The aim of this paper is to explicate the characteristics and problems of the five Courses of Study published between 1958 and 1989. As a result of research, the following problems were brought to light: (1) The principle of "reading" are not established. The ma-.in concept of reading in the Courses of Study for elementary schools in Japan is "reading comprehension" called "Dokkai". In Japan creative or critical reading are not regarded as important. (2) The abilities and knowledge of reading expository text, and literature prescribed in the courses of study are intermixed. To improve the teaching of expository texts, these contents should be reorganized. (3) Cognitive abilities are disregarded. To develop a logical thinking, cognitive abilities should be taught methodically. (4) The structure of curriculum is not suitable to the teaching of reading expository text. It should be built as a spiral curriculum.