Chuseok Activity Ideas for 0-8years with NQF Links
The 28th-30th of September is Chuseok
Chuseok is a major Korean holiday that is not officially celebrated in Australia. However, due to multiculturalism and a growing Korean community in various parts of Australia, including larger cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, Chuseok celebrations do take place in certain areas. These are often organized by the Korean community and might include traditional Korean activities, foods, and cultural events.
Discussing Chuseok could involve: ☼Teaching children about the importance of family gatherings in Korean culture. ☼Introducing traditional foods like "Songpyeon" (rice cakes) and explaining why they are significant. ☼Crafts like making paper lanterns or fans that are often seen during Korean festivals. ☼Reading books or showing videos that explain the holiday in an age-appropriate way. ☼Celebrating diverse cultural holidays can enrich the learning environment and foster an inclusive community.
What is Chuseok? "Chuseok is a special time in Korea when families come together to thank the earth for its plentiful harvest. They share delicious food like moon-shaped rice cakes and remember their ancestors, all to celebrate nature's gifts and family love."
Birth-2 Years (EYLF)
Moon Rice Cake Sensory Bin
Materials: Plastic bin, cooked rice, silicone moon-shaped moulds, spoons Instructions: Create 'moon cakes' with silicone moulds and hide them in a bin filled with rice. Challenge kids to dig and discover the 'moon cakes'. Learning Outcome: EYLF Outcome 2.1 – Children develop a sense of belonging to groups and communities. Analysis: The activity promotes sensory and fine motor development and enhances communal interactions. Theorist: Maria Montessori’s emphasis on sensory experiences.
Korean Lullabies
Materials: Speaker or music device, Korean lullabies playlist Instructions: Play Korean lullabies and use hand motions to tell a story. Discuss the uniqueness of Korean music. (Jajangga, San Toki / Mountain Bunny, Bom Bi / Spring Rain, Banjjak Banjjak Jageun Byeol / Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Parang Sae / Bluebird) Learning Outcome: EYLF Outcome 1.4 – Children learn to interact with care, empathy and respect. Analysis: The activity fosters emotional and cultural understanding through music. Theorist: Erik Erikson's emotional development stages.
Chuseok Colouring Sheets
Materials: Chuseok-themed colouring sheets, crayons Instructions: Colour in festive Chuseok scenes while discussing the Korean holiday. Display finished artworks around the room. Learning Outcome: EYLF Outcome 4.4 – Children resource their own learning. Analysis: The activity advances fine motor skills and sparks conversations about different cultural celebrations. Theorist: Piaget’s constructive play theory.
Animal Puppet Show
Materials: Animal hand puppets, small stage Instructions: Perform a puppet show featuring Korean folklore. Encourage kids to act out scenes after the show. Eg-the story of "The Tiger and the Dried Persimmon Learning Outcome: EYLF Outcome 1.1 – Children feel safe, secure, and supported. Analysis: This activity stimulates emotional and social skills through interactive storytelling. Theorist: Vygotsky’s Social Development Theory.
Tactile Moon Sand Tray
Materials: Tray, moon sand, treasure items (beads, small toys) Instructions: Bury treasure items in a tray of moon sand. Invite kids to dig for treasures using their hands or small tools. Learning Outcome: EYLF Outcome 3.2 – Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical wellbeing. Analysis: Promotes sensory exploration and fosters independent discovery. Theorist: Maria Montessori’s focus on sensory development.
3-5 Years (QKLG)
Chuseok Story Adventure
Materials: Age-appropriate book about Chuseok, props for role-playing Instructions: Read a Chuseok story and encourage children to act it out using props. Discuss the characters' feelings and actions. Eg."Chuseok Moon" by Yumi Heo Learning Outcome: Building positive dispositions towards learning Analysis: This activity enhances comprehension and emotional intelligence through imaginative play. Theorist: Vygotsky's social development theory supports the role of imaginative play in learning.
Korean Fan Craft
Materials: Paper plates, markers, popsicle sticks, glue Instructions: Children decorate paper plates and glue popsicle sticks as handles. Use the fans in a traditional Korean dance. Learning Outcome: Using technologies for learning and communication Analysis: This craft enhances fine motor skills and introduces children to traditional Korean arts. Theorist: Erik Erikson’s stage of Initiative vs. Guilt.
Hangawi Game Corner
Materials: Jegichagi (shuttlecock), Tuho (arrow-throwing) Instructions: Set up a game corner featuring Korean games like Jegichagi and Tuho. Rotate games to keep the challenge fresh. Learning Outcome: Building a sense of autonomy Analysis: The games foster physical skills and self-confidence through mastering new challenges. Theorist: Bandura's Social Learning Theory emphasizes the role of observational learning.
Chuseok Food Tasting
Materials: Samples of Korean food like Songpyeon, small cups, spoons Instructions: Arrange a tasting of Chuseok foods. Discuss flavors and textures, and vote for the children's favourite. Eg. Songpyeon (rice cakes), Yakgwa (honey cookies), and Jeon (Korean pancakes) Learning Outcome: Exploring ways to be healthy and safe Analysis: Encourages sensory exploration and conversation about nutrition. Theorist: Maslow’s focus on physiological needs supports this activity.
Chuseok Dance Party
Materials: Korean traditional music, dance scarves Instructions: Play Korean music and lead a dance using colourful scarves. Experiment with speed and rhythm. Learning Outcome: Building positive relationships Analysis: The activity promotes social interaction, coordination, and appreciation for cultural diversity. Theorist: Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences recognizes musical-rhythmic and bodily-kinesthetic intelligence.
5-8 Years (MTOP)
Chuseok Scavenger Hunt
Materials: Chuseok-themed items, list of clues Instructions: Conduct a scavenger hunt with clues leading to Chuseok-related items. Pair up children for teamwork. Items you could use: Mini Songpyeon (rice cakes) - Use toy or paper versions for safety.
Paper Lanterns - Small paper lanterns or even drawings of them.
Fake Chrysanthemum Flowers - Representing the flowers often seen during Chuseok.
Plastic Fruit - Symbolic of the harvest season.
Hanbok Cutouts - Paper cutouts of traditional Korean clothing. Miniature Korean Drum (Janggu) - Symbolic of Korean music.
Korean Flag Cutouts - To understand the national symbol.
Pictures of Korean Palaces or Landmarks - To introduce some geography.
Korean Alphabet (Hangul) Cards - For linguistic exposure.
Recipe Cards for Chuseok Dishes - To connect food and culture.
Learning Outcome (QKLG - Building positive relationships): Learning Outcome: MTOP Outcome 1.1 – Children and young people feel safe, secure, and supported. Analysis: The scavenger hunt fosters teamwork, problem-solving, and contextual understanding of Chuseok. Theorist: Jean Piaget’s stage of Concrete Operational Thought emphasizes logical thinking.
Korean Calligraphy
Materials: Ink, brushes, paper
Instructions: Introduce basic Korean calligraphy. Frame the finished work as a keepsake.
Learning Outcome: MTOP Outcome 4.1 – Children and young people are confident and involved learners.
Analysis: This allows for artistic expression and appreciation for cultural traditions.
Theorist: Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences highlights linguistic and spatial abilities.
Korean Drumming Circle
Materials: Small drums or bongo drums, rhythm sticks Instructions: Conduct a drumming circle imitating Korean drum patterns. Record a video to share with parents. Learning Outcome: MTOP Outcome 3.2 – Children and young people take increasing responsibility for their own health and wellbeing. Analysis: Drumming encourages rhythmic and auditory skills while promoting communal well-being. Theorist: Maslow’s focus on self-actualization.
Create Your Own Jeon
Materials: Pancake mix, chopped vegetables, mini frying pans Instructions: Make jeon (Korean pancakes) using veggies. Discuss nutritious choices while cooking. Create Your Own Jeon
Ingredients/Materials
Pancake mix
Chopped vegetables (carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, etc.)
Mini frying pans or one large frying pan
Cooking oil
Spoons and spatulas
Instructions:
Prep Veggies: Have the chopped vegetables ready in small bowls.
Mixing: In a large bowl, prepare the pancake mix as per the package instructions. Stir until smooth.
Add Veggies: Stir the chopped vegetables into the pancake batter.
Cook: With adult supervision, heat a small amount of cooking oil in each mini frying pan or one large frying pan.
Pour and Cook: Pour the vegetable-filled pancake batter into the pan.
Flip and Finish: Allow each pancake to cook until the edges are crispy. Carefully flip the pancake to cook the other side.
Serve: Once both sides are cooked, remove from the pan and it's ready to eat
Learning Outcome: MTOP Outcome 5.1 – Children and young people interact verbally and non-verbally for a range of purposes.
Analysis: Cooking fosters language development and understanding of nutritional health.
Theorist: Vygotsky’s emphasis on language development through social interaction.
Traditional Korean Dance
Materials: Traditional Korean music, dance costumes if possible Instructions: Learn simple moves from a traditional Korean dance. Perform it as a group. Learning Outcome: MTOP Outcome 2.2 – Children and young people respect and value diversity. Analysis: Dance promotes cultural understanding and physical coordination. Theorist: Howard Gardner's Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence.
Comments