Pedro's Journal: A Voyage with Christopher Columbus by Pam Conrad takes young readers on a journey through the eyes of a young boy, Pedro, who sails with Columbus. Through Pedro's reflections, the book highlights values like curiosity, bravery, and compassion as he observes both the wonders and challenges of the voyage. It encourages readers to think critically about exploration and its impact, teaching empathy and respect for different cultures. This perspective helps kids understand the importance of kindness and open-mindedness in new experiences.

Our homeschool English program features Pedro's Journal as the core text for a three week literature unit. Here are a few examples:

• Historical Contextualization: Students delve into the historical backdrop of Columbus' voyages, comparing the fictional elements with factual historical events.
• Navigational Techniques: Engaging lessons on the tools and methods used by Columbus and his crew impart practical knowledge on the science and math behind sea voyages, inspiring students with hands-on activities such as plotting Columbus' route on maps.
• Creative Writing and Empathy Building: By writing journal entries from the perspective of different crew members, students understand the myriad ways exploration impacted individuals from varied backgrounds.
• Debate and Discussion: Encouraging lively discussions and debates on the ethical implications of exploration, students critically evaluate the consequences of Columbus’ journey on native populations and the environment.