A Study of the “Reading Life Record” Approach and its Outcomes

Analyzing the Lessons of Omura Hama

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to elucidate the “reading life record” approach and its outcomes through an analysis of the lessons conducted by Omura Hama.

This study focuses on eight second-year junior-high students (Ishikawadai Junior-High School students admitted in the 1966 academic year) who were provided with instruction concerning the reading life record approach.

In order to make students more at ease with books without coercion, Omura devised an approach for students to consistently record any insights they might gain from books and their increasing interest in reading books.

There are two main outcomes of Omura's approach. First, ten elements were established that can facilitate teachers in cultivating the reading lives of their students. Second, a clear definition was developed of the reading life (i.e., a life that is deeply involved with book beyond merely reading books).