As babies grow and begin to produce a variety of sounds, there are a few consonants that children typically produce earlier than others. One example of a common early developing sound is: /m/. It is one that we look for in Early Intervention Speech Therapy.
One reason that children may produce this sounds earlier than others is because it is made with the lips coming together, otherwise known as bilabial sounds, which may be easier for children to see when other parents and peers are modeling.
Below are 3 great ways to help your child promote this earlier developing sound!
/m/
- While playing a game with your child that requires turn-taking (e.g., throwing a ball, pushing a car) you can model “Mmmmy turn!”
2. While playing with animals, emphasize animal sounds, such as “Mooo!”
3. During mealtime, model “Mmm” and “Yummmmy!” while eating or drinking
Typically, 90% of children are able to produce the sound /m/ by 3 years of age.
If you have any concerns regarding your child’s overall development, don’t wait! This can include speech and language, social skills, play skills, or fine/gross motor. It is always better to intervene sooner than later! Early intervention providers (e.g., speech-language pathologists, special instructors) are here to work with both you and your child to improve their overall development.
About the author: Jayde Ragimierski, M.S. CCC-SLP earned her B.S. in Communication Disorders and Minor in Deaf Studies at the State University of New York at New Paltz and M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology from The College of Saint Rose. Jayde provides Early Intervention Speech Therapy services to children ages 0-3 in Dutchess & Putnam county, as well as in-office speech therapy services to all ages in Fishkill, NY.
