Teaching Students About Columbus Day For Kids
As teachers, it is important for us to educate our students about important historical events, even ones with complex and often controversial legacies. Columbus Day is one of those events. Celebrated on the second Monday of October, Columbus Day commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the New World on October 12, 1492. But with Columbus’s arrival came a centuries-long history of colonization, oppression, and violence against indigenous peoples.
So how can we teach our students about Columbus Day in a way that is age-appropriate, respectful, and meaningful? Here are some tips and resources:
1. Start with the facts.
Depending on the age of your students, you may need to provide some basic background information about Columbus, such as where he was from, what he was hoping to discover, and what he actually did when he arrived in the Caribbean. You can use books, videos, or online resources to help with this.
2. Discuss different perspectives.
It’s important to acknowledge that Columbus’s arrival had different impacts on different groups of people. For some Europeans, it was a moment of triumph and exploration. But for indigenous peoples, it marked the beginning of a long and difficult history of displacement, forced labor, violence, and disease. You can help students understand these different perspectives by using primary sources, such as letters and journals written by Columbus and other explorers, as well as accounts from indigenous people.
3. Highlight the contributions of indigenous cultures.
One way to balance out the dominant narrative of Columbus as a hero is to highlight the rich and diverse cultures that already existed in the Americas before his arrival. You can use art, music, stories, and other resources to teach students about indigenous cultures and their contributions to the world.
4. Encourage critical thinking.
As students learn about Columbus Day, encourage them to ask questions and think critically about what they are learning. For example, they might consider whether Columbus’s actions were ethical, whether the holiday should be celebrated, or what the legacy of Columbus Day is today.
5. Provide opportunities for action.
Learning about Columbus Day can inspire students to take action to support indigenous peoples and promote social justice. You can provide opportunities for students to learn more about contemporary issues facing indigenous communities, such as land rights, language preservation, and environmental protection, and encourage them to get involved in advocacy or service projects.
Ultimately, teaching students about Columbus Day requires us to approach the topic with sensitivity, respect, and a commitment to truth and justice. By providing students with a range of perspectives, encouraging critical thinking, and inspiring action, we can help them become informed and engaged citizens who are able to navigate complex historical legacies.