​rethink.

Lesson Overview:

 

By the time our students reach third grade, they have already probably learned some about Christopher Columbus. It is likely that what they learned in their younger years portrayed Columbus as a great hero. Unfortunately, we know that that this may not be the truth. In this lesson, students will be given a new perspective by reading two picture books, Encounter by Jane Yolen and Follow the Dream by Peter Sis. Follow the Dream is probably the story that students have already heard, while Encounter is from the perspective of a Taino child.

 

 

Preparation:

 

-Both picture books: http://www.amazon.com/Encounter-Voyager-books-Jane-Yolen/dp/015201389X, http://www.amazon.com/Follow-Dream-Story-Christopher-Columbus/dp/0679806288

- The teacher should have some prior knowledge of Christopher Columbus and his relations with the Taino people.

- Butcher paper and a marker for KWL chart.

 

 

Instruction:

 

1. Students will gather on the carpet in front of the teacher with the butcher paper set up.

2. The teacher will introduce the idea of Christopher Columbus and  will ask the students what they know about Columbus to fill in the “K” part of the chart.

3. The teacher will ask the students what they would like to learn about Columbus to find out the “W” column.

4. Leaving the “L” part  empty, the teacher will first read the Follow the Dream.

5. After finish the book, the teacher will open up discussion of the book. Is this the same or different than what they have learned before? How did the author portray Columbus? How do you feel about Columbus after hearing the book?

6. Next, the teacher will read Encounter.

7. Once again, the teacher will open up discussion to the students. How has this author portrayed Columbus? How is this different than the other book? How do you feel about Columbus after hearing this book?

8. Lastly, the class will fill out the “L” part of the chart. How is this different than what we put in the “K” part? Were all of our questions in the “W” part answered?

 

Standards:

8.4.3.D: Identify conflict and cooperation among groups and organizations from around the world.

1.6.3.A: Listen critically and respond to others in small and large group situations.

• Respond with grade level appropriate questions, ideas, information, or opinions.

R3.A.1.3.1: Make inferences and/or draw conclusions based on information from the text.

R3.A.2.6.1: Identify the author’s intended purpose of text.