Discovering Columbus Day and Dia de la Raza

Explore Library & Online Material 

Featuring Christopher Columbus

Evelyn Smith

M.S. in Library Science, University of North Texas, 2012

Beginning Reader Books Available from the Waco-McLennan County Public Library*

 

Librarians and teachers can select from picture books written in both English and Spanish. Some of these books have both Spanish and English editions.

In English:

Adler, David A. (1991). A Picture Book of Christopher Columbus.   New York: Holiday House.

The English version of the Spanish text, Adler gives all the traditional details that young readers will need to know about Columbus Day.

Ganeri, Anita. (2001). The Story of Columbus.  New York: Dorling Kindersley Publishing.

Beautifully illustrated book that is 70 percent pictures and 30 percent text targets readers on the second grade level.

McCormick, Lisa Wade. Christopher Columbus. (2005). Danbury, Connecticut: Children's Press.

Kindergarteners will listen attentively to the story while first and second graders will be able to read a text that directly matches photographs to the story.

Osborne, Mary Pope. (1997). The Story of Christopher Columbus: Admiral of the Open Sea.  New York: Gareth Stevens Publishing.

Another non-fiction book by a very prolific children’s author, this book tells young readers about the explorer.

Stein, R. Conrad. (1992). The Story of Christopher Columbus. Danbury, Connecticut: Childrens Press.

Now out of print, Stein’s book tells beginning readers about the voyages of Columbus and their aftermath.

Twist, Clint. (1994).Christopher Columbus: Discovery of the Americas. Austin, Texas: Raintree Steck-Vaughn.

Twist delves into the back story and the historical significance of Christopher Columbus’ voyages.

Wade, Mary Dodson. (2003). Christopher Columbus.  Danbury, Connecticut: Children's Press.

A good vocabulary builder, this picture book illustrates words with pictures.

 In Spanish:

Adler, David. A. (1992). Un libro illustrado sobre Christobal Colon. Translated by Teresa Mlawler. Topeka, Kansas: Sagebrush Education Sources.

This Euro-centric but informative illustrated book fits in with most kindergarten and first-grade curriculums.

Lilly, Melinda. (2006). El viaje de Colón = The Journey of Columbus. Vero Beach, Florida: Rourke Publishing.

Lilly tells about Spanish-language version of the journey of Columbus.

*Remember that McGinley Memorial Library patrons have access to Waco-McLennan Public Library owned-books free-of-charge should they request them.

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Translations of Primary Sources

Middle- and high-school students can actually access translations of Columbus' letter to the King and Queen of Spain as well as extracts from his journal:

Columbus’ letter to the King and Queen of Spain. (abt. 1494). (1996). Medieval Sourcebook.  Fordham University. Retrieved from http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/columbus2.asp

Christopher Columbus: Extracts from journal.   (1996).  Medieval Sourcebook:   Fordham University.  Retrieved from http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/columbus1.asp

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Resources for Teachers, Librarians, & Parents

For the most part, resources attempt to give a balanced view of Columbus' part in the conquest of the New World.

Christopher Columbus. (2013).  Academic Kids. Retrieved from http://academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Christopher_Columbus

Instructors in the older elementary grades will appreciate this detailed and balanced encyclopedia article on Columbus that also contains clip art images and links to additional sources.  

Christopher Columbus: Explorer. (2010).  Enchanted Learning.  Retrieved from http://www.surfnetkids.com/cgi-local/go.cgi?http://www.enchantedlearning.com/explorers/page/c/columbus.shtml

In addition to the summary of Columbus’ life, Web page includes printable maps and Columbus Day-themed spelling questions.

Feldman, Barbara J. (2012). Christopher Columbus. Surfnetkids.  Retrieved from http://www.surfnetkids.com/christopher_columbus.htm

Feldman critiques a selected group of Columbus Websites.  This reviewer certainly agrees that the BBC Website is the best pick for younger elementary school students. 

Finley, Irene. (2013). Facts about Christopher Columbus for kids.  eHow Mom.  Demand Media, Inc. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/list_7765204_christopher-columbus-kids.html

Finley summarizes everything elementary-age children need to know about Columbus beyond the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria, including how Columbus treated Native Americans.  The Website also offers an impressive list of additional links of Columbus references and resources.

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Videos

A wide variety of videos present both traditional and post-modern views of the explorer's voyages:

Christopher Columbus. Bios.  Biography.com.  Retrieved from http://www.biography.com/people/christopher-columbus-9254209/videos

Biography.com furnishes a large selection of videos on Christopher Columbus.

 Christopher Columbus. (2013).  Biography Channel. (3:16). Retrieved from http://www.biography.com/people/christopher-columbus-9254209.

Historical prints and paintings highlight an historically accurate view of Columbus’ journeys.

History: Christopher Columbus.  National Geographic Kids. (3:07).  Retrieved from http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/kids/history-kids/christopher-columbus-kids/

Excellent introductory video for the start of class, this video gives a balanced view of Columbus’ discovery.

History Channel documentary about Columbus. Part 1. (13.24) (2012, March 16). YouTube. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hBJHg_DzFM

History Channel documentary about Columbus. Part 2. (13.22) (2012, March 16). YouTube. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QazxCC2Jvw

History Channel documentary about Columbus. Part 3.   (13.26) (2012, March 16). YouTube. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PD2xnGe9KNE

History Channel documentary about Columbus. Part 4.   (13.23) (2012, March 16). YouTube. Retrieved http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpBw6i8O0VI

History Channel documentary about Columbus. Part 5.   (13.23) (2012, March 16). YouTube. Retrieved from  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKI8NQL_iAs

History Channel documentary about Columbus. Part 6.   (13.23) (2012, March 16). YouTube. Retrieved from  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pw3ouhyADok

History Channel documentary about Columbus. Part 7.   (11.12) (2012, March 16). YouTube. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBdxZuxUADY

Seven-part series summarizes the ecosystems and civilization in both Europe and America before and after Columbus.  Part 4 begins to detail the conquistadors’ conquest of the Americas.

Historia del 12 de Octubre de 1492.  (3.14) (2009, October 1). Videosvenezuelatuya. YouTube. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41LQ7yCQAF4

Post-modern Hispanic video on La Dia de la Raza.

Leif Ericksson vs. Christopher Columbus.   (2.18). History.  Retrieved from http://www.history.com/videos/leif-erickson-vs-christopher-columbus

Viking sagas suggest that Leif Ericksson sailed from Greenland to Newfoundland several centuries before Columbus reached the New World. 

Niles, Randall. (2010).  Christopher Columbus.  Drive Thru Hustory. Coldwater Media. (3:47).  Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGbfLP7TD8o

Niles gives a 21st-century interpretation of Columbus’ audience with Queen Isabella.

The real story of Columbus. History. (3.34).  Retrieved from http://www.history.com/topics/columbus-day/videos#christopher-columbus-bon-voyage

Columbus wanted to plot a western route to the spice routes of Asia, for educated Europeans already knew the earth was round.

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Summaries

 

This bibliography supplies teachers with lots of background information that goes beyond the textbook.

Columbus, Christopher. (2013). Britannica Junior Encyclopedia. Retrieved from http://kids.britannica.com/elementary/article-9352985/Christopher-Columbus

Look to see if a local library allows card-carrying patrons to access this link through an Online catalog. This feature allows you to export a Britannica citation in the RIS format used by many citation management software programs.

Christopher Columbus biography for kids. (2013).  Mr. Nussbaum.  Retrieved from http://mrnussbaum.com/columbus/

Site include links to explorer route maps, a National Geographic video on Columbus (3:07), and interactive explorer games and activities, including those that allow students to make their own Old World Maps.

Christopher Columbus.  Primary History—Famous People.  BBC. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryhistory/famouspeople/christopher_columbus/

Six-section summary tells about Columbus’ voyages as highlighted vocabulary words emphasize portions of the text.  Activities include a test on the content of the summary and a video game.  This site also links the viewer to other BBC sites on Columbus.

Christopher Columbus timeline. (n. d.). Dates and Events.  Retrieved from http://www.datesandevents.org/people-timelines/15-christopher-columbus-timeline.htm

Site presents a timeline of Christopher Columbus’ life.

Columbus Day. (n. d.). Sunniebunniezz.com. Retrieved from http://sunniebunniezz.com/holiday/columbus.htm

Three different levels of crossword puzzles and word searches follow a summary of Columbus’ voyages.

Dia de la Raza—Hispanic Day. (2013).  Don Quijote. Retrieved from http://www.donquijote.org/culture/spain/society/holidays/hispanidad.asp

This Web page, which translates into both English and Spanish, tells about how a celebration of Christopher Columbus has turned into a blending of two cultures in Latin America.   It is also a national holiday in Spain.

Explorers for Kids: Christopher Columbus. Ducksters. Technological Solutions, Inc. (TSI). Retrieved from http://www.ducksters.com/biography/explorers/christopher_columbus.php

Summary of Columbus’ voyages includes a copy and paste picture of Columbus and his voyages.

Hamre, Bonnie.  Dia de la Raza.  (2013). South American Travel. About.com.  Retrieved from  http://gosouthamerica.about.com/cs/southamerica/a/CulDiaRaza.htm

The Mexican and Latin American name for Columbus Day is Dia de la Raza; however, the story, whether told in Spanish or English, is the same.

Parker, Melly.  (2013).  How to celebrate Dia de la Raza.  eHow.  Demand Media, Inc. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/how_8333062_celebrate-dia-de-la-raza.html

Parker suggests ways to celebrate this holiday with foods and family history.

Voight, Heather. (2011, October 10).  The childhood of Christopher Columbus. History 4 Kids. Retrieved from http://www.history4kids.info/blog/2011/10/the-childhood-of-christopher-columbus.html

Voight’s blog presents the few known facts about the explorer’s childhood rather than speculating about his youth.

Welcome to 1492: An Ongoing Voyage. (n. d.).  Library of Congress. Retrieved from http://www.ibiblio.org/expo/1492.exhibit/Intro.html

Library of Congress Website breaks down Columbus’ story into six parts, giving readers and preview of the European world view that accompanied his voyage as well as the aftermath of the journey. 

Columbus Day Songs

   

These songs might inspire users to compose new Columbus Day songs:

Healy, Monique. (n.d.).  In 1492, Christopher Columbus song. YouTube. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJhLtOu0M9s

This song expands the familiar rhyme, "In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue."

Music & songs: Holidays > Columbus Day.  (2013).  Preschool Education. Retrieved from http://www.preschooleducation.com/scolumbus.shtml

A class need only to learn new words to the "Mary Had a Little Lamb" melody.
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Lesson Plans from the Web

Teachers can incorporate some of the plans from these lesson plans into their own presentations.

Columbus Day lessons and teacher sources. (2013).  Hot Chalk Lesson Plans.  Retrieved from http://lessonplanspage.com/columbusday-htm/

This lesson plan for second and three grade centers around a Columbus Day song.

Lesson plans. Geography.  Explorers.  Christopher Columbus. (2013).  Lessoncorner.com.  Retrieved from http://www.lessoncorner.com/Geography/Explorers/Christopher_Columbus

Site provides rated links to lesson plans on Columbus.

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Upper-Elementary & Middle School Lesson Plans

 

• Use these lesson ideas to ignite student creativity.

• Prepare a Facebook page for Christopher Columbus.

• Write an acrostic poem using the letters of Christopher Columbus’ name.

• Plot a map of Columbus’ journey using the Medeval Sourcebook: Christopher Columbus: Extracts journal link, http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/columbus1.asp

• After researching Columbus’ life (and perhaps looking at the answers), a group may present to the class their version of the Columbus Trivia Quiz. (2013).  About.com. http://puzzles.about.com/od/testyouriq/qt/ColumbusQuiz.htm

 

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 Would You Like to Learn Another Language?

Waco-McLennan County Public Library card holders may also access PowerSpeak, a program that tutors speakers in Spanish, French, German, Mandarin Chinese, and English for ESL speakers. 

  

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Addendum

October 12, 2015

Admittedly, those arguing for an Indigenous People's Day should come up with some balanced historical sources, presenting a viewpoint that goes beyond calling for a politically-correct name change, which is simply cosmetic, or presenting a litany of abuses, which doesn't change the past.

However, since the Americas have been invaded and occupied for over 500 years, perhaps calling the holiday the Day of the Race, or Dia del Raza, is the right path to take.  After all, both North and South America are a fabulous mix of racial and cultural diversity that everyone should celebrate!  Please also remember that American native cultures were just as diverse before Columbus sailed into the Western Hemisphere, so lumping all Native Americans into one group is about as useful as thinking that all Asian or European cultures are alike.  They weren't 500 years ago, and they still aren't. 

Moreover, simply labeling something or someone differently doesn't change history: Unfortunately, history is the story of war and conquest whether Julius Caesar, Genghis Khan, or the U. S. Calvary during the Plains Indian Wars of the mid-19th century is leading the charge.  

The task of educators is to teach the history of the past in all its infamy and glory rather than simply shaming those who use the politically incorrect name for a holiday or an ethnic or religious group or a sexual orientation or ensuring that everyone has a Kumbaya--feel good moment of self-righteous reflection that they are now enlightened.  Moreover, completely erasing how historians viewed a topic in the past is a form of censorship.  Human nature hasn't changed from the beginning of time, nor will it.   Ultimately, that means looking at each person as an individual rather than placing him or her in a group.  .

Feliz Dia del Raza, 2015!
Evelyn Smith 
                     

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History Research Tips

McGregor parents and teachers using a Waco-McLennan County Library card can also link to subscription databases like ERIC and Teacher Reference Center while preschool, kindergarten and elementary school  students might enjoy visiting Kids' Search Interface and Primary Search.  Additional subscription databases dealing with history include the Lincoln Library of Information and Salem Press History.

Remember that almost all university and college instructors and most high school teachers won't accept Wikipedia as a source because a final editor does not verify the material submitted, so students may need to turn to a subscription database to further research their papers.

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Grammar, Rhetoric, & Composition Help

Turn to the Purdue Online Writing Lab: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/

In addition to helping students free-of-charge with their writing, the OWL provides free help for ESL learners.  

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For Free Online Homework Help

 

Infoplease's Homework Center.:(2014). Retrieved from http://www.infoplease.com/homework/