An Action Research on Play-Based Korean Language Education for Young Children Linked to Intercultural Education: Focusing on the 'Creating Our Tree' Project

This study examines the 'Creating Our Tree' project as part of implementing play-based Korean language education for young children, linked to intercultural education. Using Kemmis and McTaggart's (2000) action research model, the study spanned 15 weeks, following cycles of planning, action, and evaluation. Participants were 11 children aged 4 to 6 in a pre-K class at a Korean school in a US city. Data were collected from class photos and videos, teacher journals, play observation records, lesson plans, and parent emails. Results showed that in the first cycle, 'initiating change through child interest and play-based classes' led to 'finding identity through play derived from child interests.' In the second cycle, 'children creating the play they desire' facilitated 'discovering identity through play related to daily life.' The third cycle focused on 'understanding interculturality through the project,' resulting in 'realizing the significance of interculturality through play project outcomes.' These findings suggest that integrating play and intercultural education makes Korean language education for young children more effective.