Columbus Day Handprint Craft — Printable Ship & Compass Poster

Teaching Columbus Day or an Explorers unit?
Create a quick, meaningful display with this printable Columbus Day handprint craft. Kids add a painted handprint to a ready-to-print poster featuring a ship at sea, globe, compass, and the classic line “Columbus sailed the ocean blue.” Perfect for hallway or bulletin-board decor and K–2 social studies.

What’s Included

• 2 JPGs: US Letter 8.5”×11” and A4

• Ready-to-print poster with ship, globe, compass + “Columbus sailed the ocean blue” text

Materials

Printer paper or light cardstock, washable paint, brush/wipes.

How It Works

1. Print the poster. 2) Have students add a bright handprint.

2. Let dry and sign/date. 4) Display as classroom or bulletin-board decor.

Why Teachers Love It

• Low-prep, 10–15 minutes, perfect for centers or a fast Friday craft

• Reinforces explorers vocabulary (ship, globe, compass, ocean)

• Great for K–2 social studies and October holiday lessons

Classroom Ideas

• Pair with a quick read-aloud about 1492 and early explorers; use the poster as a writing prompt (“What helps sailors find their way?”).

• Build a mini word wall: ocean, compass, globe, sail; add student names under their handprints.

• Use as part of an Explorers Week display or October hallway gallery.  

Quick FAQ

• Is this only for Columbus Day? Use it for Explorers/Navigation lessons any time—works great alongside map and compass activities.
• A4 or Letter? Both are included (8.5”×11” and A4), so printing is easy at home or school

-------------------------------------------------------------
*No physical product will be shipped, this is a digital downloadable art print.
NOTE: Due to different monitor calibrations, note that colors may change slightly from monitors to print. Final print quality will depend on the type of printer and paper used.

TO MAKE YOUR ORDER
1. Add this item to your shopping cart and place your order
2. Once your payment is complete you will receive an email with a download link.
-------------------------------------------------------------
HOW TO USE
- Print out the size you wish to use at home or through a printing service. Heavy weight paper or cardstock is recommended.
- Set your printer settings to best quality mode and make sure scale is 100%.
- Use child safe ink or washable paint to add a child's handprints or footprints.
- Hand write names/date for a personal touch.
Once paint is dry, gift as is or place in a picture frame and then ENJOY!

I illustrated and designed these origami templates with lots of love for my clients. Please do not share these files, instead, refer family and friends to my shop! These files are for personal use only. No commercial use or reselling of the digital files or any finished product is allowed.
-------------------------------------------------------------
PLEASE NOTE
As this is a digital download, there will be no refunds given once the sale goes through.
Please contact me if you have any questions, I'd be very happy to help you :)