I have received several requests from public school teachers to give an alternative to my J is for Jesus due to religious restrictions placed on them. I hesitated to do this as I view my blog as a ministry to help spread the love of Jesus to my readers, and J is for Jesus is my favorite letter set! However, after much prayer I’ve decided to go ahead move forward. I do understand your restrictions and pray that my curriculum bless your classrooms.
–> Download J is for Jelly Beans Alternative <–
(If you have trouble downloading, try to RIGHT click on the above link, then select “SAVE LINK AS”. You will then be prompted to save the file to your hard drive.)
Jelly Bean Graphing: Using real jelly beans, give your students a jar full and have them sort them on the chart based on color. Once finished they can fill in the most/least colors as well.
Jelly Bean Coloring: We color this, paint it, or use markers. I found some that fit my 3 year old well, they’re called Pip-Squeaks Washable Markers. They’re shorter and easier for her to use. These pictured are chubby markers, they also make a skinny version. I got mine at Wal-mart.
Jelly Bean Scavenger Hunt: Fill the box with things that start with J! Some ideas: jar, junk mail, jelly beans.
Jelly Bean Color Puzzles: I cut these little guys out then cut them in half in as many interesting ways as I could think of to make tiny color matching puzzles.
Jelly Bean Letter Match: These cards are to be used with the wooden letter disks please Click here to see the process of making the letters. If you’re looking for more challenge, use the uppercase card with the lowercase letter disks or visa versa! (The download includes both upper and lowercase activity cards)
Jelly Bean Capital/Lowercase Sort: Simple, just sort the uppercase and lowercase letters
Jelly Bean Large Floor Numbers: I made these large floor numbers so that we can play a hopscotch type game. I call out a number and she jumps to it! You could also have them put the cards in numerical order.
Jelly Bean Cut-n-Paste: Have students cut out and glue onto blue construction paper to practice scissor skills!
Jelly Bean Cutting: Simple print and let your child try cutting along the lines!
Jelly Bean magnet page: I use it with a cookie sheet and these pom-pom magnets I made from pom-poms and self-sticky magnets from the craft isle in Wal-mart. I also use these magnets from Amazon: Power Magnets, 0.75 inch Diameter, Assorted Colors
Jelly Bean Counting: Cut out each card, then cut along dotted lines. Have students count dots and match the bottom to the correct number.
Jelly Bean Lacing Card: I make sure to laminate this one for durability, then punch with a hole punch every inch or so for lacing practice. Teach them patterns to do with this as well, like up from the bottom each time, or in-out-in-out sewing. Whatever pattern you can think of.
Jelly Bean Number Cards: I use these with either mini-clothes pins, colored paper clips, or put a hole in them and have her attach chain links to them. This time I made little stars to put on the cards. Whatever you use, just have them put on the correct amount for the number on the card. These are also good for putting in numerical order.
Jelly Bean Puzzle: Cut along the guides for a fun 6 piece beginner’s puzzle!
Jelly Bean Shape Matchup: Cut out each bean, then cut along dotted lines. Have students match shapes. Discuss shape names as you go.
Click here for a complete list of Letter J ideas!
–>> Download J is for Jelly Beans Alternative<<–
Note: To get all of the games in my Letter of the Week curriculum, please check out the full curriculum in my store!
Tis is very big of you to do Erica. I love this set! I appreciate how hard this must have been for you to choose to do and I thank you for doing it.As you know I am not a Christian so I couldn't use a lot of the a-z review printables, but I would not have asked you to change it! You really are a lovely person :)xx
Erica it came out so cute! You did good, that shows what a true Christian is all about, you are evangelizing to everyone not only with the material you give us but with your actions which speak louder than pictures and words, God bless you!
Thank you! We do not celebrate religion in our home but I love what you do. My daughter would simply see the baby Jesus as a baby rather than Jesus which would have made things difficult. I've had to make my own J activities for my daughter which are not nearly as nice as yours. I'm happy to be able to add your new ones into the mix.
I love your J is for Jesus set and will use it around Christmas, but the J is for Jellybeans will be a fun week for some other time as a review, so I'll just enjoy both. 🙂
Thank you for sharing your wonderful activities! I have not been able to get a few of the last ones you've posted to open, though. 🙁 Is there a trick?Thanks again for all the time you put in to these activities and for sharing so generously. Thank you for the witness you are, as well.
Thank you for sharing the jelly beans! I can now use both sets…one at school and one at home! Your gift of sharing is with others is a shining example of all that He has taught us. Blessings, Ms. Stacy
Erica, thank you! What you do is incredible! And generous-spirited. And you make it very clear that you are Christian–so it never bothered me to find Christian themed things.As a matter of fact, since I'm Jewish, i went ahead and pasted over the baby with jump ropes on a different one of your activities (starting letter sounds with matching color circles). Once it was glued and laminated, I was set.So, my point is that what you do is FABULOUS and we hope you will continue to do what is in line with YOUR values.–stacey w
That is the blessing of homeschool!!! I am glad you did these though, they turned out very cute! It does make it hard when working with other religions or non religious schools or families!
I am not a Christian. However, I always stop by your blog and Carissa's to read your latest posts on Christianity and Faith as well as to find printables. That being said, I teach my children about most religions and faiths and would definately use the J is for Jesus in a religious studies lesson. I also enjoy Totally Tots too. I fully understand why public school teachers requested an alternative … your printables are beautiful and a wonderful addition to all classrooms / homeschools.
Erica, once again you amaze me! You go above and beyond not only for your family, but for your readers also! You are awesome! Thanks so much for everything you do!