1. recognize the explorations of Columbus.

2. recognize the encounter between Columbus, his men, and the Arawak Taino Indians.

3. compare the reactions of Columbus and the Arawak Taino Indians to the encounter.

1. Read the book In 1492 , by Jean Marzallo. Have the children discuss the book. Include in the retelling discussion of Columbus's voyage, form of travel, length of trip, and life on the ship. Then discuss where Columbus ended up and where he thought he was. Use a large world map to show the starting point of the voyage, where Columbus planned to go, and where he ended up.

2. Continue discussion by having the children describe the islands on which Columbus landed. Explain that the Arawak Taino Indians had lived there for a long time. Columbus was the first European to come in contact with these people, but he did not discover the land or the people. Other reference books with colorful illustrations could be used to provide information and stimulate discussion, such as Encounter , by Jane Yolan or Follow the Dream , by Peter Sis.

3. Discuss the concept that this story can be told in two ways. One way would be the story based on the feelings of Columbus and his men as they landed and the other would be based on the feelings of the Arawak Taino Indians as Columbus and his men arrived on their island.

4. Create a two-sided accordion book with the children expressing the points of view of the Arawak Taino Indians on one side, and Columbus and his men on the other.

1. Discuss the need to make maps when exploring new places. Have the children make a map of the room. Questions to ask should include:

• What things should the map have on it?
  
• What parts of the room have you explored?
  
• What parts of the room do you still have to explore?
  

Remember how you explored the kindergarten room when you come for your visit at the start of the year.

2. Explorer's Ship: Review how Columbus lived long ago and in those days people traveled by sail boat. Use pictures and/or posters of Columbus's ship. Have children create their own explorer's ship. The boats can be made using styrofoam meat trays and ice cream sticks fastened with Plastocene for masts. Provide fabric and paper scraps, foil, and other recycled odds and ends to make their sails and decorate their ship.

This could be tied into a science-water theme (floating and sinking, how boats move across water).

Marzallo, Jean. In 1492 . (New York: Scholastic, Inc., 1991) (ISBN 0590444131).

Sis, Peter. Follow the Dream: The Story of Christopher Columbus . (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1991) (ISBN 0679806288)

Yolan, Jane. Encounter . (New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1992) (ISBN 0152259627).