Reading early speeds up grammar intuition. Keep texts short, predictable, and slightly below your frustration threshold.

Sources

  • Graded readers, learner blogs, kids’ news, simple signage.
  • Manga with furigana; avoid dense fantasy at first.

Routine

  1. Skim first; predict content from headings and images.
  2. Read aloud; mark particles and verb endings.
  3. Summarize each paragraph in one Japanese sentence.
  4. Add only high‑value cards to SRS.

If kanji slow you down, study component groups and stroke order for 10 minutes before reading.