Columbus Day

This past Monday, October 2nd was a national holiday in the United States - in celebration of the anniversary of Christopher Columbus' arrival to the "New World" or Americas in 1942. Many students are not actually aware of what the holiday celebrates, so being a History teacher, why not relate the day our country celebrates... to school?

7th grade students were assigned to draw a picture of what they thought Columbus Day celebrated. They each had to explain their drawing to the class, and why they drew what they chose. Afterwards... I read what Columbus Day really celebrates - then the students were assigned to draw another picture of what they understood the celebration to mean after hearing it be explained. Students were then paired into groups and each group had to examine each of the members drawings and creatively come up with a way to present their drawings to the class!

Students need to learn how to work together in groups, and to collaborate with others! It's also important as teachers to keep assignments "fresh" and allow students to show their creativity!