Puerto Rico was discovered by Christopher Columbus, on November 19, 1493. This was his second
voyage
. to claim lands for the rulers of Spain, Ferdinand and Isabella.
When Columbus discovered Puerto Rico he had many more ships and men with him then he had on his first voyage in 1492 when he first discovered America. He had a force of 12,000 men and seventeen ships. There were sailors,
noblemen
from Spain, priests, farmers and
artisans
.
Columbus’s ship
anchored
near San Juan Bautista for two days. Many men went ashore to
explore
the island. The Spaniards found no people, but discovered a Taino village. The Tainos had hidden when they saw the strangers approaching.
While the Spaniards were at San Juan Bautista they gathered supplies. They got fresh water, caught many kinds of fish and gathered
tropical
fruits. They then sailed to Hispaniola. The Tainos came out from hiding and went about their usual tasks.
November 19 ... Puerto Rico Discovery Day
Every year on November 19, many towns and cities on the west coast of Puerto Rico celebrate the landing of Columbus on that date in 1493. Each community claims to be the spot where the landing took place. Since no one is really sure, everyone celebrates happily. There are speeches, parades and floats. Children dress as Indians and welcome a citizen dressed as Columbus as he steps from a boat that is rigged like the
original.
Activities
1.
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Introduce new vocabulary
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1.
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voyage
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2.
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noblemen
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3.
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artisans
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4.
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anchored
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5.
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tropical
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6.
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celebration
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7.
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San Juan Bautista
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8.
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explore
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9.
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community
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10.
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original
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2.
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Develop a time line to be continued throughout this unit.
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Begin:
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1492 Christopher Columbus’s first voyage
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1493 Christopher Columbus’s second voyage
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3.
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Celebrations
—Discuss and begin planning—Americans celebrate
Columbus Day
on October 12
and Puerto Ricans celebrate
Puerto Rico Discovery Day
on
November 19
. Begin plans for an
Assembly Program.
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4.
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Columbus Day Parade
—The Columbus Day Parade is an annual event in New Haven. Discuss that this year the event is extra special because it marks 500 years since his discovery (1492-1992). The children will participate in the parade.
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5.
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Research and Study
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a. Write a biography of Christopher Columbus, and the rulers of Spain Ferdinand and Isabella.
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b. Compare Columbus’s first voyage in 1492 to his second voyage in 1493.
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