Fostering Disaster Prevention Awareness in Children Through Riddle-Solving Games

Disaster drills are important, but they can sometimes feel difficult for children. However, if there is an environment where they can learn through play, they can acquire important knowledge while having fun.
This time, we challenged them to a game where they had to find hints hidden inside and outside the building and solve riddles as a team.

While they were excited by an experience they don't often get in their daily lives, they also seemed to learn knowledge that will be useful in an emergency.

To improve team strength

To improve team strength, everyone held hands to start.
They rarely have the chance to hold hands like this, so they seemed a little shy but happy.
By holding hands, the children strengthen their sense of solidarity with their peers.
Teamwork is sometimes necessary even during a disaster, isn't it?
For example, things you couldn't do alone might become possible when you cooperate with the people around you.
Acting while holding hands can also provide emotional support in times of need.

Let's find the hidden hints

The game required clearing several missions.
The children set out to find hints hidden in various places inside and outside the building.

The task of filling in the crossword puzzle was not just about obtaining information; it was important to observe carefully where things were hidden, think about them, and cooperate with everyone on the team.
Roles were naturally divided within the team, and they completed the crossword while utilizing their individual strengths, such as leaders who pulled everyone along and mood makers.

Learning and practice

The answer was 'oral rehydration solution'.

An oral rehydration solution is a drink essential for preventing dehydration and heatstroke, and OS-1 is a famous commercial product.
Through the game, they learned the importance of hydration. Then, they actually made oral rehydration solution themselves and tried drinking it.
By practicing how to make oral rehydration solution, they gained knowledge that might be useful in an emergency.
This was a good opportunity to rethink how important hydration is.

Summary

The riddle-solving game we conducted this time was not just play, but a valuable experience for the children to acquire disaster prevention knowledge.

Also, by cooperating as a team, they learned the spirit of helping each other and learned how to make oral rehydration solution, gaining various knowledge while having fun.

And this time as well, we received cooperation from many international volunteers, which allowed us to proceed with the game safely until the end.
To everyone who cooperated, thank you very much.