OUR COLLECTION
Why I Love Writing Graded Mini-Books for Japanese Beginners
At JapanEasyReads, I create graded mini-books in Japanese designed specifically for beginners. These books focus on high-frequency vocabulary, which is reused and recycled throughout the series to maximize exposure and help students build confidence and fluency in reading.
Research shows that students acquire language they hear and read, which is why these books prioritize language structures that are already familiar to students. Each book focuses on the highest-frequency verbs, including the Super 7, and integrates question words, ensuring meaningful and accessible reading experiences.
Rather than focusing on the mechanical process of decoding characters, the goal is for students to read for meaning. The language they encounter is rooted in what they hear and use in class, making the transition to reading smooth and natural.
Two Editions for Different Needs:
- Scaffolded Edition: Proper nouns appear in English for additional support.
- Extension Edition: Full use of script (Hiragana and Kanji) for more advanced learners.
Each Book Includes:
- A full glossary with all vocabulary used in the text.
- Helpful footnotes for instant comprehension.
- Graded comprehension checks to support understanding at every level.
- Scaffolded sentence starters to encourage writing and speaking practice.
- Interactive oral tasks to bring the stories to life in conversation.
Through these thoughtfully crafted mini-readers, students can acquire language naturally, enjoyably, and effectively while growing their confidence in Japanese.
