Summer Learning Through Play

Summer Learning Through Play

The Intentional Learning Corner

By Kortnee Anne

Welcome back to the Intentional Learning Corner. It is officially summer on the peninsula and your need for heat relief is most likely ramping up. Here are our top 5 suggestions for beating the heat this summer while your child is intentionally learning through play. 

5 Educational Ways to Beat the Heat and Where to Go! 

Splash Pads

Outdoor play promotes decision-making and improves gross motor development (jumping and running). Splash Pads provide sensory stimulation that aids in developing motor skills, social skills, language development, and more.

• Seoul Aquafield Goyang

• Seoul Joypool Swimming Pool Kid's Cafe

• Yongsan Blue Lagoon Hannam

• Pyeongtaek Naeri Park

• Humphreys Downtown Plaza

• Daegu Water Park Spa Valley

• Daegu Duryu Water Park 

Visit an Ecological Museum

Museums encourage children to embrace challenges and use problem-solving skills while teaching about broad topics such as renewable energy as well as about the plants and animals native to their location. Ecological museums encourage children to appreciate nature and conservation history. 

• Seocheon National Institute of Ecology 

• Asan Ecological Environment Insect Museum

• Daejeon National Science Museum

• Jang Yeong-Sil Science Museum

• Daegu Haengso Museum of Keimyung University

• Daegu Seoriji Waterside Ecological Park

Bowling

Bowling is great for gross motor development and coordination, learning patience, taking turns, enhancing problem-solving skills, and building confidence. Explore math concepts such as counting, keeping score, weights, and measurements while playing. 

• Kids Bowl Free is available at Camp Humphreys and Osan AFB. Visit Kidsbowlfree.com for more information.

• For Daegu, Camp Casey, and Camp Hovey check with MWR for promotions this summer!  

Visit the Library

Check out the free Summer Reading Programs offered at your installation’s library. Libraries across the peninsula will have a schedule of free in-person learning activities all summer long!  Reading to your child increases their vocabulary, boosts their memory, and improves their cognitive brain development. Reading will also help your child continue to improve their language skills, and critical thinking skills, and improve their concentration. Come to the summer programs and work on socialization and cooperative learning. Read with your child and log your minutes together to earn cool prizes by registering through Beanstack.com. These are the dates for your installation’s summer reading program.

• USAG Yongsan Casey: May 27 - September 2, 2024 

• USAG Humphreys: June 12 - August 17, 2024 

• USAG Daegu: June 16 - July 27, 2024

Play Board Games

Playing board games will improve your child’s ability to learn new vocabulary, follow directions, take turns, be patient, and much more. Looking for more options than the ones you have at home? Check out your local recreation and activities centers for indoor air-conditioned spaces, a multitude of games, and other options including free movies!

• Camp Casey Community Activity Center

• USAG Humphreys Downtown Recreation Center Activities

• Camp Walker Community Activity Center

 Whatever your reason is to beat the heat, do it as a family and make it an intentional learning experience! 

About the Author 

Kortnee is a military spouse, a yoga teacher, a homeschool mom, and a published author with more than a decade of experience in early and elementary education. Her goal is to take parents on a journey with their children by integrating more opportunities for intentional learning daily through play. If you would like more activity ideas follow us on Instagram @intentionallearning.