Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day…

With Columbus Day coming-up, I thought I’d quickly put together a “The Best…” list of the resources I’ve used to help my English Language Learner students learn about Christopher Columbus.

Unfortunately, most sites about Columbus that are designed for student self-access pretty much relate the typical story that most of us have learned in school — they certainly don’t encourage any critical thinking by bringing in perspectives held by many Native Americans that aren’t quite as laudatory. So, in addition to including those accessible online sites, I’ll also be sharing some online resources that I’ve used to bring in alternative perspectives to the classroom.

In addition to using the sites listed in this blog post, you might also want to visit my United States History Class blog where I have a series of Columbus activities for my students (that include some of the links listed below).

Here are my picks for The Best Online Resources About Christopher Columbus (not in order of preference):

Brainpop Jr. has a very accessible animated film on Columbus Day. It’s free and doesn’t require registration.

The BBC has a narrated animated biography of Columbus on its “Famous People” site. Just click on Columbus.

The History Channel has a series of video excerpts from its programs on Columbus, including historical re-creations.

Here are some resources I’ve used to raise questions about the typical portrayal of Columbus and provoke critical thinking and discussion:

CNN has an article titled Columbus Day Holiday Arrives On Stormy Historical Waters.

The Wikipedia entry on Columbus Day shares different perspectives in the section Opposition To Columbus Day.

This is a simple lesson plan developed by an elementary school teacher called Columbus Day (Native American Perspective).

(I’m adding EL Civics’ new Columbus Day Lesson to The Best Online Resources About Christopher Columbus.  Not only is it accessible to English Language Learners, it at least touches upon his negative impact on Native Americans, a topic that is pretty much ignored by most of the other online resources on that list.)

I just learned about another excellent site with information about Columbus, and I’m adding it to The Best Online Resources About Christopher Columbus. It’s from ESL teacher Carol Martin, and it’s called Columbus Day. It has a nice collection of different online activities.

Here’s a short accessible reading on Columbus Day along with comprehension questions.

There is a new Brainpop movie on Columbus. Brainpop is available by subscription only (and it’s worth the price), but you can also get a free trial.

You can also find these links on my website under Early Settlers Of America.

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