Columbus Discovers America?

[Marcee]

I'm struggling with history in BHFHG claiming that Columbus discovered America. He discovered the West Indies and went home. He may have discovered a speck of sand on Key West which was not Mainland Amercia. In the end of the chapter is says in 1492 Columbus discovered America. We then explained to DD that this was not accurate since the Chinese were actually the first to make the discovery.

Has anyone else chose to explain this inaccuracy to thier children doing Bigger?

[grandsophy]

I'll be showing my kids photos of the church in Galway, Ireland where Columbus prayed. He went there to get advice from Irish monks who had written accounts of Brendan's voyage to North America around the year 500. Then of course the Vikings came to America too (somewhere around 1000 AD, maybe a little earlier) and Columbus knew this. I've been to the church in Galway and I look forward to sharing the photos with my children. The Portuguese acknowledge the Galway visit as a true part of Columbus's life.

I hadn't heard of the Chinese discovery. Interesting!

Columbus's "discovery" led to further exploration and settlements. I think that's why his voyage was so significant and why we all learn the date that Columbus "sailed the ocean blue." For years, American celebrated Columbus Day (many banks and the Postal Service still do!) and his place in American history is certainly important to learn.

[countrymom]

Here is a previous thread where Carrie addresses this. She has two replies in the thread.
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=6565&p=47947&hilit= ... ica#p47947

[Marcee]

Thanks ladies! I LOVE the idea of showing my DD pictures. Why hadn't I thought of that?

DH and I LOVE history-in it's accuracy. Being children that were schooled with propaganda history books was disappointing. And we are so thankful to be able to know the truth as adults. Maybe it seems extreme, but I think it's important to teach my children that there are different reports on historical events. And that the truth possibly lies somewhere in the middle.

As far as the Chinese, all of the artifacts found in America were dated before Columbus-leading to the belief that they were there before he was. It's amazing how much history could be re-written today.

Regardless, DD LOVES A First Book in American History. As do I. We've only done three days and I've learned SO much. The books used in HOD are wonderful:) DD despised history when we used a different curriculum. Just more proof that HOD is amazing!!

[Tansy]

Marcee this Chinese "discovering" america first is fascinating can you pm a link to me? My china DD would love it!

When we got to this part in Bigger My DD looked at me and said Mom but if people were living there hadn't they already discovered it. I mean they already lived there.. Totally deep thinking kid here! Which was a great discussion starter, we even looked up stuff in our History encyclopedia. Talked about the Vikings and How everyone sees things differently and ultimately we always see things from our own view point. The tangent added a whole hour to school but she learned so much more than Columbus discovered America.