The change of season from summer to fall typically accompanies back-to-school preparation, the return to regular Son of Norway meetings, and a new concert and theater calendar. While some of these activities are currently on hold, or have moved online, lodge members can still learn and share new skills from home. Here are some ideas to share with your lodge. Plan an interactive virtual event, or encourage people to try these out on their own.
- Find out about the history of the Norwegian language.
- Learn all the words to the Norwegian birthday song “Hurra for deg”—and learn the dance that goes with it!
- Practice some fun idiomatic expressions with pop star Sigrid.
- Find out about a few deep-seated cultural phenomena: Janteloven, fresh air and kos.
- Try out some common Norwegian phrases.
- Do you understand some Norwegian already? Strengthen your listening skills by reading along with a native speaker.
- Knit along with videos from Arne and Carlos, or learn the rudiments of Hardanger embroidery.
- Try out a tradition recipe, such as lefse or fårikål, or make “Norwegian tacos” with Andreas Viestad.
- Try your hand at woodcarving a figure.
- If you’re an absolute beginner at carving, here are some tips on how to get started on carving with the simplest tools and a few basic cuts to get you going.
- Watch a video on sailing the North Sea and try your hand at these 5 essential sailor knots.
- While thinking of sailing, take a crash course on Viking history.
- Interested in learning to weave? Watch an Iron Age tablet weaver and then give it a try yourself.
- Delve into a deeply cultural reading experience by reading Scandinavian fiction or Scandi Noir.
Some activities for kids:
- Get to know Norwegian literature through books by Norwegian authors.
- Enlist your family members to do the Nisse Polka with you.
- Learn a few Norwegian words with DinoLingo.
- Sing along with this catchy song on the regions of Norway.
Did these activities motivate lodge members to learn more? Encourage them to keep the learning going by earning pins through the Sons of Norway Cultural Skills Program.