Most sounds are grouped in pairs where one sound is made with the voice turned on and the other sound is voiceless. The (j) and (ch) are examples. Both are produced in the same way differing only in voicing (vibration of the vocal folds) with the (ch) being unvoiced (with your voice turned off) and the (j) being voiced (with your voice turned on). This means the sound is made from both the vibration of the vocal cords and from the movement of the air through the mouth.
To make the (j) sound, put your teeth together and pull the corner of your lips to the middle to round them or form a pucker. Both the (ch) and the (j) sounds begin with the tongue in the same position as the t sound and d sound, with the tip of the tongue on the little bump right behind the upper front teeth. Then your sound gets released in the same place inside your mouth as the (sh) sound sound. The air will be temporarily blocked by your tongue on its way out, before being released from your lips. The area right behind the tip of the tongue is near to the tooth ridge and when it passes through, friction happens.
Some hints for practicing the (j) sound:
Model the correct sound for your child. Say it slowly and clearly. Practice your sounds in front of a mirror for additional visual feedback. Since the (j) sound is voiced, you can feel the vibration of the vocal cords when it is produced. Put your hands on your throat to feel the vibration. Play a “jumping” activity. Jump up and down. Practice with a jump road. Say “jump" as you play. Kids will enjoy it as they are hearing and learning the sound!
To make the (j) sound, put your teeth together and pull the corner of your lips to the middle to round them or form a pucker. Both the (ch) and the (j) sounds begin with the tongue in the same position as the t sound and d sound, with the tip of the tongue on the little bump right behind the upper front teeth. Then your sound gets released in the same place inside your mouth as the (sh) sound sound. The air will be temporarily blocked by your tongue on its way out, before being released from your lips. The area right behind the tip of the tongue is near to the tooth ridge and when it passes through, friction happens.
Some hints for practicing the (j) sound:
Model the correct sound for your child. Say it slowly and clearly. Practice your sounds in front of a mirror for additional visual feedback. Since the (j) sound is voiced, you can feel the vibration of the vocal cords when it is produced. Put your hands on your throat to feel the vibration. Play a “jumping” activity. Jump up and down. Practice with a jump road. Say “jump" as you play. Kids will enjoy it as they are hearing and learning the sound!