Christopher Columbus (Rookie Biographies)
Rookie Biographies Series
on Goodreads (19)
What’s inside...
Christopher Columbus was looking for a faster trade route to China. Instead of finding spices, he opened the way to a part of the world no one in Europe even knew existed! Fact-filled Rookie Read-About Biographies introduce the youngest readers to influential women and men, both past and present. Colorful photos and age appropriate text encourage children to read on their own-as they learn about people like Serena Williams, Neil Armstrong, Rosa Parks, Anne Frank and many more.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Christopher Columbus
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Christopher Columbus to explore new lands?
How do you think the people in the places Columbus discovered felt when they met him?
What would you have done differently if you were in Columbus' shoes during his voyages?
What are some positive and negative effects of Columbus' journeys that we can see in today’s world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the perspectives of both Columbus and the indigenous people.
Discuss the concept of exploration and what it means to discover new things, relating it to everyday situations like trying out a new hobby or making a new friend.
Use a globe or map to trace Columbus’ journey, making it a visual and interactive discussion.
Highlight the importance of learning from history, discussing what lessons can be taken from Columbus' expeditions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance leads to discovery
Explanation: Christopher Columbus's journey across the Atlantic showcases his determination despite many challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persisting through difficulties to achieve their goals, whether in school projects or personal endeavors.
Example Lesson: Importance of curiosity and inquiry
Explanation: Columbus's quest to explore unknown territories highlights the impact of curiosity and asking questions.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore new subjects and ask questions about the world around them, fostering a lifelong love of learning.
Example Lesson: Understanding diverse cultures
Explanation: The interaction between Columbus and the indigenous peoples he encountered emphasizes the importance of learning about and respecting different cultures.
Real-World Application: Helps children appreciate cultural diversity and promotes empathy towards others from different backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Navigating through uncertainty
Explanation: Columbus's navigation challenges during his voyages teach problem-solving and adapting to new situations.
Real-World Application: Equips children with the ability to think critically and adapt when faced with the unknown, such as moving to a new city or starting a new school.