Teaching Columbus Day

So I've been thinking a little bit about how to teach this holiday to a group of five-year-olds.  I know what I learned in school: Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492.  He had three ships: the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria.  King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain sent him.  He discovered America.

I know that these kids are only five, and I don't want to overwhelm them with too much information, especially since this is the first exposure for some of them.  But I do want to make sure I'm not using a completely "all-powerful white man" mentality.  I'd like to get them to think a little bit about the other side of the story too.  For example: Is it possible to discover a place where there are already people living?  But I just don't know if this will be over their heads...

Fortunately, I just found a great video on Brain Pop Jr.  It is simple, yet it provides good facts and a healthy dose of perspective.  I highly recommend it if anyone reading this is talking about Christopher Columbus with students in lower elementary school... or if you're just interested in seeing what we're teaching "the kids these days."

http://www.brainpopjr.com/socialstudies/holidays/columbusday/

Any feedback is always welcome!

Samantha