The Research and Practice of Elementary Gugak Classes Using Beona-nori

This study aims to help students understand the emotions embedded in Korean music and appreciate the intrinsic values of cultural arts by engaging them in specific activities and diverse experiences through gugak classes. To achieve this, an on-site research lesson utilizing beona-nori (a game of spinning with beona) from cultural heritage included in elementary school textbooks was conducted. The study proposes results and instructional strategies to facilitate the meaningful application of beona-nori in future lessons. Traditional Korean games are composed of songs, dances, and various tools, making them accessible to people of all ages. This broad applicability suggests that their integration into elementary education is highly feasible. Among these games, beona-nori is particularly suitable for elementary gugak education as it can stimulate students' interest and provide rich sensory experiences through its use as a cultural and artistic educational tool. However, it has been observed that many teachers still find gugak challenging. They often feel unsure about teaching it or perceive the content itself as difficult. Therefore, exploring various methods that enable teachers to actively engage with students through play is essential. Field-based research, in particular, captures practical examples of gugak classes, thus reducing the burden of lesson planning and offering direct assistance in applying these methods effectively. This study was conducted with 24 fifth-grade students at H Elementary School in Gyeonggi Province. Given that this research was conducted in an elementary school setting, the proposed teaching methods are deemed feasible for implementation, considering the context of each school. However, given the small scale of the study, generalizing the findings may be challenging.