K is for Korea

                                    K Is for Korea (World Alphabets)


More Korea- picture book style. 

We used K is for Korea as a jumping off point to "see" more of the country. Using the alphabet listings, we searched You Tube and watched videos to bring to life some of things we read about. 

 Viewing and listening to videos of Arirang (Korean folk songs), the spectacular fan dance called Buchaechum, the ringing of the Emille Bell, Taekwondo (the national martial art), and Samulnori (percussion music) definitely brought my boys' interest in our Korea study up a notch!     

We also played a variation of Yunnori (listed under "Y" in the book, of course), a favorite family game in Korea. Our version, from Peggy Kaye's Math Games book, differs in some ways, but I thought it was a nice connection anyway. 

I found this video that shows a demonstration of a the traditional way to play. 

Other books we read/are reading: 

The Firekeeper's Son by Linda Sue Park 

From the inside jacket- "Set in Korea in the early 1800s, this story of a young boy's moment of decision is gracefully and suspensefully told by Newbery Medalist Linda Sue Park and illustrated with radiant paintings by Julie Downing." 

I knew my boys were caught up in the story when one of them, talking to the boy in the book, said (out loud), "just light the fire!". This book is nice introduction to a part of Korean history we knew nothing of. 

The Trip Back Home by Janet S. Wong

This book could be read to the youngest listener, yet enjoyed by any age. A sweet story, inspired by the author's visit to Korea as a child with her mother, gives a feel for what rural life in Korea might be like. 


The Royal Bee by Frances Park and Ginger Park

I think this book has enough appeal to reach even high school students. There are lessons to be learned about striving for a better life, devotion to family, overcoming the difficult challenges... I could go on, but it really is just a good read and all the rest will come along with it. I already reviewed this book for the Picture Book Challenge, but we gave it a reread for our Korea study. 

A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park. 

Reading this novel set in 12th century Korea has been a fun addition to our day. I am trying to hold the boys back- they would finish it in one sitting, but I know they are going to be bummed when we are done. 

Thank you to Jen @ Forever, For Always, No Matter What for pointing me in the direction of some great books to go with our study! 




Comments

  1. Phyllis at All Things BeautifulNovember 10, 2011 at 3:28 PM

    Wonderful study! Thank you for sharing it with us. I think I have told you before that A Single Shard is one of my favorite books.

    ReplyDelete
  2. An Almost Unschooling MomNovember 10, 2011 at 7:23 PM

    Looks like a lot of interesting fun!

    ReplyDelete
  3. PattyNovember 11, 2011 at 1:42 PM

    I BET those you tube videos brought their attention up a notch! You are doing an amazing job with this country. And great book selections, too!

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownNovember 12, 2011 at 4:04 AM

    I'm glad you liked the books, thanks for the link! I have read A Single Shard, but it was a while ago. I need to pull it out to read to my older kids, it really is a great book. I'm going to check out A Firekeeper's Son too. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  5. JoannaNovember 14, 2011 at 10:41 PM

    I have out a Single Shard on my TBR list. This project looks like it has been a real hit with the boys! Some excellent recommendations here, thanks, Laurie.

    ReplyDelete

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