I Sailed With Columbus (Chapter Books)
Chapter Books Series
on Goodreads (17)
What’s inside...
Describes Columbus' first voyage of discovery as seen through the eyes of a twelve-year-old ship's boy.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
136 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Pedro
Christopher Columbus
Discussion points
How do you think Christopher Columbus felt during his voyage? What clues in the text suggest this?
What challenges did Columbus and his crew face, and how did they overcome them?
Can you imagine discovering a new place like Columbus did? What would you do differently if you were in his shoes?
Why do you think the story of Columbus's journey is still important today?
How did the perspectives of different characters in the book change throughout their adventure?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to consider the feelings and motivations of Columbus and other characters.
Discuss the historical context of Columbus's voyage, explaining its significance and consequences.
Use a globe or map to trace Columbus’s route, making the journey more tangible and engaging.
Connect the story to your child’s experiences by discussing a time they tried something challenging and how they felt.
Highlight the importance of perseverance and curiosity as demonstrated through the narrative.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing the unknown
Explanation: The story details the adventurous voyage of Columbus, highlighting the bravery required to explore uncharted territories.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to embrace new experiences and challenges, whether it’s trying a new activity or making new friends.
Example Lesson: Perseverance through difficulties
Explanation: Columbus and his crew face numerous hardships on their journey, teaching the importance of persevering even when conditions are tough.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the value of persistence in completing tasks or overcoming obstacles in school or sports.
Example Lesson: Cultural appreciation and respect
Explanation: As Columbus encounters various cultures, the narrative fosters respect and appreciation for different ways of life.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of respecting diverse cultures and perspectives, which is crucial in our globally connected world.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The crew's success depends on their ability to work cooperatively and solve problems together.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of teamwork in achieving common goals, be it in classroom projects or family activities.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge
Explanation: Columbus’s journey is driven by his quest for knowledge about the world, illustrating the power of curiosity.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions and seek knowledge in all areas of their life, fostering lifelong learning.