Reading about random places an explorer traveled is often an abstract concept for kids. Instead of just talking about an explorer's course, plot it on a map. With string or a brightly colored marker, add to the route as you learn more about a particular explorer. Using a different color for each explorer on the same map allows you to see overlaps while still identifying individual routes. Pictures of significant events that happen at each stop help document additional facts you learn about the explorer.
Writing activities don't have to be boring reports or answers to essay questions. Creative writing assignments help the kids imagine how the explorers felt and what they saw. An example of a creative writing assignment is to have the kids write letters from the perspective of the explorer. The letter should include descriptions of the location and events that happen there as if the explorer was writing home to a family member or friend. A similar option is to keep a journal from the perspective of the explorer. To capture the perspective of someone other than the explorer at that point in history, have the students write a newspaper article about the explorer's activities.
Young children typically get dramatic play opportunities every day, but older kids often miss out on this teaching method. Reenacting an event in history can help the students better understand what happened. The reenactment also helps the students commit the information to memory for later recall when needed. Choose a particular part of an explorer's voyage for the students to reenact. You don't need scripts for this activity. With some basic facts about the scenario, the students are able to act out the situation with one another.
Written reports are often used in history class, but adding an interactive component brings the project to life. Instead of simply writing a report and turning it in for the teacher to read, the students research and pick out the most interesting information about specific explorers. Encourage the kids to dress in costume to look like the explorer. During a presentation to the class, each student pretends to be the explorer, sharing the information as if he is talking about himself. Another option is to have a living museum with the explorers. Invite other classes or parents to walk through the living museum, where the students share information as visitors stop.