Interactively Teaching the Letter M

A Hands-on Approach for Teaching the M Letter and Sound to Toddlers

Apr 29, 2009 Julie Warrenfeltz

Use multisensory learning techniques to teach your toddler the "m" sound and shape quickly and effectively.

Teaching a toddler the "m" sound should involve all of his senses. This lesson will teach a toddler to associate the "m" sound with the shape of the letter. This lesson can be done at home or in a childcare facility or preschool. Teach toddlers lowercase letters first.

Materials for Letter "M" Lesson

Letters of the lowercase alphabet
2 paper plates with a lowercase “m” drawn on each in marker
Macaroni (uncooked) and mushrooms with stems (washed and dried)
Cooked macaroni and cheese
Glue

Lesson Preparation

Arrange the alphabet in three to four rows. Have glue, paper plate, macaroni or mushrooms ready but out of the child's sight. A shoebox or crate is recommended.

How to Teach about "M"

Using each of the five senses, introduce the "m" sound and the letter "m" in the following manner:

Sing the alpha-sounds song.
Show the child the letter “m”. Tell the child what the letter is and its sound. Have the child trace the “m” with his finger while saying “mmm”.
Make the letter "m" using American Sign Language then assist the child in making the “m” with his own hand.
Show the child how to make the letter “m” using Body Letters, have the child make an a body letter “m” while saying “mmm”.
Have the child glue uncooked macaroni into “m” shapes on a paper plate along the “m” that was drawn on the paper plate.
Show the child the mushrooms. Separate the mushroom cap from the stem. Use the stems to make the letter, gluing the stems to the paper plate.
Have the child close his eyes and have him smell the macaroni and cheese. Say the "m" sound while he smells the dish. Have the child open his eyes and let him eat the macaroni and cheese. During the meal prompt him to come up with more words that start with the letter “m”.
Place the letter “m” in front of your child. Ask him for the letter and the sound it makes.
Sing the alpha-sounds song to end the session.

Objectives

This lesson will accomplish four (4) objectives:

Objective 1: To reinforce the sounds that the letters in the alphabet represent, with specific focus on the letter “m” and the sound that “m” makes.

Verbal Cue A: Let’s sing our alpha-sounds song.
Verbal Cue B: This is the letter “m” and “m” says “mmm”.

Objective 2: To develop fine motor skills

Verbal cue A: Let's make an "m" with our fingers.
Verbal cue B: Let’s glue the macaroni together to make “m's” and put those “m's" inside this big “m”.

Objective 3: To develop gross motor skills

Verbal Cue A: Let’s make the letter "m" with our bodies.
Verbal Cue B: Let's try to make the letter "m" with our arms.

Objective 4: To develop an understanding of spatial relationships

Verbal Cue A: Which “m” is bigger?
Verbal Cue B: Which “m” is smaller?

By the end of the lesson, your child will clearly understand the letter “m” and the "m" sound and how to create the letter “m” using his hands, his body, and by using manipulatives such as mushrooms and macaroni.

For more information on teaching your child to read, see The Smart Way to Teach Your Toddler the ABC's and An Overview to Teach Toddlers Effectively.

The copyright of the article Interactively Teaching the Letter M in Early Childhood is owned by Julie Warrenfeltz. Permission to republish Interactively Teaching the Letter M in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

ASL Letter M