Lesson 31: Jj /dʒ/
Help Your Child Learn to Say, Write, and Read with the Letter Jj!
What Will We Learn Today?
Today we’re learning the letter Jj, which spells the sound /dʒ/—as in jam or jog. In this lesson, your child will learn how to say the /dʒ/ sound, write uppercase and lowercase Jj, and blend and read short words, phrases, and connected sentences using this bouncy, voiced consonant.
How to Make the /dʒ/ Sound
The /dʒ/ sound is a voiced stop–affricate made near the front of the mouth.
Here’s how to help your child say it:
Place the tip of the tongue just behind the top front teeth.
Build up a little air pressure behind the tongue.
Turn your voice on.
Release the air in a quick burst: /dʒ/
It’s the same sound as the beginning of jam or jet.
Articulate
Say it together:
“Let’s say /dʒ/ like jelly jumping—/dʒ/!”
Try it gently and slowly: /dʒ… dʒ… dʒ/
Have your child feel the vibration in their throat as they say it.
How to Write the Letter Jj
Time to grab your whiteboard and marker!
Uppercase J
Start at the top and draw a straight line going down.
Curve it left at the bottom like a hook.
Add a short line across the top.
Lowercase j
Start just below the top line and draw a straight line down.
Curve left at the bottom.
Don’t forget to add a dot above the line.
Try tracing first, then writing independently. Use sensory tools like playdough or glitter glue for fun practice!
Let’s Practice Reading Words
Blend and read these /dʒ/ words:
jig – jab – jest – job – jam – jump – jet – jog – just
Model blending:
“/dʒ/ – /æ/ – /m/” → jam
Then say it fluently.
Let’s Practice Reading Phrases
just a jab
do the jig
jump and jog
the hot jug
jab and jump
do the job
Encourage your child to read slowly, then smoothly.
Let’s Practice Reading Sentences
The jug is red.
The jet is fast.
I jot the job on a list.
Jump and jog to the top.
Ask:
What did you hear that starts with /dʒ/?
What happened in the sentence?
Let’s Practice Reading Connected Sentences
I said, “Do not jab.”
“It is just a jest!” said Jen.
The jab is not fun.
I jump and run.
Jen and I just jog to the rug.
Jen and I do the jig.
Comprehension questions:
Who said it was a jest?
What did they do after?
What fun word starts with J?
Color, Trace, and Write
Use worksheets where your child can:
Color pictures with /dʒ/ words (e.g., jam, jet, jug)
Trace uppercase and lowercase Jj
Write the letter independently
[Download the Jj Worksheet Here]
Flashcards – Beginning Sound Focus
Use picture flashcards to reinforce the /dʒ/ sound.
Examples:
jam
jug
jog
jet
Ask:
“What sound do you hear at the start?”
“Can you find another /dʒ/ word?”
[Download Jj Flashcards – Beginning Sound Set Here]
Conclusion
The /dʒ/ sound is energetic and exciting—just like the words it begins! With clear articulation, writing practice, and engaging stories, your child will grow in confidence and fluency.
Ask your child:
“Can you do a jig and say a /dʒ/ word at the same time?”