Notes for adults

Age 4 · 10 min · Easy

Name nine foods and circle the ones that begin with the /m/ sound.

Learning objectives

• Name the pictures with support when needed.
• Identify words that begin with the /m/ sound.
• Circle the chosen pictures and try tracing the letter M.

What you need

• Printed activity sheet
• Pencil or crayon

Safety notes

Use age-appropriate drawing materials and supervise their use.

How to do it

1. Print the sheet and find a pencil or crayon.
2. Show the letter M and make its sound: “mmm.”
3. Name each picture together.
4. Use “mango” as an example. Emphasize the first sound and circle the picture.
5. Invite your child to say the other names and circle those that begin with /m/.
6. Invite your child to trace M and m.
7. Say the names of the circled pictures together.

Teaching suggestions

• Use these picture names in page order: mango, banana, mushroom, cheese, milk, bread, muffin, grapes and melon.
• Stretch the first sound: “Mmm-mango.” Then compare it with “banana.”
• If your child needs support, look at two pictures at a time and allow time to listen.
• In a group, let each child choose a picture and share an idea before circling.

Variations

• Make it easier: Compare just two pictures at a time and say their names slowly together.
• Make it harder: Ask your child to name another food that begins with /m/ without looking at the sheet.
• Extend the play: Look together for things around the room whose names begin with /m/, such as a marker.

Talk about it

• What do you notice at the beginning of “mango” and “milk”?
• What does your mouth do when you make the /m/ sound?
• What other food do you know that starts with that sound?
• Which of these foods do you know? What can you tell me about it?

What to look for

• Notice whether your child names the pictures, with or without help.
• Watch for pictures whose names begin with /m/ being identified and circled.
• Notice whether your child tries to trace M and m.