First Contact: Columbus and the Taíno People — Reading Comprehension

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Grades

Standards

D2.HIS.1.3-5
D2.HIS.2.3-5
D2.HIS.3.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

About This Reader

This detailed reading passage explores the first contact between Christopher Columbus and the Taíno people in 1492, a pivotal event that shaped early U.S. history. Students will learn about Columbus’s voyage, the meeting with the Taíno, and the effects of their encounter from both European and Native perspectives. The passage uses clear, grade-appropriate language and integrates key vocabulary terms to build literacy skills. Activities include a glossary, multiple-choice questions, writing prompts, a timeline of key events, and graphic organizers to deepen understanding. A public domain image and a coloring page prompt are included for visual engagement. This resource aligns with C3 Framework and Common Core standards, and provides a Spanish translation and read aloud audio to support diverse learners.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Christopher Columbus: Discoverer of America 1492.
Source: Library of Congress - Currier & Ives.

In 1492, Christopher Columbus sailed west from Spain with three ships. He wanted to find a new way to Asia. Instead, he reached islands in the Caribbean Sea. The first people he met there were the Taíno.

Columbus and his crew landed on an island he called San Salvador. The Taíno people lived there. They had brown skin, dark hair, and wore simple clothes made from plants. The Taíno were kind and welcomed the strangers. Columbus wrote, "They gave us parrots, balls of cotton, and spears." He was surprised by their friendly ways.

The Taíno lived in small villages. They built houses from wood and leaves. They fished, farmed, and made food from crops like cassava and corn. The Taíno shared what they had with the newcomers. Columbus wanted to learn more about their land and people. He also wanted to find gold and bring back treasures to Spain.

Columbus took some Taíno people and gold back to Spain. The king and queen were very pleased. They asked Columbus to return with more ships. On his next trip, Columbus brought many men. He wanted to start new settlements. This changed life for the Taíno forever. Many new diseases came with the Europeans. The Taíno had never faced these sicknesses before. Many became ill and died.

At first, the Taíno tried to work with the Europeans. But soon, there was conflict. Columbus and his men wanted to control the land and the people. The Taíno wanted to keep their homes and way of life. The meeting between Columbus and the Taíno was the start of big changes. It led to new trade, new foods, and new ideas. But it also caused much hardship for the Taíno people.

Interesting Fact: The word "hurricane" comes from the Taíno language. They called a great storm "hurakán."

Who did Columbus meet first in the Caribbean?

The Taíno peopleSpanish soldiersPilgrimsEnglish settlers

What did Columbus want to find?

A way to AsiaSilver minesA new kingMountains

What year did Columbus sail from Spain?

1492162017761500

Why did the Taíno suffer after Columbus arrived?

New diseasesLack of waterCold weatherLost their language

What did the Taíno give Columbus?

Parrots and cottonMaps and booksIron toolsGuns

What happened when more Europeans came?