Monday, October 14th is Columbus Day.  It is a National holiday to celebrate Christopher Columbus and his arrival to the new world. Below is a poem and here is a video created by National Geographic for Kids: Chrsitopher Columbus.

IN 1492

In fourteen hundred ninety-two
Columbus sailed the ocean blue .
He had three ships and left from Spain;
He sailed through sunshine, wind and rain .
He sailed by night; he sailed by day;
He used the stars to find his way .
A compass also helped him know
How to find the way to go .
Ninety sailors were on board;
Some men worked while others snored .
Then the workers went to sleep;
And others watched the ocean deep .
Day after day they looked for land;
They dreamed of trees and rocks and sand .
October 12 their dream came true,
You never saw a happier crew !
“Indians! Indians!” Columbus cried;
His heart was filled with joyful pride .
But “India” the land was not;
It was the Bahamas, and it was hot .
The Arakawa natives were very nice;
They gave the sailors food and spice .
Columbus sailed on to find some gold
To bring back home, as he’d been told .
He made the trip again and again,
Trading gold to bring to Spain .
The first American? No, not quite.
But Columbus was brave, and he was bright .
Poem taken from www.teachingheart.net/columbus.htm

Try these games to test your knowledge about Columbus and his voyage.
Click the image to start.