🌸Japanese Reader Class Set for Classroom Use

This Level 1 Japanese Reader Class Set is recommended for complete beginners taking their first steps in reading Japanese.

Each page begins with the simple question 「これ なに？」 and invites students to observe an authentic photograph and decide what the object resembles. Some look like a lemon, bell, Christmas tree, or ball. However, as students continue reading, they discover that every photograph shows a beautifully crafted traditional Japanese sweet.

In addition, teachers who purchase this Japanese Reader Class Set & Online Flipbook Pack can choose the number of printed readers they need and receive password-protected access to the matching online flipbook.

As a result, teachers can display the reader on an interactive whiteboard, projector, or classroom screen while students follow along in their own books. This makes whole-class teaching, guided reading, pair work, and independent learning simple and engaging.

Want to learn more about the individual reader?

Explore the Level 1 Japanese Reader – これ なに？ (What Is It?) for detailed language features, cultural content, and book details.

 🍵 Guess First, Then Discover Japanese Wagashi

What does each photograph look like?

What Is It? (これ なに？) uses curiosity and visual clues to make first-time Japanese reading enjoyable. Students look carefully at each photograph, make a prediction, and then continue reading to discover what it really is.

Furthermore, every object in the book is actually wagashi, a traditional Japanese sweet. In this way, students begin reading Japanese while also discovering the beauty and creativity of Japanese food culture.

The reader also introduces learners gently to both hiragana and katakana. Katakana words are supported with hiragana readings, allowing beginners to become familiar with both scripts without making the reading experience overwhelming.

🎯 What Students Will Learn with This Japanese Reader Class Set

Students will practise:

• Read and respond to one simple Japanese question
• Use authentic photographs and visual clues to predict meaning
• Build beginner vocabulary through repetition
• Develop early reading fluency and confidence
• Begin recognizing hiragana and katakana
• Discover traditional Japanese wagashi and food culture

👩‍🏫 Why Teachers Choose This Japanese Reader Class Set

Teachers choose this Level 1 Japanese Reader Class Set because its simple question pattern, authentic photographs, and guessing activity create an accessible first Japanese reading experience.

• Printed readers for every student, encouraging active participation and deeper engagement
• Password-protected online flipbook for classroom display
• Perfect for interactive whiteboards, projectors, and shared screens
• Supports whole-class, small-group, and independent reading
• Encourages observation, prediction, speaking, and classroom interaction
• Uses one repeated question to reduce the reading load for complete beginners
• Introduces hiragana, katakana, and Japanese food culture through strong visual support
• Designed by Mariko Sensei, an experienced Australian Japanese teacher with over 40 years of teaching experience

📚 Japanese Reader Class Set Options

Choose from:

• 10 printed readers
• 15 printed readers
• 20 printed readers
• 25 printed readers

Each Japanese Reader Class Set includes password-protected access to the matching online flipbook.

📖 Japanese Reader Class Set Details

Reading Level: Level 1
Recommended for: Complete beginners
Text Type: Simple question-and-response reading
Language Focus: One repeated question pattern — これ なに？
Vocabulary Theme: Familiar objects and traditional Japanese sweets
Cultural Theme: Wagashi and Japanese tea culture
Script: Hiragana and Katakana, with hiragana reading support for Katakana

✅ Perfect For

• Complete beginners
• Primary and elementary Japanese classrooms
• Students taking their first steps in Japanese reading
• Introducing hiragana and katakana
• Visual learning and prediction activities
• Culture-based beginner lessons
• Guided reading
• Whole-class teaching
• Independent reading
• Extensive Reading (Tadoku)
• Classroom libraries

 Teaching & Learning Resources for This Japanese Reader Class Set

Every reader includes free access to our Resource Library.

Included with every reader:

•  Audio recordings narrated by Mariko Sensei
•  English translation
•  Quizlet vocabulary activities

 Why Choose Mariko Sensei’s Japanbooks?

Our readers combine carefully leveled Japanese, learner-friendly layouts, authentic photographs, and extensive reading principles to help learners build confidence while discovering Japanese language and culture.

Unlike traditional textbooks, our readers encourage students to enjoy reading naturally through meaningful repetition, visual support, and authentic cultural experiences.

In What Is It?, beautiful photographs of real Japanese wagashi turn a very simple reading pattern into a guessing experience. Students look, predict, read and discover the answer—helping even complete beginners experience the excitement of understanding Japanese for themselves.

📌 Important Information