Letter Sound Recognition Activities for Struggling Learners

Building Confidence Through Structured Letter Sound Recognition Activities

Mastering letter sounds is a critical step in early literacy, but some students need extra support to build this skill. A structured, systematic routine can make a significant difference for these learners. According to research, students thrive when they know what to expect; clear routines promote independence and boost confidence. As educational expert Harry Wong once said, “The number one problem in the classroom is not discipline; it is the lack of procedures and routines.”This week-long plan provides a comprehensive approach to letter sound recognition activities that will keep students engaged and steadily building confidence.

These activities are perfect for small group instruction during literacy centers or RTI Intervention and should not last more than 15-20 minutes. They do not replace whole group instruction, but support students who need an extra boost. 

These letter sound recognition activities come in both color and blackline. If you choose to print in color, I recommend either laminating them or using page protectors so you can use them over and over again. I have included all of the activities for Letter Mm for you to try out with your students!

Here are the downloadable files that you’ll need for these lessons:

• Letter Mm Activities & Assessment
• Alphabet Flash Cards with Pictures
• Letter Sounds Bingo for Small Groups (Optional)

If you want ideas for letter identification instead of letter sound recognition, be sure to check out the blog post Helping Struggling Students Identify Letters: A Step-by-Step Routine for Success.

Monday: Introducing the Letter M Sound

Objective: Introduce the sound of the letter M and begin visual and auditory recognition.

1. Introduction: Introduce the focus letter with the “I Can” Poster
   • The poster introduces the sound of the letter M, helping students associate the letter with its sound. It reinforces what students will achieve during the lesson.
2. Activity #1: Watch a YouTube video about the Letter M
   • A fun, engaging video that reinforces the M sound with catchy songs or visuals will help cement sound recognition. Here are a few of our favorites:
     1. Jack Hartmann Letter M Song
     2. The /m/ Sound
     3. Storybot Letter M Song
     4. Have Fun Teaching Letter M Song
3. Activity #2: Cut out Picture Cards for the Letter M
   • Students cut out cards with images of items that start with the letter M. These are perfect for students to take home and practice with their grownups.
4. Closure: Picture Letter Sound Flashcards
   • Use these flashcards as a quick cumulative review, going over all previous learned letters or the entire alphabet.

Tuesday: Building Speed and Fluency

Objective: Help students gain fluency in recognizing the M sound.

1. Introduction: Use the “I Can” Poster with students to remind them of what letter you are focusing on today.
2. Activity #1: Roadrunner Read
   • Start introducing the Roadrunner Read as a quick warm-up, where students race to identify the focus letter sound among other letters. This helps with speed and fluency in recognizing letters.
   • The Roadrunner Reads typically review letters from previous weeks. They do go in alphabetical order, but there is an editable version of the Roadrunner Read  in the membership that you can create your own based on what order you teach your letters and sounds. This can vary if you used a standardized curriculum.
   • Tip: Consider creating a daily “speed challenge” chart to track how quickly each student completes the Roadrunner Read. Students love to see how they get faster over the course of the week!
3. Activity #2: Listen Up!
   • Students look at their picture mats, say the names of the images, and circle or color the pictures that start with the M sound. This helps strengthen their ability to identify the M sound in words.
4. Closure: Picture Letter Sound Flashcards
   • Use these flashcards as a quick cumulative review, going over all previous learned letters or the entire alphabet.

Wednesday: Generating Words and Listening for the Letter M Sound

Objective: Strengthen students’ ability to hear and use the M sound in words.

1. Introduction: Roadrunner Read (as a daily warm-up)
   • A fast-paced review to kickstart the day. Students get quicker and more confident each time they complete this activity, working toward fluency.
2. Activity #1: My Word List for the Letter M
   • Students brainstorm words that start with M and complete their word list by writing one of the words and drawing a picture. This reinforces both the writing and auditory connection to the letter sound.
3. Activity #2: Can You Hear It?
   • To help sharpen their auditory discrimination skills, students listen as the teacher says words out loud and determine if the word begins with the M sound. Students will poing to the “Yes” or “No” on their mat.
4. Closure: Picture Letter Sound Flashcards
   • Use these flashcards as a quick cumulative review, going over all previous learned letters or the entire alphabet.

Thursday: Writing Sentences and Letter Sound Review

Objective: Help students apply their knowledge by writing sentences using words that begin with the letter M and then do a quick independent review.

1. Introduction: Roadrunner Read (as a daily warm-up)
   • Begin the day with another fast-paced Roadrunner Read to continue building fluency and confidence with the M sound
2. Activity #1: Writing Sentences using words that begin with Letter M
   • With teacher guidance, students write simple sentences using M words. The teacher writes the sentence on a whiteboard while students copy it onto their worksheet. This builds their ability to associate spoken words with written ones
   • Tip: To extend this activity, challenge students to think of more M words to add to their sentences. Encourage creativity by letting them draw pictures or act out sentences that include their M words.
3. Activity #2: Review Time Letter Sound Worksheet
   • Students complete this worksheet to review what they’ve learned about the letter M sound, further reinforcing their skills through repetition.
4. Closure: Picture Letter Sound Flashcards
   • Use these flashcards as a quick cumulative review, going over all previous learned letters or the entire alphabet.

Friday: Letter Sound Recognition Assessment & Optional Fun Review Game

Objective: Assess students’ mastery of the M sound.

1. Introduction: Roadrunner Read (as a daily warm-up)
   • A final quick round of Roadrunner Read to get students in the zone for their assessment. I give assessments one-on-one, so plan on giving students an assignment to work on back at their seat. You could have them create another word list using the Word List Worksheet or assign them the same assignment as the rest of your class.
2. Assessment: Use the Letter Mm Sound Assessment to test each student.
   • Assess each student’s mastery of the focus letter with the simple and easy-to-use assessment. This assessment is meant to be done in a one-on-one setting.
3. Optional Closure: Time permitting, you can pull the students back to your small group table and play a fun letter sound cumulative review game such as Bingo for Small Groups.

This week-long routine offers a fun, structured way to help students master their letter sounds. With activities like Roadrunner Read, Listen Up!, and Can You Hear It?, your students will stay engaged while gaining confidence and independence. Consistency is key, and over time, these routines will help build their fluency and letter sound skills.

Let me know what you think!

Want Access to Everything in the Letter Sound Recognition Intervention Set?

• Letters A-Z Letter Sound Recognition Intervention Activities
• Editable RTI Small Group Lesson Plan Templates
• Editable Roadrunner Read Template
• CBM Assessments
• I Have, Who Has? Games
• Alphabet Letter Sound Book

Simply click the image below to GET ALL OF OUR ACTIVITIES!

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