Christopher Columbus

Today we reviewed what we learned about Columbus. In kindergarten we stick to the idea that he was an explorer and "discovered" a new world. We let the children know that it was a new land to him but Native Americans lived on the land. We say he discovered America but he really took the land from the Native Americans. I also tell them that as they get older they will learn more about Columbus and they can decide if he was nice or not. We read a short book and sang a song about his voyage. The children enjoyed painting the ocean blue and coloring the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria. I was impressed at their stamina and desire to put such a great deal of effort into their ships. I tried to keep it simple and said Columbus' ships were pretty plain and they could leave the sails white. However, they decided to strengthen their finger muscles a little more than anticipated!  Way to go kindergarten!! 

Love the concentration!  

Puzzles - always a favorite activity 

Sequencing numbers and matching quantities.