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.

jellygraph

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.

jellycoloring

Jelly Bean Scavenger Hunt: Fill the box with things that start with J! Some ideas: jar, junk mail, jelly beans.

jscavenger

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.

jellycolorpuzzles

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)

bottlecappromo

Jelly Bean Capital/Lowercase Sort: Simple, just sort the uppercase and lowercase letters

jjsortpromo

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.

floornumbers

Jelly Bean Cut-n-Paste: Have students cut out and glue onto blue construction paper to practice scissor skills!

jellycutpaste

Jelly Bean Cutting: Simple print and let your child try cutting along the lines!

jellycutting

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

jellydoadot

Jelly Bean Counting:  Cut out each card, then cut along dotted lines. Have students count dots and match the bottom to the correct number.

jellydotcount1

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.

jellylacing

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.

jellynumbercards

Jelly Bean Puzzle: Cut along the guides for a fun 6 piece beginner’s puzzle!

jellypuzzle

Jelly Bean Shape Matchup: Cut out each bean, then cut along dotted lines. Have students match shapes. Discuss shape names as you go.

jellyshapematch

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!

30 Comments

  1. Jeanniemb1: I'm not sure what you mean that you can't get to the last ones? The entire Jelly Bean printables are in one zip file this time just to make it easier, so you only have to download it once, just click on the link at the top of this post that says "Download J is for Jelly Beans Alternative" and you should be set!

  2. Erica,I have never commented on your blog before, but I visit it regularly(and I've used a LOT of printables :). I am Muslim, so I appreciate the fact that you respect other faiths and were willing to put so much effort into helping others. Thank you so much for doing this. From what you've posted of your kids, it seems that you and your husband have raised wonderful and intelligent children. May God bless you and your family; and may He help you to continue your kind deeds.Thank you,Raya

    Anonymous
  3. Thank you for this J addition! Now we can do the jellybean theme during the spring and the Jesus printables as part of our Christmas Unit Study! We are in our second week with your curriculum and 4yr and 2.5yr olds both love it, something for both of their levels!

  4. Thank you very much, Erica. I purchased the entire set for my preschoolers. But, I am having a problem downloading all the Jellybean cards. I have repeatedly tried and each time it only downloads the puzzle. If I have to purchase, please let me know or maybe you can tell me what I am doing wrong? I clicked on each individual card and rec'e the same one each time.Thank you,Nanette at Little Wonders Preschool

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