Explorers Trace & Write Handwriting Workbook
Free printable Foundation handwriting resource
Explorers handwriting introduces 32 words for journeys, equipment, landscapes and investigation. Map, compass and journal sit alongside astronaut, rover and satellite, giving pupils picture-supported vocabulary to trace and copy in Foundation script.
Preview what is inside
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Use the arrows or dots to see the front cover, one glossary page and one handwriting sheet. The two inside-page previews are watermarked; download the PDF for clean printable pages.
Revisit ship and navigation words in Pirates Trace & Write Handwriting Workbook. Broaden geographical names with Continents & Oceans Trace & Write Handwriting Workbook.
Explore explorers handwriting
The collection connects travel with observing and recording. It includes both terrestrial and space-exploration language, so ship and rover can be compared as equipment for very different environments. Guide, navigator and research also provide alternatives to describing exploration only as an adventurous journey.
What is included?
- 32 words: explorer, journey, voyage, expedition, map, globe, compass, telescope, binoculars, ship, boat, sail, ocean, island, mountain, desert, forest, river, cave, pole, route, landmark, journal, tent, backpack, supplies, guide, navigator, astronaut, rover, satellite, research.
- 7 picture-glossary pages with meanings and example sentences.
- 8 handwriting sheets using grey models, dotted letters and independent copying space.
- 19 PDF pages in total: front cover, instructions, glossary, handwriting sheets and two terms pages.
Teaching explorers handwriting
Plan an imaginary expedition to a stated environment and choose suitable glossary words. Read the meanings, explain why particular equipment would help and then model the written names. Complete the tracing and copying strips before writing a short packing label or journal heading. Discuss respectful observation and learning from people who already know a place.
Meanings in the explorers handwriting glossary
explorer
Meaning: A person who investigates unfamiliar places.
Example: The explorer carries a backpack.
journey
Meaning: Travel from one place to another.
Example: The journey follows a winding path.
voyage
Meaning: A long journey, especially by sea.
Example: The voyage crosses the sea.
expedition
Meaning: An organised journey with a particular purpose.
Example: The expedition walks towards the mountain.
map
Meaning: A drawing that represents a place.
Example: The map shows a route.
globe
Meaning: A ball-shaped model of Earth.
Example: The globe turns on its stand.
compass
Meaning: An instrument that helps show direction.
Example: The compass has a pointing needle.
telescope
Meaning: An instrument that makes distant things look nearer.
Example: The telescope has a long tube.
binoculars
Meaning: Two joined telescopes for looking with both eyes.
Example: Binoculars have two lenses.
ship
Meaning: A large vessel used to travel on water.
Example: The ship has tall masts.
boat
Meaning: A small vessel used on water.
Example: The boat has a pair of oars.
sail
Meaning: A sheet of strong material that catches wind.
Example: The sail catches the wind.
ocean
Meaning: A huge body of salt water.
Example: The ocean has rolling waves.
island
Meaning: Land surrounded by water.
Example: The island has a palm tree.
mountain
Meaning: A very high area of land.
Example: The mountain has a snowy peak.
desert
Meaning: A very dry region with little rainfall.
Example: The desert has sandy dunes.
forest
Meaning: A large area covered with trees.
Example: The forest has many trees.
river
Meaning: A natural stream of flowing water.
Example: The river bends across the land.
cave
Meaning: A natural hollow space in rock.
Example: The cave has a dark entrance.
pole
Meaning: One of the two points where Earth's axis meets its surface.
Example: The pole is at the top of this globe.
route
Meaning: The way taken to reach a place.
Example: The route winds around the hill.
landmark
Meaning: A noticeable feature used to recognise a place.
Example: The lighthouse is a coastal landmark.
journal
Meaning: A record of experiences or observations.
Example: The journal lies open beside a pencil.
tent
Meaning: A portable shelter made from fabric.
Example: The tent has an open doorway.
backpack
Meaning: A bag carried on the back.
Example: The backpack has a front pocket.
supplies
Meaning: Things needed for a task or journey.
Example: Supplies include water and food.
guide
Meaning: A person who helps others find their way.
Example: The guide points along the path.
navigator
Meaning: A person who plans or follows a route.
Example: The navigator studies a chart.
astronaut
Meaning: A person trained to travel or work in space.
Example: The astronaut wears a spacesuit.
rover
Meaning: A vehicle that explores a planet or moon.
Example: The rover has six wheels.
satellite
Meaning: An object that travels around a larger body in space.
Example: The satellite has solar panels.
research
Meaning: Careful study to learn more about something.
Example: Research includes careful observation.
Teaching and follow-up ideas
- Sort equipment, landscape and travel words.
- Compare a ship voyage with a rover investigation using selected glossary terms.
- Write labels for a pretend expedition kit, explaining the purpose of each item.
Support and challenge
Start with map, tent and boat using clear pictures. Support telescope and binoculars with spoken rehearsal and a visible spelling model. A next step is a short journal entry that reports an observation, distinguishing what was seen from what was guessed.
Choosing pages to print
The explorers handwriting practice sheets are PDF pages 10 to 17. Picture meanings appear on pages 3 to 9; select the entries that match the words on your chosen writing sheet. The last two PDF pages contain the terms of use.
To support clear letter formation in expedition labels and journals, see NSW Department of Education handwriting resources.
Resource licence
Free for personal, homeschool or single-classroom use under the terms included in the PDF. Resale, redistribution and uploading the file to another website are not permitted.
Questions about this workbook
Does the workbook focus on named historical explorers?
No. It focuses on journey, equipment, environment and investigation vocabulary, including space-exploration terms.
What is in the explorers handwriting PDF?
The 19-page file includes a cover, instructions, 7 glossary pages, 8 handwriting practice sheets and two terms pages.
Which explorers words can pupils practise?
explorer, journey, voyage, expedition, map, globe, compass, telescope, binoculars, ship, boat, sail, ocean, island, mountain, desert, forest, river, cave, pole, route, landmark, journal, tent, backpack, supplies, guide, navigator, astronaut, rover, satellite, research.
What activity can follow explorers handwriting?
Write labels for a pretend expedition kit, explaining the purpose of each item.
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