Letter M Formation Worksheet
Trace the capital M and the small m with numbered start points and direction arrows, then write them on your own.
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How to write the letter M
The capital M is written in four strokes, and the small m in three strokes. The worksheet above is already set to this letter. It shows a model of each letter with green numbered start points and red direction arrows, then rows of dotted copies to trace and empty space to write on your own. Change the letter case, the size or the number of rows in the settings.
Capital M
Start at the bottom left and go straight up. Slide down in a slant to a point just above the bottom line. Slide back up to the top right, then go straight down to the bottom. The rhythm is up, down, up, down.
Small m
Draw a short line down from the middle line. Then start on the line about halfway down and make a round hump to the right, coming down to the base line. Make a second hump of the same size in the same way.
Teaching tip for M
Make the three legs of the small m the same length, and the two humps the same size. The small m is an n with one more hump, so if your child can write n, they are nearly there. On the capital M, aim for the two points to reach the top line.
The sound of M and words to practice
The letter M usually stands for the sound /m/ as in moon (a hum with closed lips). Words to practice: moon, monkey, mouse, milk, mittens, map. Say each word, listen for the first sound and trace the letter. Try the beginning sounds worksheets to match the sound to pictures, or trace the words themselves with word tracing.
Letters that look alike
The letter M is easy to mix up with Letter Nn and Letter Ww. Practice them on separate days, one at a time, and say the starting point out loud each time before the pencil touches the paper.
More letters
Previous: Letter Ll · Next: Letter Nn · All letters A to Z
Frequently asked questions
How can my child remember that M and W are different?
M starts at the bottom and goes up. W starts at the top and goes down. You can also say that M has two mountain peaks, while W has two valleys. W is M turned upside down.
Free printable workbooks
Want a planned set instead of a single page? These free PDF workbooks use the same worksheets in a step-by-step order.
ABC Tracing Book
Every letter A to Z with numbered stroke arrows, a picture to color and a word to trace.
Dot Marker Activity Book
Big letters, numbers, shapes and pictures filled with circles for dot markers, stickers or fingertips.
CVC Words Workbook
Read, build, trace and write short a, e, i, o and u words with pictures, sound boxes and sentences.
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Guides for parents and teachers: Letter Formation Order: Which Letters to Teach First · How to Teach a Child to Write Their Name · How to Teach Cursive Handwriting to Kids · Cursive Letters A to Z: A Simple Guide for Kids