J is for Joy and J....: Themed Activities

 J is for Joy.  I wish you great joy in this new year and a journey that is meaningful and memorable for you and those you love.

Jars of Clay make me think of our precious children. When in Israel we brought home a small clay jar that commonly held oil that was lit as a lantern.  That little bit of light made a difference in the room.  It dispelled darkness and brought light in the same way that a small child enters a room and their presence brings joy to those around them. Their presence makes a difference and their laughter lights up a room.

Jellybeans- We enjoyed some very flavourful jellybeans this year.  Two years ago we had a jellybean game called beanboozled in which you were instructed to eat the colour of the jellybean that you got on the spinner, without knowing if you were to ear the one that was a delicious flavour or the one that was a disgusting flavour (eg. spoiled fish or coconut).  Jellybeans are one of the best candies to learn colours as they come in a wide variety of colours.  You can sort and match them to another object of the same colour.  You can have a colour by number and select a jellybean to eat while you colour in the parts that match the candy colour.  You can also use them to make a collage if you are not keen to eat them.

Jack and the Beanstalk.  Read the book. Grow bean plants by placing seeds in a water-soaked paper towel placed in a baggie and taped to a window to access the light.  Make a chart to track its growth.  Practice climbing so that if a magic stalk ever appears in your yard you have the skill set needed to climb up safely.  Ask about Jack's character:  was he wise or foolish? brave or carefree? a help or a hindrance?  Ask how Jack's life offers a good lesson and/or a fairytale type warning.

Jack and Jill is the name of a nursery rhyme that many children learn to help them learn rhyming patterns through a simple story using early vocabulary words.  It is also a verse that can be sung to the tune of the ABC song along with many other nursery rhymes to make the alphabet song more diverse and interactive.  Try alternating the alphabet with a rhyme as you sing along.

Jewellery making is a creative process that can be calming while also being very satisfying as it creates a final product that can be quite beautiful.  A child can design a bracelet or necklace that can be gifted to others as a way to express their friendship and/or their love for a family member or friend.

Jumping Games:  Jump rope competitions or jumping on a trampoline, jumping up and down in joy or jumping through a hoop are all examples of activities that include jumping.  You can jump over a hurdle, jump to get the basketball in the net, jump into the water or perform a high jump. You can jump like a frog, jump in hopscotch or jump over an obstacle in your way.  Whatever your reason is for jumping, be sure to include Jumping for Joy on your list of reasons for there are so many reasons to give thanks and celebrate events in our days with true joy. Celebrate them!

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