Learning Worksheets Phonics Letter M sound
Free printable PDF · beginning sounds · ages 3–5
Letter M Sound Worksheet: Beginning Sound /m/ (Free PDF)
Moon, monkey, mouse and milk: /m/ is the yummy, humming sound most babies say first, so it is a confident start for many children.
What’s on the letter M worksheet
- Trace: a big dotted M and m, then a row of Mm pairs, next to the key picture (moon).
- Circle: 12 pictures to say aloud. 6 of them start with /m/: monkey, mouse, mushroom, milk, mango and magnet.
- Match: draw a line from 4 pictures to their first sounds.
- Page 2: the answer key, with the name of every picture and tips for grown-ups.
How to say the /m/ sound
Close your lips and hum through your nose: /mmm/. You can hold it for as long as you like, as if you have tasted something delicious.
How to teach the letter m sound
Rub your tummy and say “mmm” after a pretend bite of food. Then turn it into a game: say a word, and if it starts with /m/, your child rubs their tummy. Use the worksheet pictures and stretch the sound: mmmoon, mmmonkey. Your child can feel the hum on their lips with a finger.
More /m/ words to say together
Man, mat, mug, mop, map, mum, mud, market.
Watch out for
The letters m and n are easy to mix up, both in sound and in writing. Help your child feel the difference: for /m/ the lips close, for /n/ they stay open and the tongue goes up.
Game: Magic mirror
Look in a mirror together. Say an m word and watch your lips press together. Then say a non-m word and see that your lips stay apart. Take turns being the one who catches the m words.
Everyday practice
Milk, meals and mittens: rub your tummy for /m/ at mealtimes.
Tongue twister
Mice make muddy muffins on Monday.
Trace and write the letter m
Practise writing the letter too: uppercase M tracing, lowercase m tracing and cursive m.
Practise next
Next, try letter n and letter o. Once most letter sounds are secure, blend them into CVC words.
Letter M sound questions
Why do some children learn m first?
It is one of the first sounds babies make, it is easy to see on the lips and it can be stretched. That makes it a natural early letter.
How do I help with m and n mix-ups?
Use a mirror and feel the hum. For /m/ lips close, for /n/ the tongue touches behind the top teeth. Writing practice helps with the shapes too.
More answers in the phonics FAQ.
More Letter Sound Worksheets
Also try: CVC words · sight words · alphabet tracing