Children Play with Wood Blocks, Learn about Forests

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Planted forests in Japan are at a crisis stage due to cheap imports from overseas, and socioeconomic factors in Japan. To help improve the situation, OISCA International (Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement), a Japan-based non-governmental environmental protection organization, together with Summit, Inc., a Japanese supermarket chain, and SNK Playmore Corporation, is promoting a program called "Block Space." Under the program, children enjoy playing with blocks made of wood produced from the management of planted forests in Japan. The program is spreading throughout Japan.

With the wood blocks serving as the link to forests, children become more interested in stories about forests. Through play, they also learn the importance of working together with others, and the joy of concentrating on creating something. Children also cultivate the feeling of caring for others by positively evaluating their friends' work and respecting each other.

http://www.oisca.org/e/index.htm

Posted: 2007/07/09 12:34:59 PM
Japanese version