumbla, encouraging deeper thinking and creativity SEN-friendly structure: visual storytelling, sequencing, drawing, and supported writing tasks Curriculum Links: History: Viking beliefs and cultural identity Geography: Norse cosmology and environment RE & English: myths, oral traditions, symbolism, and moral themes Ideal for: Humanities, RE, or thematic units Home education or Zoom teaching Mixed-age or differentiated classrooms Creative projects or enrichment lessons This lesson encourages imagination, critical thinking, and historical understanding through mythology — ideal for curious learners of all abilities! Main Subject: Humanities – with strong links to History, Geography, Religious Education, and English (Myths and Legends) Suitable for UK schools and international schools following the English curriculum If you enjoy this resource, please consider leaving a review! Your feedback helps me create even more lessons that teachers and students love. Thank you!
Norse Mythology & The Viking World – Lesson 3: Yggdrasil and the Nine Worlds
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Norse Mythology & The Viking World – Lesson 3: Yggdrasil and the Nine Worlds

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Dive deeper into Norse mythology with this creative and thought-provoking lesson exploring Yggdrasil, the great World Tree, and the Nine Realms it connects. Perfect for KS2 and KS3 learners, including those with SEN, this session blends mythology, symbolism, and philosophy to spark curiosity and critical thinking. What’s Included: Visually engaging PowerPoint that introduces Yggdrasil and each of the Nine Worlds Printable worksheet with matching, comprehension, and short-answer tasks Class discussion prompts to explore big ideas: What does the World Tree symbolise? What can each world teach us about real life? Extension task: link a mythological world to a real-world idea or place (poster, fact file, or presentation) SEN-friendly structure: visual anchors, simplified options, drawing and writing choices Curriculum Links: History: Viking culture and belief systems RE: symbolism, belief, and meaning Geography: Viking worldview and cosmology English/Philosophy: myths, metaphor, abstract thinking Ideal for: Humanities, RE, PSHE or philosophy sessions Cross-curricular thematic teaching Zoom and home education setups Creative, reflective projects for all ability levels This lesson helps students make connections between mythology and the real world - perfect for deep thinkers and imaginative learners alike. Main Subject: Humanities: with rich cross-links to RE, English, Philosophy, and Geography Suitable for UK schools and international schools following the English curriculum If you enjoy this resource, please consider leaving a review! Your feedback helps me grow and supports other educators looking for high-quality, creative lessons. Thank you!
Norse Mythology & The Viking World – Lesson 4: Meet the Gods, Goddesses and Giants
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Norse Mythology & The Viking World – Lesson 4: Meet the Gods, Goddesses and Giants

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Introduce your students to the unforgettable characters of Norse mythology in this vibrant and interactive humanities lesson. Learners will explore the personalities, powers, and Viking values of key gods, goddesses, and giants - including Odin, Thor, Loki, Freyja, and the Frost Giants. Suitable for KS2 and KS3, with SEN-friendly options throughout. What’s Included: Beautifully illustrated PowerPoint covering major figures in Norse mythology Printable character profile worksheet with space for guided note-taking, drawing, and reflection Focus on values such as wisdom, strength, cleverness, honour, and courage Optional extension task: creative debate on whether the Frost Giants are villains or misunderstood SEN-friendly: visuals, structured templates, character symbols, and simplified vocabulary Curriculum Links: History: Viking culture, values, beliefs, and storytelling traditions RE: Gods, symbolism, myths, and the moral messages in belief systems English: Character analysis, persuasive writing, and myth structure PSHE/Philosophy: Morality, empathy, and multiple perspectives Ideal for: Humanities or thematic lessons Home education or remote Zoom classes Creative writing inspiration or character work in English Cross-curricular or values-based projects Learners will come away with a deeper understanding of Norse mythology’s meaning and relevance, with opportunities to reflect, draw, and debate in ways that support all abilities. Main Subject: Humanities – with strong links to RE, English, and Philosophy/PSHE If you enjoy using this resource, please consider leaving a review! Your feedback supports other educators and helps me keep creating engaging, inclusive resources. Thank you!
Norse Mythology & The Viking World – Lesson 1: What Is Norse Mythology?
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Norse Mythology & The Viking World – Lesson 1: What Is Norse Mythology?

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Bring the world of Viking gods, monsters, and myths to life in your classroom with this visually engaging and fully adaptable humanities lesson. Perfect for KS2 and KS3 students, including those with SEN, this resource introduces learners to Norse mythology, its Scandinavian roots, and the dramatic landscapes that inspired legendary tales. What’s Included: A beautifully designed PowerPoint with clear, accessible language and rich visuals Printable comprehension worksheet with scaffolded questions Creative mapping activity: label and decorate a map with real and mythical features Optional extension writing task: create your own myth-inspired story SEN-friendly instructions with opportunities for differentiation through drawing, labelling, and short written responses Curriculum Links: History: Vikings and their culture Geography: Scandinavian landscapes and map skills English/RE: Myths, storytelling, and beliefs Ideal for: Remote or in-person teaching One-hour humanities lessons Cross-curricular or thematic units Creative project weeks or enrichment activities Teacher-tested and designed to spark imagination, build historical understanding, and support all learners through visuals, choice, and open-ended tasks. If you enjoy using this resource, please consider leaving a review! Your feedback helps me improve and create more high-quality lessons for amazing teachers like you. Thank you!
Norse Mythology & The Viking World – Lesson 5: Valhalla – How Myth Shaped Viking Life
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Norse Mythology & The Viking World – Lesson 5: Valhalla – How Myth Shaped Viking Life

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Explore the Viking afterlife through the myth of Valhalla and the powerful Valkyries in this rich, reflective humanities lesson. Aimed at KS2 and KS3 students (and fully SEN-adaptable), this session connects mythology to real-life Viking beliefs, values, and emotions - showing how stories shaped identity, bravery, and the way people made sense of life and death. What’s Included: Engaging PowerPoint covering the myth of Valhalla and the role of Valkyries Comprehension worksheet with cloze, questions, and deeper thinking prompts Empathy writing task: write from the perspective of a Viking warrior, Valkyrie, or child Adapted version of The Valkyrie’s Choice (based on Helgi and Sigrún) with guided analysis Optional extension research task: Create a character fact file on Brunhild the Valkyrie SEN-friendly with visual cues, vocabulary support, and flexible task formats Curriculum Links: History: Viking beliefs, funeral traditions, and warrior culture RE/Philosophy: Afterlife beliefs, values, and moral choices PSHE: Exploring grief, bravery, and how beliefs shape identity English: Creative writing, perspective, and debate Ideal for: Humanities and cross-curricular RE/PSHE sessions Creative or thematic learning weeks Remote, home-ed, or classroom teaching Mixed-ability groups and SEN support Students will connect mythology to big human questions: courage, loyalty, and how we find meaning in the face of fear or loss. Main Subject: Humanities – with strong connections to RE, English, and PSHE If you enjoy this resource, please consider leaving a review! Your feedback supports other teachers and helps me keep making creative, thoughtful lessons. Thank you!
Norse Mythology & The Viking World – Complete 6-Lesson Humanities Unit (KS2–KS3)
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Norse Mythology & The Viking World – Complete 6-Lesson Humanities Unit (KS2–KS3)

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Bring the world of Viking gods, myths, monsters, and values to life with this complete 6-lesson humanities unit for KS2–KS3 learners (ages 9–13). Fully illustrated and adaptable for SEN, this engaging cross-curricular resource includes high-quality PowerPoints, printable worksheets, and a clear unit overview for easy planning and delivery. What’s Included in This Bundle: 6 fully resourced lessons with PowerPoints, worksheets, and creative activities: What Is Norse Mythology? – Geography, maps & oral storytelling From Ice & Fire – Norse creation myth & sacrifice Yggdrasil & The Nine Worlds – Symbolism & philosophical thinking Meet the Gods, Goddesses & Giants – Character studies & Viking values Valhalla – Beliefs, bravery & diary writing Ragnarök – Endings, hope & original myth writing Curriculum Connections: History – Vikings and Norse beliefs RE – Afterlife, gods, and symbolism English – Myths, character writing, debate PSHE/Philosophy – Courage, grief, values, and endings Geography – Mapping Scandinavia and imagined worlds Designed For: KS2–KS3 (Ages 9–13) SEN-friendly classrooms Humanities, RE, English, or creative curriculum projects In-person, remote, or home education use