Many students learn that Christopher Columbus reached the shore of the Americas on October 12, 1492. When he reached the Americas, he incorrectly labeled the native inhabitants of the land as Indians. He believed they could be easily befriended by offering them gifts of red caps, strings of beads, and other small tokens.
Have early childhood students practice lacing beads for fine motor skill practice and finger exercises. Have them thread beads on string or yarn. They can thread all one color of beads or do a pattern: red, green, white, red, green, white, or other similar pattern.
Once they finish stringing the beads, have them offer their beads to a friend as a token of friendship.
