20/08/2026
🏡 Parent Tips: Letter & Sound **m**
🔊 Teach the sound:
Encourage your child to say **“mmmmmmmm”** rather than saying the letter name or a short **“m.”** Stretching the sound helps children connect the sound to the letter.
✏️ Letter formation:
As your child writes “m”, encourage them to say the formation aloud:
**“Down, up, down, up, down.”**
This helps connect the **movement, sound and letter shape** together.
🌟 Fun formation practice at home:
* 🪟 **Window markers** – write on a window and wipe clean easily.
* 🍚 **Rice tray** – use a finger to practise forming *m* in rice.
* ❄️ **Condensation** – practise writing on a steamy/condensation-covered window, especially during winter.
* 🖍️ **Chalk** – practise large *m’s* on concrete or carpet. Chalk on carpet can be easily vacuumed afterwards!
🔎 Go on an “m” hunt!
Look for things that start with /m/ around the house or while you’re in the car.
Ask your child:
“Can you find something that starts with mmmmm?”
Ideas might include mum, milk, mat, mug, mouse, moon, map or mirror.
In the car, look for things such as motorbike, map, motorway or mirror.
**💡 Parent tip:** Keep practice short, playful and positive. A few minutes of repeated practice is often more effective than a long session.
