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Search your local library for sound recordings of alphabet songs or create your own silly song. Children who might become bored with endless word repetitions might be more apt to practice the sound in a song. In addition to sitting down with your child regularly to practice the “M” sound, incorporate speech therapy into everyday activities.

Say words like “yummy,” “tummy,” and “summer” and encourage your child to repeat them. For example, say, “Mama bought milk and melons.” Begin demonstrating words that do not begin with “M,” but that incorporate the letter elsewhere. Verbally demonstrate whole words that begin with “M.” Start with simple words like “mama” and “moo” and progress to words like “melon,” “magic,” and “motor.” Gradually, as your child masters single words, begin to demonstrate them in short, simple sentences. Encourage him to make the “Mmmm” sound, followed by his own funny faces. If your child appears to be losing his interest, make a funny face and laugh at yourself. Make the “Mmmmm” sound with your closed lips, as if you were praising a particularly tasty recipe. While your child is looking at his closed lips in the mirror, verbally demonstrate the “M” sound for him. Hold up the mirror so that he can see his closed lips. Engage him in a game of “monkey see, monkey do.” Instruct him to copy your actions. When you encourage him to make the sound himself, instruct him to place his hand lightly on his own throat to feel his vibrating vocal cords.ĭuring a time when your child is well-rested, sit down with him. Your child will be able to feel your vibrating vocal cords. To conduct a tactile demonstration of the “M” sound, have your child place his hand on your throat. He can also learn a sound with the sense of touch.

He can look at you for a visual demonstration and hear a verbal demonstration of the sound. It is often helpful for a child to learn sounds by engaging several senses. Say “Mama.” Now try to say it without closing your lips for the second “m.” It turns into an “N,” doesn’t it? It is also a bilabial sound, like the “P” sound, which means that it is formed by closing the lips. This means that air travels through the nose, rather than the mouth.

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Although your child may not yet be old enough to go to school, you can still take advantage of free speech therapy with the Early Intervention program. If you think that your child might be displaying difficulties with the “M” sound, consult a speech-language pathologist (SLP) sooner rather than later. Most children have command over this sound by the time they are two or three, if not earlier. If your baby’s first word was “mama,” he’s not alone. Image source: īabies often begin their initial explorations with sounds with the “M” sound.

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