Life Study is one of six subjects that are taught in Japanese primary schools, phase I (1st and 2nd grade). This subject is approximately equivalent to the subject called Science and Social Studies that is taught in Vietnamese primary schools. A distinctive feature of Life Study is that it truly focuses on life and the environment as experienced by children. The subject is designed considering students' daily life, their surroundings and the weather. The subject is therefore practical rather than academic. In this subject, the students' current basic living skills are highly respected as well. Besides helping students understand others and the natural and social environment, it also helps students understand themselves. The Japanese consider the Life Study subject to be an integrated subject. Information about people, nature and human society are integrated into each lesson.