You can print out or draw cross sections of the Mayflower and discuss the parts of the ship with students. You can then have them compare the parts of the ship with the parts of their own house, such as where people sleep and eat, as well as where food is prepared.
After you have explained the voyage, how long it took and the types of supplies the pilgrims had to bring with them the New World, have your students draw their own Mayflower. Ask them the about the kinds of things they couldn’t go without for a voyage lasting more than two months. Video games? Fruit snacks?
To give students an idea of just how cramped it was on the Mayflower, you can create a 1/8-scale replica right in your classroom. Use tape or rope to cordon off an 8-by-14-foot section of the room. Arrange 13 chairs in the area and have children sit there. Explain that this is how cramped the pilgrims were for more than two months as they made their way to the New World.
If you have ever been camping or even on a long car ride, you know how important it is to have supplies. The pilgrims had to plan well, too. With a two-month voyage and no stores to stop at along the way, they had to make sure they had everything they needed. Discuss things like food, first aid supplies, clothing, tools and anything else the Pilgrims needed not only to survive the trip, but also to start building a new community at Plymouth Rock.