LETTER J and Joy
The letter J brings us into a theme filled with light and celebration: Joy. Preschoolers experience joy in the simplest moments—running fast, discovering something new, hearing a favorite story, or being greeted by someone who loves them. Naming those joyful moments helps children build emotional awareness and gratitude.
Letter Sounds and Our Zoo-Phonics Friend
Our Zoo-Phonics character for J is Jerry Jellyfish, who wiggles arms gently like floating tentacles while saying the /j/sound: “j-j-j.” Children enjoy exploring words like jump, jelly, joy, juice, and jungle.
A child-friendly J song can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yL2556cZPpI
How We Form the Letter J
Uppercase J is taught as “a little line across the top and a big curve down and around.” Lowercase j is “a little line down with a curl, and a dot on top.” Children enjoy practicing J in vertical surfaces (like chalkboards or standing easels), which helps develop proper arm and hand strength.
Theme Connection: Joy
Throughout the week, we invite children to notice moments of joy—playing with a friend, learning something new, or finding something beautiful in the world. We may read joyful books such as The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin or Last Stop on Market Street, which helps children see joy in everyday places.
Children may draw a “joy picture,” create a joyful dance, or share something that brings them happiness. These small reflections build emotional literacy, gratitude, and connection.
For families, Big Life Journal offers wonderful ideas for cultivating joy and resilience at home: https://biglifejournal.com/blogs/blog
Kindergarten Readiness Skill: Fine Motor Development (WaKIDS/GOLD Objective 7)
This week we are highlighting fine motor skills, which support writing, drawing, buttoning, opening containers, using scissors, and so many everyday tasks. Joyful activities—stringing beads, squeezing playdough, painting with small brushes, using stickers, tearing paper for collage—also strengthen the tiny muscles in the fingers and hands.
In class, we infuse joy into fine motor play:
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Creating joyful collages
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Building “joy jars” with tweezers and small objects
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Painting big, swirling J shapes with water on chalkboards
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At home, you can support fine motor growth through simple, joyful tasks like peeling stickers, squeezing sponges during bath time, drawing, or helping prepare food (tearing lettuce, scooping, stirring).
For more playful fine motor ideas, The OT Toolbox has wonderful resources:https://www.theottoolbox.com/fine-motor-activities/
Fine motor development lays the groundwork for handwriting and independence—and when it’s wrapped in joy, children engage with even more energy and confidence.
Continuing the Learning at Home
Letter J shows up in fun places—jump, juice, jacket, jungle, and joy. You might take turns naming J words or searching for J in book titles.
Joy reminds us that learning is not only about skills—it’s about noticing the goodness around us.
