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There is much more to explore in our calendar. Find other important events in literary history, authors' birthdays, and a variety of holidays, each with related lessons and resources.
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Home › Classroom Resources › Calendar Activities
October 08
Columbus Day is recognized today.
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| Grades | 3 – 8 |
| Calendar Activity Type | Holiday & School Celebration |
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On this date we celebrate Columbus's landfall in the New World of the Americas in 1492. Just over two months after they set sail, the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria reached San Salvador, rather than their original destination of Cathay (China).
Columbus's Book of Privileges is one of the "Top Treasures" featured in the American Treasures of the Library of Congress. The book outlines the rewards and privileges with which Isabel and Fernando of Spain rewarded Columbus as a result of his exploration of the Americas.
Have your students create a class or individual "Book of Privileges." Begin by brainstorming accomplishments that your students have achieved and match those accomplishments with the related rewards. Like Columbus's Book of Privileges, your students' books can capture both what students have accomplished and the rewards or privileges they have received as a result of their work.
- The Columbus Navigation Homepage
This site provides articles on the history of Columbus and his voyages, how he navigated, his ships and crew, his interaction with Native Americans, and more. Images and maps are included, as well as links to further information about Columbus.
- BBC: Famous People
Designed for 5- to 7-year-olds, this BBC Schools website features 10 famous people-including Christopher Columbus. Click on the link for Teachers to access related lesson plans and printable worksheets. The site includes a Flash and non-Flash version.
- AIM Opposes Columbus Day
This essay from the American Indian Movement details why they feel that Columbus Day should not be celebrated. Compare this perspective to that espoused in the article Columbus Day: A Time to Celebrate.
Grades 9 – 12 | Lesson Plan | Standard Lesson
Discovering Poetic Form and Structure Using Concrete Poems
This lesson uses concrete poems to explore the connection between a poem's layout and its meaning. While appropriate any time of year, the lesson is especially topical near Columbus Day.
Grades 3 – 5 | Lesson Plan | Standard Lesson
A Genre Study of Letters With The Jolly Postman
Students read The Jolly Postman, in which a postman delivers letters to storybook characters. They explore different types of mail and categorize letters from the book and their own mail.
Grades 3 – 5 | Lesson Plan | Standard Lesson
Cyberspace Explorer: Getting to Know Christopher Columbus
Students explore multiple online sources to gather information about the life of Christopher Columbus, complete a cyber scavenger hunt, and use their notes to prepare a timeline and summary report.
