Columbus Day is a great opportunity to teach young children about history, exploration, and the spirit of discovery. While the story of Christopher Columbus can be complex, you can create age-appropriate activities that focus on the basics of exploration, boats, and even the idea of travel.
Columbus Day Activities for Kids
Here are some fun and educational Columbus Day activities that are perfect for preschoolers and kindergartners.
Create a Simple “Explorer’s Map”
Preschoolers love to use their imagination! Creating a basic map will make them feel like little explorers. Start by showing children a map of the world and explaining how Christopher Columbus used maps to find new places.
Then, provide a blank sheet of paper and some colored pencils or markers. Let the kids create their own “explorer’s maps,” which might include an “X” to mark hidden treasure, mountains, and oceans. For a twist, hide a small object (like a toy or sticker) in the room and let them “explore” to find it using their maps.
Build a Paper Plate Ship
We love paper plate activities! One of the best-known parts of Columbus’s story is his voyage on the ships Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria. Bring this to life by creating a simple ship craft using paper plates. Cut a paper plate in half and let the children paint or color it brown to resemble the hull of a ship.
Then, attach a craft stick for the mast and add a small sail cut out of construction paper. Have the children add their names or initials to the sail, making it their very own ship. As a finishing touch, let them glue blue tissue paper around the ship to represent the ocean waves.
Columbus Day Storytime and Songs
Reading is a wonderful way to introduce young children to the idea of Columbus and his travels. Find a simple picture book about Columbus’s journey, like In 1492 by Jean Marzollo, which uses rhyme and engaging illustrations to tell the tale.
After storytime, incorporate some themed songs like “Sail, Sail, Sail Your Ship” (a spin-off of “Row, Row, Row Your Boat”). This interactive activity helps reinforce the idea of Columbus’s journey while keeping little ones engaged.
Sensory Bin with “Treasure”
Create a sensory bin filled with sand, seashells, and hidden “treasures” like plastic gold coins or small gemstones. Sensory bins are fantastic for younger kids because they provide a hands-on experience and stimulate their senses.
As they dig through the sand and find different objects, you can explain how explorers like Columbus were searching for new and exciting things when they traveled. This activity also helps develop fine motor skills.
Make a “Sailor’s Snack”
For a fun twist on snack time, create a “sailor’s snack” with easy-to-find ingredients. Use apple slices as the base of a boat, add a cheese triangle on top for the sail, and stick a pretzel rod in between to act as the mast.
This creative snack is not only delicious but also visually represents the ships Columbus sailed on, making it a great way to reinforce the theme.
“Exploring” Outdoor Play
Take the exploration theme outside! Set up a simple obstacle course or scavenger hunt in the yard, encouraging kids to be “explorers” like Columbus.
Give them a list of items to find (such as leaves, rocks, or acorns), and reward them with a small prize when they complete the activity. This gives young children a chance to be active while thinking about what it means to be an explorer.
Learn More Outdoor Activities for Kids
Columbus Day Coloring Pages
Finally, have some Columbus Day-themed coloring pages on hand. You can find free printables online featuring simple pictures of Columbus’s ships, maps, or scenes of exploration. Coloring is a great quiet-time activity and helps reinforce what they’ve learned in a relaxed way.
These simple activities provide a fun and engaging way to celebrate Columbus Day with preschoolers and kindergartners. Through crafts, snacks, and hands-on exploration, young children can begin to understand the idea of exploration and discovery while building foundational skills and enjoying the holiday spirit.
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Childrens’ Books for Columbus Day
Here are some great children’s books that can help introduce the story of Christopher Columbus to young learners in an age-appropriate and engaging way. These books offer various perspectives and simplify historical facts to make them accessible for preschoolers and early elementary children.
1. “In 1492” by Jean Marzollo
This book is a rhyming picture book that tells the story of Columbus’s journey in a simple, sing-song way that young children can enjoy. The illustrations are colorful and engaging, making it a great read for preschoolers and kindergartners.
2. “Follow the Dream: The Story of Christopher Columbus” by Peter Sis
This beautifully illustrated book presents Columbus’s story as a dreamer and explorer, with a focus on his determination to reach the Indies. It is visually stunning and filled with historical details that are presented in a way children can understand.
3. “Christopher Columbus” by Demi
A richly illustrated biography that delves into Columbus’s life and journeys. While best suited for older children, the artwork and simple narrative can captivate even younger readers, making it a great choice for reading aloud.
4. “A Picture Book of Christopher Columbus” by David A. Adler
This book is part of a well-known series of picture book biographies that provides young readers with a straightforward yet detailed account of Columbus’s life and voyages. It’s a great resource for teaching children about Columbus Day in a factual yet simple way.
5. “Encounter” by Jane Yolen
Offering a different perspective, this book tells the story of Columbus’s arrival through the eyes of a young Taino boy. It provides an important counter-narrative, helping young readers understand the complexities of exploration and its impact on native populations.
6. “Christopher Columbus: My First Biography” by Marion Dane Bauer
This is a simple, beginner-friendly biography perfect for preschoolers and kindergartners. The language is accessible, and the illustrations are bright and colorful, making it a great introduction to Columbus’s story.
7. “You Wouldn’t Want to Sail with Christopher Columbus!” by Fiona Macdonald
Part of a humorous, historical series, this book uses a lighthearted tone to highlight the challenges and realities of being part of Columbus’s crew. The book combines fun illustrations with factual information, making it enjoyable for kids who like humor with their history.
8. “Where Do You Think You’re Going, Christopher Columbus?” by Jean Fritz
This classic children’s book provides a fun and detailed look at Columbus’s life and voyages. Jean Fritz has a way of making history lively and relatable, perfect for curious readers in early elementary grades.
9. “The Discovery of the Americas” by Betsy Maestro
This beautifully illustrated book goes beyond Columbus and explores the broader story of exploration in the Americas, providing context and a broader understanding of the age of exploration. It’s a bit more detailed, making it better suited for older kindergartners and early elementary students.
10. “Who Was Christopher Columbus?” by Bonnie Bader
This book, part of the popular “Who Was?” series, is designed for slightly older children but can be a great resource for kindergartners who are ready for more detailed information. It offers a biography-style approach and discusses Columbus’s impact on history in an easy-to-understand format.
Using these books can help children grasp the basics of Columbus’s story while providing room for discussions on exploration, travel, and history. Depending on your goals, you can choose from simple picture books or go for options that offer multiple viewpoints and deeper context.