Christopher Columbus is one of the most important characters in history and is credited for discovering America. He may not have been the first person to ever step foot on the land but his voyage started the exploration and colonization of the continent!
Christopher Columbus: Discovering America for Kids
Christopher Columbus is one of the most famous explorers in history, often credited with discovering America. While he wasn’t the first person to set foot on the continent, his voyage is considered the starting point of the exploration and colonization of America. This adventurous story can help kids learn about history, exploration, and the Hispanic culture tied to the discovery of the New World.
Who Was Christopher Columbus?
Born in 1451 in Genoa, Italy, Columbus had a dream of becoming a sailor from a very young age. He had a passion for geography and spent much of his time studying maps. His curiosity and love for exploration set him on a journey that would change the world forever.
Why Did Columbus Want to Discover America?
Columbus’s knowledge of geography led him to believe that he could reach the Far East, including India, China, Japan, and the Spice Islands, by sailing west across the Atlantic Ocean, rather than traveling through the Mediterranean Sea. He was convinced that the world was round, so he thought that by sailing west, he could reach the East. However, what he didn’t know was that he was about to discover an entirely new land — the Americas.
Columbus Sets Sail: The Adventure Begins
To make his dream a reality, Columbus sought financial support from the Spanish King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. They agreed to fund his journey, providing him with three ships: la Pinta, la Niña, and la Santa María. With a brave crew and high hopes, Columbus set sail in August 1492, aiming to find a direct route to Asia.
The Struggles of the Journey
The voyage wasn’t easy. After many days at sea, the sailors began to lose hope. They grew desperate, threatening to turn back unless they found land within the next few days. Columbus knew they were close, and he urged them to stay the course.
The Discovery: America!
Finally, on October 11, 1492, the crew spotted some wood and grass floating in the ocean, a sign that land was near. The next day, on October 12, they reached an island in the Bahamas, which Columbus named San Salvador. Columbus and his crew continued exploring the surrounding areas, discovering Cuba and Santo Domingo (modern-day Dominican Republic and Haiti).
Columbus’s Continued Exploration
After returning to Spain, Columbus made three more trips to America, where he explored various parts of the continent, including Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Venezuela, Honduras, and Panama. Columbus’s voyages helped establish Spain as a powerful empire in the Americas.
Columbus’s Legacy: His Death and the Name “America”
Christopher Columbus passed away in 1506 in Valladolid, Spain, still believing that he had found a new route to Asia. He died without realizing that he had discovered an entirely new continent — America.
So, why is it called America? The name was given after Américo Vespucio, an Italian explorer who realized that the lands Columbus had discovered were part of a new continent, not Asia. The name America honors his contribution to the discovery of the New World.
Why Columbus’s Story is Important for Kids
Christopher Columbus’s journey marked the beginning of a new era in world history. For kids, it’s a fascinating story of adventure, perseverance, and discovery. Learning about Columbus can spark curiosity about exploration, geography, and Spanish-speaking cultures — especially how Spain played a role in shaping the history of the Americas.
By studying Columbus’s voyages, kids can also learn about global connections and how the world changed through exploration and trade. His story is a great way to inspire young learners to think about history, maps, and adventure, all while deepening their understanding of the world.
Ready to Explore the Spanish Language and Culture with LAE Kids?
Just like Christopher Columbus embarked on an adventure to discover new worlds, your child can embark on an exciting language-learning journey with LAE Kids! Whether you’re in Madrid or learning from home through our online Spanish classes, we offer fun, immersive programs that introduce kids to the rich culture and language of the Spanish-speaking world.
Join us today and let your child discover the joy of learning Spanish through engaging lessons, hands-on activities, and cultural experiences — just like Columbus did when he explored new lands!
In Madrid: Experience our dynamic, interactive Spanish courses with native-speaking teachers in the heart of the city.
Online: Learn from the comfort of your home with personalized, interactive lessons that bring the Spanish language and culture right to your doorstep.
Get started today — Contact us to find out more about our Spanish classes for kids in Madrid or online!
