Columbus Day Lesson Plans
Teach your students about the history of Columbus Day with TeacherVision’s cross-curricular resources, printables, and Columbus Day lesson plans!
See also: Indigenous People’s Day - This holiday intends to reframe the narrative around Christopher Columbus’s arrival and discovery of the Americas and instead recognize the history, culture, and contributions of Indigenous communities.
What Does Columbus Day Celebrate?
Columbus Day occurs on the second Monday in October. This holiday, commemorating the landing of Christopher Columbus in the Americas, has been unofficially celebrated as early as the 18th century, and became a federal holiday in 1937. Since then, it’s become a topic of controversy with many alternative holidays being proposed since the 1970s.
In 2024, Columbus Day falls on Monday, October 14th.
Which States Do Not Celebrate Columbus Day?
With the image of Christopher Columbus as a heroic explorer being called into question, there has been a movement in some states away from celebrating Columbus Day.
Currently, the following states do not officially celebrate Columbus Day: Alaska, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day - also known as Native American Day - has become a holiday often celebrated instead of Columbus Day and celebrates the history and contributions of Native Americans.
Columbus Day Lesson Plans for the Classroom
Browse our collection of Columbus Day lesson plans, printables, and activities for all grades on this controversial explorer.
You'll find cross-curricular Columbus Day resources for math, art, language arts, and more. Teach your students about the history of this holiday and debunk myths about Christopher Columbus.
Students will learn about the geography and history of the New World as they track this explorer's travels, with mini-lessons for elementary students, fun quizzes, and mapping activities.
Whiteboard Compatible Mini-Lessons
Use these 15 minute mini-lessons to give your students a brief overview of North America and early explorations.Slideshows
Our slideshows provide a list of fun activities to do to learn more about Christopher Columbus. Students will better understand this explorer with the help of crafts, writing, and much more!Columbus Day Printables
Increase students' knowledge of history and their writing skills with these fun printable activities! Each activity takes students on an adventure with Christopher Columbus as he voyages to North America.- Columbus Day - Four Voyages
- Columbus Day Activities
- Discovery!
- Columbus Sails the Ocean Blue
- Set Design for "Pilgrims of Plymouth"
- Columbus Day
- More Columbus Day Printables
