Lesson: Columbus Day
Published on September 29, 2025
Columbus Day
CELEBRATE
📝 Overview
This lesson plan (LP) introduces students to the history and celebration of Columbus Day, encourages connections to important cultural figures, inspires exploration of new places, and culminates in a collaborative diary entry about an imaginary voyage. Students explore four essential questions:
- What is Columbus Day?
- Why do we celebrate Columbus Day?
- How can we honor influential historical figures, like Christopher Columbus?
- How can we document our experiences through artifacts?
🎯 Student Goals
As a result of this lesson, students will be able to:
- practice reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills
- strengthen collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking skills on the topic of exploration
- learn about Christopher Columbus and Columbus Day holiday tradition in the context of U.S. culture
- make connections between their local or regional culture and how Columbus has been honored in the United States
📖 Key Vocabulary
Below, you can find key vocabulary related to Columbus Day. You will find a glossary of definitions on pages 3 and 4 of the downloadable lesson plan.
- artifacts
- exhibits
- exploration
- explore
- explorer
- honor
- parade
- statue
- voyage
