Columbus Day with kids!

Columbus Day honors the explorer Christopher Columbus, who first landed in the New World on October 12, 1492. While Columbus's nationality has never been positively identified, many believe he was of Italian descent, and throughout the nineteenth century, Italian-Americans held celebrations in cities across the United States to honor his memory. In 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed October 12 Columbus Day. President Richard Nixon later declared Columbus Day a national holiday to be observed the second Monday of each October. 

The Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria, the three ships Christopher Columbus famously brought to the Americas from Spain, are integral parts of Columbus history. Use this aspect of the holiday to enjoy a family outing and learn at the same time. Visit a local ship museum, take a ferry ride or tour a local naval base. Children can learn about ship structure and travel capabilities and compare this information to the types of ships Columbus sailed to the "new world," helping to foster better understanding of the journey for the entire family.

To make these adorable ships from egg cartons click HERE for the step by step by Kaboose

To make this milk carton ship click HERE for step by step directions from DLTK

Here is a Christopher Columbus Skit you can act out.  By clicking on each scene it will bring you to the website that has the words.  (by Augusta Stevenson and found at apples4theteacher)

Chrisopher Columbus

by Augusta Stevenson

SCENE I

SCENE 2

SCENE 3

Read this FREE online Chapter Book called "The True Story of Christopher Columbus" by Elbridge S. Brooks is brought to you from Apples4theTeacher.com.  You can find the online book HERE


Suggested Reading:


 If You Were There in 1492: Everyday Life in the Time of Columbus, by Barbara Brenner (ages 4-8)











Christopher Columbus (Step-Into-Reading, Step 3), by Stephen Krensky (ages 6-8)












You Wouldn't Want to Sail With Christopher Columbus!: Uncharted Waters You'd Rather Not Cross (You Wouldn't Want to...), by Fiona MacDonald, David Antram, David Salariya (ages 9-12)











 Schoolhouse Rock, "America Rocks" DVD