【3rd Grade Japanese】Mastering "Reading"!

Hello, 3rd graders! "Reading books" is a very important part of your Japanese studies.
When you read, you can travel to places you've never been and learn about the feelings of people different from yourself.
If you think "reading texts is a bit difficult...", don't worry! Once you learn a few tricks, reading stories and informational texts becomes more and more fun. Let’s learn together and enjoy the process!

1. Reading Stories: Thinking About Characters' Feelings

When reading a story, the key is to pay attention to the "events" that happen in the plot and how they change the "characters' feelings."

★ "3 Hints" to Find Feelings

If you want to know what a character is feeling, try looking for these three things:

1. Words (Dialogue): What are they saying? (Example: "Yes!" → happy)
2. Actions: How are they moving? (Example: walking with head down → sad, disappointed)
3. Appearance: What does their face look like or what is the scenery around them like? (Example: face turning red → embarrassed, angry)

【Tip】Follow the Changes in Feelings

Try thinking about how the character's feelings changed from the beginning to the end of the story.
Just like saying, "At first they were nervous, but thanks to their friend, they felt brave by the end," finding the "trigger" for that change helps you understand the story much more deeply.

💡 Fun Fact:
Some people compare reading a story to creating a "movie" inside their heart. As you read the words, try imagining the characters moving in your head; it will help you understand their feelings even better!

★ Summary

When reading a story, keep track of "when, where, who, and what happened," and follow the "changes in feelings."


2. Reading Informational Texts: Finding What's Important

Informational texts are writings that teach you about how things work or share secrets about a topic. In 3rd grade, it is important to think about the "structure"—the order in which the text is written.

★ The Structure of the Text (3 Parts)

Most informational texts are made of these three parts:

1. Beginning: Explains what will be discussed (the question or topic).
2. Middle: Provides detailed examples, photos, or diagrams.
3. Ending: A summary of the whole text or the author's main message.

【Tip】Pay Attention to "Conjunctions"!

Words that connect sentences act like road signs for your reading:
・"For example"… A sign that a specific example is starting.
・"Next"… A sign that tells you the order of things.
・"Therefore"… A sign that explains a reason or a result.

❌ Common Mistake

Trying to "memorize every sentence" is too much work!
You don't need to remember everything. The trick is to find the important words (keywords) that allow you to answer, "What is this paragraph talking about?" in just one sentence.

★ Summary

In informational texts, be aware of whether you are reading the "beginning, middle, or end," and try to find the "answer" to the "question" posed.


3. Using the Japanese Dictionary

Starting in 3rd grade, you will use a "Japanese Dictionary" to look up words you don't know. Once you master it, the number of books you can read will grow and grow!

★ Rules for Finding Words

Dictionaries are organized in the "a-i-u-e-o" order (Japanese alphabetical order).

1. Find the first letter (e.g., for "ahiru" [duck], go to the "a" section).
2. Find the second letter (e.g., for "ahiru," go to the "hi" section).
3. Read the meanings and choose the one that fits your sentence perfectly.

【Tip】Tricks to Make Using the Dictionary Fun

It’s okay if it takes time at first. If you put a "sticky note" next to the words you find, you’ll feel proud knowing, "Look how many words I've looked up!"

💡 Fun Fact:
Dictionaries don't just have meanings; they also have examples of how to use words (sample sentences). Learning how to use words correctly will make your own writing much better!


Conclusion: Falling More in Love with Reading

It might feel difficult at first, but that's okay. Read little by little at your own pace.
Please cherish that feeling of excitement, like thinking, "What will happen next?" or "Wow, I didn't know that!"

★ Review of Today's Points

・For stories, find hints about "feelings" through dialogue and actions!
・For informational texts, focus on the "beginning, middle, and ending" structure!
・For words you don't know, become friends with your "Japanese dictionary!"

Now, find your favorite book and set off into the world of reading!