TeachersFirst's Resources for Columbus Day

Christopher Columbus: Explorer Grade K to 5 - Enchanted Learning- 7948

This website provides information, reproducible worksheets, maps, diagrams and other educational activities about Christopher Columbus and Columbus Day. Some activities are available for "members only", but most of the learning fun is for everyone.

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Columbus Day History and Information Grade K to 6 - - 7950

Christopher Columbus and Columbus Day are celebrated at this website. The site offers easy to read information plus word puzzles (provided at three difficulty levels). There is also an audio clip.

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European Voyages of Exploration: Christopher Columbus and the Spanish Empire Grade 3 to 8 - University of Calgary- 7949

This website provides information about Christopher Columbus and an interactive map. Flash is required to utilize the interactive map.

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Beacon Learning Center Books On-line Grade 1 to 3 - Beacon Learning Center- 8694

Beacon Learning Center Books On-line offers several books relating to social studies topics such as Franklin Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson, Christopher Columbus, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, the Declaration of Independence and many more historical events. Amid the social studies books is one on simple machines, as well. The on-line books consist of text and pictures. Students read at their own pace by choosing when to go to the next page. Some books have audio, so make sure the speakers are turned on.

In the Classroom: The on-line books would provide wonderful non-fiction literature opportunities for center time or as an activity as part of your presidents unit. Weaker readers or learning support students will benefit from those with audio. The book topics make them great supplements for holidays such as Columbus Day and President's Day. Place the link on your teacher web page and assign the books as homework if your students have Internet access.

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Famous People: Christopher Columbus Grade K to 3 - BBC- 7947

This "kid-friendly" website provides an informative slideshow about Christopher Columbus. They also have a short interactive quiz. This site is very appropriate for young elementary students; it provides information, pictures, vocabulary terms and other educational activities.

In the Classroom: Get an interactive whiteboard and treat your students to this unique slideshow.

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Reader's Theater: Columbus Day Grade 1 to 3 - - 7951

This website provides a simple Reader's Theater script about Columbus Day. There are enough parts in the script to involve all of your students.

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The Journey of Christopher Columbus Grade 5 to 7 - McGraw-Hill- 6196

Follow Christopher Columbus on his 1492 journey to the new world with this informational site that reveals details of his life before the voyage, excerpts from his journals, a timeline, descriptions of the native people he encountered, and his activities after his return. Nice resource for a unit on explorers.

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Christopher Columbus the Genoese Grade 7 to 12 - Texas Council for the Humanities- 6030

This nicely presented online exhibit recreates the life and world of Christopher Columbus. Students can peruse a collection of archival documents, paintings, maps, and images that contrast ancient and contemporary Genoa. After touring the exhibit, students can test their knowledge with a challenging, interactive crossword puzzle. Includes a Columbian chronology and helpful Teacher's Guide. Aligned to standards.

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Columbus Day Grade K to 8 - Kaboose- 7946

This all-encompassing website truly has something for every classroom! There are coloring pages, interactive maps, historical information, book lists, information about "the controversy of Columbus", recipes, crafts, higher-level thinking questions, word puzzles, clip art, e-cards and more.

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Freida J. Riley Teacher Award Grade K to 12 - Christopher Columbus Flwshp Fdn/ YMCA of Harrison Cty, WV- 8908

Nominate a teacher you know for a $10,000 teacher ward. This annual award honors an American teacher who works with a physical disability, teachers in an especially challenging educational environment, or has performed a heroic act by making an exceptional, personal, or physical sacrifice on behalf of students. The namesake for the award was the teacher portrayed in the film October Sky, based on the novel Rocket Boys. Read the full story and criteria at the contest site. The deadline for 2008 nominations is Feb 4, 2008.

In the Classroom: Stop to think about your teaching colleagues. No one knows the challenges of teaching better than a fellow teacher. We all know amazing teachers. Why not paused to give credit to an outstanding colleague?

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An A-Maize-ing Plant– Corn Grade 2 to 6 - Cheryl McGinness- 7017

This simple WebQuest introduces students to the various uses of corn. The task involves "teaching" Christopher Columbus (who has arrived via time capsule) about the many uses of corn. Students are asked to create an oral presentation to share with the class. A detailed rubric is provided.

In the Classroom: It might be good to review this WebQuest as a class and then send students to a few specific sites to gather their research. There are numerous links provided. Great information, but younger students will need assistance navigating this site.

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