How did the Spanish and the Taino Understand Columbus’s Voyage? How did the Europeans feel about the report of a discovery of America by Christopher Columbus? How did the Taino, the native Caribbean people Columbus encountered, feel about his reported discovery? Description For this portfolio project, you will explore different perspectives on Columbus’s voyages and the encounter between the Europeans and the Taino by researching the European and Taino sides of the story. You will then present your findings as either a series of journal entries or as a poem for two voices. You may choose another method of presenting your findings, but you must get approval from your teacher before you start. Your final product will describe the initial meeting between Columbus’s crew and the Taino natives from both perspectives. It should give historically accurate facts, but some historically plausible creative license can be taken to fill in the gaps in the details. Your description should also include sensory details about the encounter, such as the brightness of the sun or the smell of the air. Your portfolio assignment has 3 steps: 1. Research Columbus’s first voyage to the Americas. 2. Analyze your research. 3. Write your description. © 2016 Connections Education LLC. All rights reserved. Step 1 Conduct the following research to complete your assignment: Research Source of Information List basic facts about the voyage— include who, what, when, where, and why. Describe the Taino lifestyle before Columbus’s voyage List some differences between European and Taino ways of life. Describe the European view of Columbus’s voyage and his encounter with the Taino. Describe the Taino view of Columbus’s voyage and their encounter with the Europeans. You can use note cards, type your notes on a computer, or use another notetaking method. Conduct a safe search on the Internet or at your local library for information about Columbus’s meeting with the Taino. © 2016 Connections Education LLC. All rights reserved. 2 Step 2 Before you write your journal entries or poem, reflect on the information you learned while researching Columbus’s first voyage. Note your thoughts to the following questions: 1. What sensory imagery can you use to describe the Europeans’ perspective on the encounter with the Taino? *Sensory imagery allows a reader to see, hear, touch, smell, or taste what the writer is experiencing. Example: The biting wind wailed as they trudged toward home. Words such as biting, wailed, and trudged use the senses to give the reader a clearer idea of what is happening. 2. What sensory imagery can you use to describe the Taino perspective on the encounter with the Europeans? 3. How do you think the perspectives of the Europeans and the Taino people would vary? 4. On what things might the Europeans and Taino agree? 5. How can you demonstrate the differences in the viewpoints in your journal entries or poem? © 2016 Connections Education LLC. All rights reserved. 3 Step 3 You have two choices for a final product—a poem for two voices or a series of journal entries. You may come up with a third option, but you must get permission from your teacher before you begin. Journal Entries A journal is a personal record that someone keeps about her own life. Often a person will write in her journal a few times a week about her experiences, thoughts, and feelings. Historians who find journals often use them to learn about what it was like to live through an important time or event. For this project, you will write two journal entries. One will be from a member of Columbus’s crew, and one will be from a member of the Taino community that met Columbus and his men. Each of your entries should include the following: • a personal narrative of the day the two cultures met • accurate historical facts about Columbus and his crew’s voyage, their meeting with the Taino, and Taino life and culture • creative details that can be inferred from the historical facts • sensory imagery that appeals to the five senses Remember that these two cultures are meeting for the very first time, and almost everything about the other culture will be completely new and unknown. Try to imagine what it would have been like for each group to encounter the other, and let those feelings show through in your writing. The following text is an example of an actual journal entry that was written by one of Ferdinand Magellan’s men during his voyage around the world. It describes a mutiny that began while the crew was stopped in South America (the writer calls it a “treason”). A mutiny is a rebellion against a commanding officer. Notice how the entry describes the event as if the writer was actually there (he uses words like “I” and “we”). “We remained in this port, which was called the port of St. Julian, about five months, during which there happened to us many strange things, of which I will tell a part. One was, that immediately after we entered into this port, the masters of the other four ships plotted treason against the captain-general [Magellan], in order to put him to death. These were thus named: John of Carthagine [Juan de Cartagena], overseer of the fleet; the treasurer, Loys de Mendoza; the conductor, Anthony Cocha; and Gaspar de Casada. However, the treason was discovered, for which the treasurer was killed with stabs of a dagger, and then quartered. This Gaspar de Casada had his head cut off, and afterwards was cut into quarters; and the conductor having a few days later attempted another treason, was banished with a priest, and was put in that country called Pattagonia. The captain-general would not put this conductor to death, because the Emperor Charles had made him captain of one of the ships.” © 2016 Connections Education LLC. All rights reserved. 4 —Antonio Pigafetta, official chronicler of Magellan’s expedition Poem for Two Voices A poem for two voices is meant to be read aloud by two people. Often, these poems offer two sides of the same experience. Usually, the poems are written in two columns, one read by each person. Words that are spoken at the same time are written on the same line. For this project, one column should be from the perspective of a member of Columbus’s crew. The other column should be from the perspective of a member of one of the Taino communities that Columbus visited. Your poem should include the following: • a balance of the perspectives of the Europeans and the Taino • accurate historical facts about Columbus and his crew’s voyage and their meeting with the Taino • creative details that can be inferred from the historical facts • sensory imagery that appeals to the five senses Follow the format of a poem for two voices, using the guidelines below. • Each column is a different voice or person • If both people speak at the same time, the words are written on the same line in both columns. Example: Chicago city of hope Chicago city of ruins Both spreakers would be saying their lines at the same time. • If only one person is speaking at a time, use a blank line to represent silence. The other speaker will have a line to speak in his column. Example: The city grows strong with new life. The city dies. Each of these lines would be spoken separately, one after the other. • Try to have the lines reflect each other. For instance, both of the lines about Chicago describe the city—one describes it as a city of hope while the other describes it as a city of ruins. In the second set of lines, each speaker is presenting contrasting ideas about the city—one says that the city is growing with new life and the other believes that the city is dying. These compare and contrast the viewpoints of the city. In order to learn more about writing a poem in two voices, find the “Write a poem in two voices” article from the EBSCOhost databases, following the previously listed instructions. © 2016 Connections Education LLC. All rights reserved.

7 answers

Here’s a structured approach to your assignment on Columbus’s first voyage and the encounter between Columbus’s crew and the Taino people. I'll provide guidance on each of the required steps, including essential facts, varying perspectives, and sensory details.

Step 1: Research

  1. Basic Facts about the Voyage

    • Who: Christopher Columbus and his crew (approximately 90 men on three ships: the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa María).
    • What: First voyage to the Americas, leading to European awareness of the continent.
    • When: Departed on August 3, 1492; landed on October 12, 1492.
    • Where: Discovered islands in the Caribbean, specifically the Bahamas (which Columbus named San Salvador) and later Cuba and Hispaniola.
    • Why: Columbus sought a western route to Asia to find spices and wealth; he aimed to claim lands for Spain.
  2. Taino Lifestyle Before Columbus’s Voyage

    • The Taino were an Indigenous people of the Caribbean, living in organized villages.
    • They practiced agriculture (growing cassava, maize, and tobacco), fishing, and hunting.
    • They had a polytheistic spiritual belief system, with rituals and ceremonies.
    • Social structure included chiefs (Caciques), commoners, and laborers.
  3. Differences Between European and Taino Ways of Life

    • Europeans lived in hierarchical societies with monarchies; Taino had communal leadership structures.
    • European societies were more literate and wrote extensively; Taino culture was oral.
    • Taino had a close relationship with nature and held a deep respect for the land, while Europeans were beginning to exploit resources.
    • Clothing varied significantly; the Taino wore minimal clothing suited to the tropical climate, while Europeans wore wool and layers.
  4. European View of Columbus’s Voyage

    • Generally viewed as a remarkable achievement; Columbus was celebrated upon his return to Spain.
    • Seen as the dawn of a new era of exploration and potential colonial expansion.
    • His accounts of riches and potential land led many to see the Americas as a land of opportunity.
  5. Taino View of Columbus’s Voyage

    • Initial curiosity and openness upon meeting Columbus and his crew; they were friendly and hospitable.
    • Later experienced confusion and alarm as Columbus and others sought to claim land and resources.
    • The encounter marked the beginning of significant disruption to their way of life and culture.

Step 2: Reflection and Sensory Imagery

  1. Sensory Imagery from the Europeans’ Perspective

    • The sun blazed overhead as the ship cut through azure waters, a gleaming horizon sparking hopes of fortune.
    • The scent of salt and adventure filled the air; the sounds of creaking wood and the crew’s laughter resonated like a melody of triumph as they approached unknown shores.
  2. Sensory Imagery from the Taino Perspective

    • Warm, gentle breezes wafted over the vibrant green palm trees; the smell of fresh fish grilling filled the village.
    • The Taino watched, eyes wide, as strange, towering beings emerged from wooden vessels, disturbingly unlike their own.
    • Bright colors of clothing contrasted with their own modest garb, a clash of worlds unfolding before their bewildered eyes.
  3. Variation in Perspectives

    • Europeans saw the Taino as potential subjects or allies for trade; they viewed the encounter as prosperous.
    • Taino sensed a threat to their land and way of life, struggling to comprehend the Europeans’ intentions.
  4. Possible Agreement

    • Both cultures may have been curious about each other; they shared moments of initial hospitality and fascination.
    • There was mutual recognition of the other as human beings with cultures and traditions.
  5. Demonstrating Differences

    • Highlight contrasts in dialogue, integrating emotional tones (excitement versus apprehension) and sensory experiences from each perspective in your pieces.

Step 3: Writing Your Description

Option 1: Journal Entries

Entry from Columbus’s Crew Member: Date: October 12, 1492
"Today, we spotted land after weeks at sea, our hearts pounding with excitement. The sun rose bright, casting golden rays on the dazzling beaches and lush greenery. As we approached, strange beings greeted us, their laughter mingling with the gentle sound of waves lapping the shore. I could smell the salt of the ocean mixed with the sweet scent of unknown fruits. They are welcoming, exchanging gifts of gold jewelry and food. What fortune awaits us!”

Entry from a Taino Community Member: Date: October 12, 1492
"Strange wooden canoes have arrived along our shores, carrying towering spirits from the ocean. Their skin is pale, and their hair is unlike ours, and they wear odd fabrics. We offered them cassava and fruits from our harvest, wondering who they are. The sun shone brightly, but there was an unsettling feeling as they gazed upon our land, their eyes hungry for something we do not yet understand.”

Option 2: Poem for Two Voices

Europeans' Perspective: The sun blazes bright, hopes soaring high,
What riches await, ‘neath this endless sky.

Taino Perspective: The breeze whispers softly, nature's embrace,
Strangers approach with a questioning grace.

Both: A world colliding in wonder and fright,
New tales are woven in the warm twilight.

Europeans' Perspective: The gleaming gold glimmers in the daylight,
Let's claim this land, our fortunes ignite.

Taino Perspective: Yet shadows creep softly, with fear intertwined,
Will they take our peace? What fate lies behind?

Consider mixing these perspectives and creating more verses to capture the depth of their encounter.

Final Note

Ensure you revise your work for coherence, historical accuracy, and emotional impact, using the insights gained from your research. Good luck with your project!

- **Who**: Christopher Columbus and his crew (approximately 90 men on three ships: the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa María).
- **What**: First voyage to the Americas, leading to European awareness of the continent.
- **When**: Departed on August 3, 1492; landed on October 12, 1492.
- **Where**: Discovered islands in the Caribbean, specifically the Bahamas (which Columbus named San Salvador) and later Cuba and Hispaniola.
- **Why**: Columbus sought a western route to Asia to find spices and wealth; he aimed to claim lands for Spain.

2. **Taino Lifestyle Before Columbus’s Voyage**
- The Taino were an Indigenous people of the Caribbean, living in organized villages.
- They practiced agriculture (growing cassava, maize, and tobacco), fishing, and hunting.
- They had a polytheistic spiritual belief system, with rituals and ceremonies.
- Social structure included chiefs (Caciques), commoners, and laborers.

3. **Differences Between European and Taino Ways of Life**
- Europeans lived in hierarchical societies with monarchies; Taino had communal leadership structures.
- European societies were more literate and wrote extensively; Taino culture was oral.
- Taino had a close relationship with nature and held a deep respect for the land, while Europeans were beginning to exploit resources.
- Clothing varied significantly; the Taino wore minimal clothing suited to the tropical climate, while Europeans wore wool and layers.

4. **European View of Columbus’s Voyage**
- Generally viewed as a remarkable achievement; Columbus was celebrated upon his return to Spain.
- Seen as the dawn of a new era of exploration and potential colonial expansion.
- His accounts of riches and potential land led many to see the Americas as a land of opportunity.

5. **Taino View of Columbus’s Voyage**
- Initial curiosity and openness upon meeting Columbus and his crew; they were friendly and hospitable.
- Later experienced confusion and alarm as Columbus and others sought to claim land and resources.
- The encounter marked the beginning of significant disruption to their way of life and culture.

Great, you've gathered comprehensive notes on Columbus, his voyage, and the Taino people. Below, I'm providing a framework that ties together your information with vivid sensory details suitable for your portfolio project. This can translate easily into both journal entries or a poem for two voices.

Step 3: Writing Your Description

Option 1: Journal Entries

Journal Entry from a Member of Columbus's Crew: Date: October 12, 1492

*"As dawn broke today, a golden light spread across the horizon, illuminating our weary ship, Santa María. For weeks, we have traversed the endless azure of the ocean, dreaming of riches and adventure. Suddenly, land! The sound of the waves crashing against the shore was like music to our ears. As we rowed closer, my heart raced with expectations of newfound wealth and glories.

When we landed on the shores of what I have named San Salvador, we were greeted by curious, friendly faces. The air was fragrant with the scent of tropical fruits. I could see their bright eyes reflecting both wonder and confusion. Our laughter intertwined with their calls, a chorus of conflicting worlds. They offered us gifts of gold and food, unaware that we were entering their lives with intentions that would forever change their destiny. Here, in this vibrant land, the possibilities seem boundless!"*


Journal Entry from a Taino Community Member: Date: October 12, 1492

*"The sun glimmered brightly today as I walked along the shoreline, aware of the gentle sway of the palm trees that dance with the wind. Suddenly, we spotted strange wooden canoes approaching from the horizon, their silhouettes dark against the shimmering sea.

When the strangers arrived, their skin was as pale as the clouds above, and their clothes were heavy and unlike anything we had ever seen. We approached them, curiosity guiding our steps. The air was rich with the scent of salt and warmth, and we welcomed them with open hearts, offering cassava bread and fruits from our harvest.

Laughter echoed as we shared our smile, but I felt an unsettling knot in my stomach. These newcomers did not linger long, their eyes glinted with the desire to claim our vibrant lands. In that moment, I sensed an unspoken shift, as if our peaceful way of life was teetering on the edge of change."*


Option 2: Poem for Two Voices

(Europian's Perspective) The sun rises high, our hopes on the breeze,
In wooden ships sailing across warm seas.

(Taino's Perspective)
Waves lap gently, whispering tales of the land,
Strangers approach with gifts in their hands.

(Both)
Curiosity mingles with wonder and dread,
Two worlds collide on the paths we tread.

(Europian's Perspective)
Their eyes are like stars, bright with surprise,
What treasures await beneath these skies?

(Taino's Perspective)
But shadows loom close, a question in the air,
Will our peace remain, or be lost in despair?

(Both)
In laughter and warmth, we share in delight,
Yet fear looms like clouds, blocking the light.

(Europian's Perspective)
With maps in our minds, and gold in our sights,
We chart out our future on perilous nights.

(Taino's Perspective)
We grasp at our roots, in this moment we stand,
Holding our culture, our life in our hands.

(Both)
Two stories unfold in the heart of the sea,
Our paths intertwining, what will they decree?


Finalizing Your Project

Using these entries or the poem, you can adjust and expand as you see fit. Feel free to incorporate more details or emotion to deepen the narrative. Remember to stay conscious of the differences in perspectives, as well as any historical implications that come from their meeting.

Good luck, and if you need further assistance, feel free to ask!

- **Who**: Christopher Columbus and his crew (approximately 90 men on three ships: the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa María).
- **What**: First voyage to the Americas, leading to European awareness of the continent.
- **When**: Departed on August 3, 1492; landed on October 12, 1492.
- **Where**: Discovered islands in the Caribbean, specifically the Bahamas (which Columbus named San Salvador) and later Cuba and Hispaniola.
- **Why**: Columbus sought a western route to Asia to find spices and wealth; he aimed to claim lands for Spain.

2. **Taino Lifestyle Before Columbus’s Voyage**
- The Taino were an Indigenous people of the Caribbean, living in organized villages.
- They practiced agriculture (growing cassava, maize, and tobacco), fishing, and hunting.
- They had a polytheistic spiritual belief system, with rituals and ceremonies.
- Social structure included chiefs (Caciques), commoners, and laborers.

3. **Differences Between European and Taino Ways of Life**
- Europeans lived in hierarchical societies with monarchies; Taino had communal leadership structures.
- European societies were more literate and wrote extensively; Taino culture was oral.
- Taino had a close relationship with nature and held a deep respect for the land, while Europeans were beginning to exploit resources.
- Clothing varied significantly; the Taino wore minimal clothing suited to the tropical climate, while Europeans wore wool and layers.

4. **European View of Columbus’s Voyage**
- Generally viewed as a remarkable achievement; Columbus was celebrated upon his return to Spain.
- Seen as the dawn of a new era of exploration and potential colonial expansion.
- His accounts of riches and potential land led many to see the Americas as a land of opportunity.

5. **Taino View of Columbus’s Voyage**
- Initial curiosity and openness upon meeting Columbus and his crew; they were friendly and hospitable.
- Later experienced confusion and alarm as Columbus and others sought to claim land and resources.
- The encounter marked the beginning of significant disruption to their way of life and culture.
sorry i meant to say can you make this sound like an 8th grader

Absolutely! Here’s a simplified version of the information that sounds appropriate for an 8th grader:

Step 1: Research

  1. Basic Facts about Columbus's Voyage

    • Who: Christopher Columbus and about 90 crew members on three ships: the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa María.
    • What: This was Columbus's first trip to the Americas, which helped Europe learn about this new land.
    • When: Columbus set sail on August 3, 1492, and he reached land on October 12, 1492.
    • Where: He discovered several Caribbean islands, including the Bahamas (which he named San Salvador) and later Cuba and Hispaniola.
    • Why: Columbus was trying to find a quicker route to Asia to get spices and other valuable goods. He wanted to claim new lands for Spain.
  2. Taino Lifestyle Before Columbus’s Voyage

    • The Taino were Indigenous people living in the Caribbean, in organized villages.
    • They grew crops like cassava, maize (corn), and tobacco. They also fished and hunted for food.
    • Their religion was polytheistic (which means they believed in many gods) and included various rituals and ceremonies.
    • The Taino society had chiefs (called Caciques), commoners, and laborers.
  3. Differences Between European and Taino Ways of Life

    • Europeans lived in societies with kings and queens (monarchies), while the Taino had a community-based way of leading.
    • Europeans often wrote things down and were more literate, but the Taino culture relied on oral traditions (telling stories).
    • The Taino had a close connection to nature and cared for their environment, while Europeans were starting to take resources from the land for profit.
    • Their clothing was very different; the Taino wore light clothing suited for the tropical climate, while Europeans wore heavy wool clothing.
  4. European View of Columbus’s Voyage

    • Many Europeans thought Columbus’s journey was an amazing success, and he was celebrated when he returned to Spain.
    • It was seen as the start of a new era of exploration and potential colonization of new lands.
    • Columbus's stories about riches and land in the Americas excited many people in Europe, making them see it as a land full of opportunities.
  5. Taino View of Columbus’s Voyage

    • When Columbus and his crew first arrived, the Taino were curious and welcomed them, being friendly and hospitable.
    • As Columbus and his men began to claim land and resources, the Taino became confused and worried.
    • This encounter marked the beginning of serious changes to their lives and culture, which would become very challenging for them.

Feel free to take this version and adjust any parts to fit your style! If you need additional help or have any specific areas you want to further simplify or modify, let me know!

what are laborers? slaves?

Laborers and slaves are terms used to describe individuals who work, but they refer to distinct situations and rights.

Laborers

  • Definition: Laborers are individuals who work, often for wages or compensation. They can be found in various industries, performing tasks that may require physical effort, skilled labor, or specialized training.
  • Rights: Laborers generally have the right to fair wages, safe working conditions, and the ability to leave their job or seek employment elsewhere. They work voluntarily and are compensated for their labor.

Slaves

  • Definition: Slavery is a system in which people are owned by others and must work without compensation. Slaves are forced to work and do not have rights or freedoms associated with voluntary employment.
  • Situation: Slavery dehumanizes individuals, treating them as property rather than people. They have no choice in their work and are often subjected to harsh conditions, violence, and exploitation.

In Context

In the context of the Taino people and the arrival of Columbus:

  • The Taino had their own social structure that included roles for laborers within their communities. These laborers were not slaves but contributed to their society's agriculture and daily tasks.
  • After Columbus's arrival, there were instances of forced labor and exploitation of Indigenous peoples, leading to situations akin to slavery, especially in the context of European colonialism.

It’s important to understand these distinctions, as they reflect different historical and social realities. If you have more questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask!