How to Pronounce j

This pronunciation lesson is designed for 3-6-year-old children to help them pronounce the letter j using its phonic sound.

Learning phonic sounds is important for children as this helps them to learn how to read. This is the first step in learning spelling and vocabulary.

In our previous video lesson, we learned about phonics, the importance of learning phonics, and the phonic sound of the letters up to j’. This video lesson is the 10th in a row of learning the sound of letters. 

 Why is it Important to Learn Sounds from Phonics? 

The English language has 26 letters and 44 speech sounds. All the various speech sounds (phonemes) are represented by combinations of these letters. In early childhood, children typically begin to develop an awareness of phonics and other aspects of literacy with the correct way of teaching sounds (phonics).

Introduction of phonics or sound-letter patterns through engaging emergent literacy experiences, the transition to early reading and spelling gets easier and smoother.

This leads to the way to read and write better. Eventually, the child reads the new words too with complete ease. It also helps to improve a child’s vocabulary and verbal skills. 

Learning from phonetic sounds also builds patience and concentration in a learner.

How to Pronounce the ‘j’ Sound?

The ‘j sound’ /ʤ/ is voiced which means the vocal cords vibrate during its production. To pronounce the letter j or the /ʤ/ sound, the air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the back tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. Thus, the letter ‘j’ sound is pronounced when the air is released with friction. In here,  the vocal cords stretch across the larynx at the back of the throat. 

Some words that produce the sound of j can be Jam, jet, juice, joker, jar, jug, and jack.

How to Introduce the Pronunciation of the ‘j’ to the Child?

1. Invite the child to the table and tell them, today we are going to learn the sound of the letter ‘j’ produces.
2. Show the child how the letter ‘j’ looks like and what is the sound of the letter ‘j’.
3. Say it several times by producing the /j/ sound as shown in the video.
4. Ask the child to repeat the sound after you.
5. Show the child a picture or miniature of words starting with j such as jet. 
6. Repeat the sound of j every time while showing the image of the kite 
7. Now show another picture that starts with j and again pronounce ‘j’ sound.
8. Encourage the child to make the sound of ‘j’ whenever the picture is shown to them.

Other Activities to Introduce the Phonic Sound of ‘j’ to the Child

1. Make an outline of a joker on a piece of paper and let the child begin to color or make it decorative by their own means. While doing so, encourage them to sound /j/-joker. Do it repeatedly.
2. Take some jam and let the child spread it on a chapati or bread and ask them to pronounce /j/ while doing so.
3. Jellyfish–making a jellyfish could be a fun idea while kids learn the pronunciation of the letter j and also do some craft activities. Trace the letter j and cut a piece of paper in half. Place that paper plate on the top of j like a cap and let the child color it. Also, place some confetti below the plate to complete the jellyfish.
4. A jar filled with some sensory objects would be fun to learn the sound and also develop the touch and feel of various objects.
5. Jumping or jogging is a fun game to make the children pronounce the letter j each time they jump or jog.

This video allows the child to explore the short consonant sound of the English letter ‘J’ and learn words starting with it, such as jar, jam, and jet. The sounds are repeated for each word so that the child can hear and pronounce the letter accurately.

Watch the video to learn how the sounds of the letter ‘j’ are repeated for each word so that the child can hear and pronounce the words accurately.

Related Pronunciation Videos:

1. Pronunciation of the letter ‘l’
2. Pronunciation of the letter ‘m’
3. Pronunciation of the letter ‘g’
4. Pronunciation of the letter ‘i’

For more pronunciation and English language resources, click here. 

Video created by: Strykun Olena