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Financial Education for Preschoolers: Okane Drill Release

In light of the rising prices of toys and other essential items due to escalating oil prices and logistics costs, the Japan Foundation for Developing Children's Resilience has recognized a pressing need among parents. They aspire to instill a sense of financial responsibility in their children. Responding to these concerns, the foundation has introduced "Okane Drill ~ Let's Learn the Basics and Importance of Money!", a financial education workbook tailored for children aged 4 to 5.

The Need for Financial Awareness

As the global economic landscape shifts, parents participating in the Kids Money School program have voiced their desire for children to understand the value of money and the importance of treating possessions with care. In response, the foundation has created this workbook based on the experiences gathered from the nationwide Kids Money School events. It aims to help preschoolers grasp the essentials of money management and its importance, reinforcing these lessons at home.

The workbook is much more than just a collection of math problems. It incorporates engaging quizzes, mazes, and fun activities that help children learn about money's roles and significance. It encourages them to appreciate that treating objects with care equates to valuing money.

Overview of Okane Drill

Name: Kids Money School Okane Drill ~ Let's Learn the Basics and Importance of Money!
Target Age Group: 4-5 years
Pages: 22
Content: The workbook is divided into five themes, mirroring the events of the Kids Money School:
1. Work: Understanding money as a reward for effort.
2. Shopping: Developing skills to distinguish between needs and wants.
3. Wasting Resources: Fostering an appreciation for conserving resources.
4. Investment: Introducing the concept of spending money to support people or businesses.
5. Electronic Money: Utilizing visual aids to help children understand the concept of intangible money.

This workbook will be distributed to certified instructors of the Kids Money School. Approximately 900 certified instructors are actively engaged in local activities across various regions, delivering these valuable insights to families.

The Kids Money School Experience

The Kids Money School is an engaging, experiential financial education event designed for parents and children to enjoy learning together. Operated by the Japan Foundation for Developing Children's Resilience, certified instructors across the country facilitate activities that encompass various age groups and educational themes.

Activities such as role-playing as shopkeepers, learning shopping rules through the "Exciting Shopping Mission", and understanding investment principles through the "Children's Investment Challenge" are part of this enriching experience. These programs are aligned with Japan's financial education curriculum used in schools, ensuring that children learn at a comfortable pace appropriate for their developmental stage.

Building Essential Skills Through The Kids Money School

The Kids Money School nurtures four essential abilities in young learners:
1. Moral Development: Understanding money as a representation of labor and respect for workers fosters gratitude and a sense of compassion.
2. Money Literacy: Going beyond mere savings or budgeting, children learn a deep and correct perspective toward money, laying the foundation for lifelong financial literacy.
3. Practical Application of Education: Through learning about money's calculations and historical significance, children experience real-world application of their studies, enhancing their motivation and purpose in learning.
4. Development of Non-Cognitive Skills: Engaging in experiential programs boosts self-esteem, initiative, and social skills, while cultivating a sense of responsibility and confidence in contributing to society.

Future Plans: Accessible Financial Education for All

As the demand for financial education increases, the Japanese government aims to raise the proportion of individuals who have received financial economic education from 7% to 20% by the end of 2028. The Kids Money School is committed to expanding its content and increasing its presence to ensure children receive enjoyable opportunities to learn about money. Additional efforts include expanding the number of events nationwide and enhancing online offerings, enabling access for children in less accessible areas.

By creating a convenient environment for remote participation, the goal is to provide equal opportunities for financial education across all regions.

For the national event schedule, visit Kids Money School's Official Site. For media inquiries, please reach out to us for interview opportunities.