Jump into learning with the Letter J! From jellyfish and jam to jars and Jesus, children will enjoy discovering the /j/ sound through stories, hands-on play, creative art, and delicious snacks. Each activity is designed to make learning memorable while building a strong foundation for reading.
You'll discover on this page:
Phonics songs are an excellent tool for teaching letter sounds as children prepare for reading. Sing the songs slowly, focusing on the sound of the letter. Be careful not to add a vowel to the end of the /u/ sound (avoid saying /juh/).
Phonics Song
Tune: Farmer in the Dell
J /j/ jump
J /j/ jump
/j/ /j/ /j/ /j/
J /j/ jump
Bible Version
Tune: Farmer in the Dell
J /j/ just
J /j/ just
Just listen, God is calling
J /j/ just
Add craft jewels to the Letter Jj Poster.
Stamp circle on the Letter J Poster with a painting thumb. Then paint thin tentacles from the print. When dry, draw a smiley face.
Fill a sensory bin with beans and toy jungle animals.
Practice tossing beanbags into non-breakable jars.
Fill jars with buttons, pom-poms, or small toys to sort by color or size.
Play with jigsaw puzzles. Large floor puzzles are my favorite for the preschool and elementary age kiddos.
My "J" Book
Jamberry by Bruce Degen is a fun and whimsical story that takes readers on a journey through a world full of berries, bears, and colorful adventures. The story follows a young boy and a bear as they explore a land where they find everything covered in delicious berries, from jam-filled landscapes to berry pie skies. With its catchy rhymes, vibrant illustrations, and playful, imaginative storyline, Jamberry engages young readers while teaching them about rhythm, rhyme, and the joys of nature.
Sheep in a Jeep by Nancy Shaw is a fun and playful story about a group of sheep who take a ride in a jeep. As the sheep drive, things start to go wrong, with the jeep getting stuck and causing all sorts of trouble. The rhyming text and simple, humorous illustrations create a lighthearted story that helps young readers learn about cause and effect while enjoying the animals’ adventures. This book is perfect for children who enjoy repetition, rhythm, and a little bit of silliness. I smile every time I think of this book.
Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed by Eileen Christelow is a beloved, rhythmic story about five mischievous monkeys who can't resist jumping on the bed, despite their mother's warnings. One by one, they fall off and bump their heads, leading to repeated calls to the doctor, who sternly advises, "No more monkeys jumping on the bed!" With its playful repetition, lively illustrations, and catchy rhyme, this book is perfect for teaching counting, sequencing, and the consequences of not listening! Kids will love joining in and chanting along with the familiar refrain.
In Pumpkin Jack by Will Hubbell, follow the lifecycle of a pumpkin named Jack from a Jack-o-lantern to a pumpkin again.
The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash by Trinka Hakes Noble is a humorous and lively story about a field trip to the farm that goes hilariously wrong. The tale is told from the perspective of a young girl who recounts the chaos caused when Jimmy’s pet boa constrictor sneaks onto the bus and ends up causing trouble at the farm.
Just Me and My Dad by Mercer Mayer is a heartwarming story about a father and son who go on a camping trip together. Little Critter is excited to spend quality time with his dad, but despite his best efforts to help, things don't always go as planned. Through these mishaps, the story highlights the bond between father and child, emphasizing the joy of spending time together, even when things don't go perfectly.
All Printables Free for Immediate Family Use or with a Current License Only
