Say words starting with 'M' & 'P' without moving your lips!

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Try to say words beginning with M and P while keeping your lips still, record how sounds change, and learn about speech production.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to say words starting with 'M' & 'P' without moving your lips

What you need

Paper, pencil, mirror, adult supervision required

Step 1

Gather your materials and take them to a quiet spot.

Step 2

Sit in front of the mirror so you can clearly see your lips.

Step 3

Take three slow deep breaths to relax your mouth and face.

Step 4

On your paper write five words that start with the letter M.

Step 5

On your paper write five words that start with the letter P.

Step 6

Press your lips gently together so they cannot move.

Step 7

Say the first M word three times while keeping your lips still.

Step 8

Write one short sentence about how the M word sounded with your lips still.

Step 9

Keep your lips gently pressed together and say the first P word three times.

Step 10

Write one short sentence about how the P word sounded with your lips still.

Step 11

Repeat saying each remaining M and P word with your lips still and write one note for each word.

Step 12

Draw a small picture that shows whether each word sounded like it came from your nose or your mouth.

Step 13

Share your finished creation on DIY.org

Help!?

What can we use if we don't have a mirror or paper?

Use your phone or tablet front-facing camera or a shiny spoon as the 'mirror' from step 2, and replace paper in steps 4–9 with a notes or drawing app so you can write five M and P words and draw the small picture.

My lips keep moving when I press them together—how can I fix that?

If your lips move during steps 5–9, watch your reflection (step 2), place a fingertip lightly on your lips for tactile feedback, and slow each word into separate parts while repeating it three times as instructed in steps 6 and 8.

How can we adapt this activity for different ages?

For younger children, shorten steps 4–9 to two M and two P words and have them draw instead of writing sentences, while older kids can list more words, record themselves during steps 6 and 8, and add a short written explanation of why some words sounded nasal or oral.

How can we make the activity more fun or personalized?

To extend the project, turn steps 4–10 into a family challenge with timed rounds, color-code the drawings from step 10 (e.g., blue for nose, red for mouth), and create a short mirror-video of your practice to share on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to say words starting with 'M' & 'P' without moving your lips

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Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

30 Words Starting with Letter M || Letter M words || Words that starts with M

4 Videos

Facts about speech production and articulation

🗣️ The sounds /m/ and /p/ are bilabial — they normally use both lips, so keeping lips still changes how they come out!

🤫 /m/ is a voiced nasal (air goes through the nose) while /p/ is a voiceless plosive (a tiny puff or 'pop' of air).

🎧 Recording your voice helps you catch small sound differences that you might not notice while speaking.

🧠 Practicing speech shows how your brain and mouth team up — the more you try, the clearer you can shape sounds.

🔬 Speech scientists study lip movement and airflow with slow-motion video and sound analysis to see how sounds form.

How do you do the activity?

Start by showing the child how to hold their lips gently closed but relaxed — or place a finger on the lips so they try not to move them. Take turns saying words that start with M (mom, moon) and P (pop, pen) while keeping lips still. Record or have a partner write down each attempt. Play back or listen together and talk about how the sounds changed and why lips help shape speech.

What materials do I need?

You only need simple household items: a list of M and P words, a mirror so the child can watch mouth movement, and a phone or recorder to capture attempts. Optional extras: a notebook and pen to note differences, a timer for short rounds, and stickers or a chart for encouragement. No special equipment required — adult supervision and gentle guidance are enough.

What ages is this activity suitable for?

This game suits preschool and early elementary children, roughly ages 4–9. Younger children may need hands-on help and simpler word lists; older children can try longer words and self-record. Adjust expectations: preschoolers focus on having fun and noticing changes, while school-age kids can discuss speech mechanics. Always supervise to keep the activity safe and positive.

What are the benefits and variations of this activity?

This exercise builds phonemic awareness, listening skills, and curiosity about speech production. Kids learn how mouth shape affects sounds and can practice self-monitoring. Variations include trying other consonant pairs, whispering, or using a mirror challenge. It’s also helpful for speech therapy warm-ups, but consult a speech-language therapist if you have concerns about a child’s speech development.

Ready to create?

All Activities

Say words starting with 'M' & 'P' without moving your lips!

Try to say words beginning with M and P while keeping your lips still, record how sounds change, and learn about speech production.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to say words starting with 'M' & 'P' without moving your lips

What you need

Paper, pencil, mirror, adult supervision required

Step 1

Gather your materials and take them to a quiet spot.

Step 2

Sit in front of the mirror so you can clearly see your lips.

Step 3

Take three slow deep breaths to relax your mouth and face.

Step 4

On your paper write five words that start with the letter M.

Step 5

On your paper write five words that start with the letter P.

Step 6

Press your lips gently together so they cannot move.

Step 7

Say the first M word three times while keeping your lips still.

Step 8

Write one short sentence about how the M word sounded with your lips still.

Step 9

Keep your lips gently pressed together and say the first P word three times.

Step 10

Write one short sentence about how the P word sounded with your lips still.

Step 11

Repeat saying each remaining M and P word with your lips still and write one note for each word.

Step 12

Draw a small picture that shows whether each word sounded like it came from your nose or your mouth.

Step 13

Share your finished creation on DIY.org

Help!?

What can we use if we don't have a mirror or paper?

My lips keep moving when I press them together—how can I fix that?

How can we adapt this activity for different ages?

How can we make the activity more fun or personalized?

Watch videos on how to say words starting with 'M' & 'P' without moving your lips

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

30 Words Starting with Letter M || Letter M words || Words that starts with M

4 Videos

Facts about speech production and articulation

🗣️ The sounds /m/ and /p/ are bilabial — they normally use both lips, so keeping lips still changes how they come out!

🤫 /m/ is a voiced nasal (air goes through the nose) while /p/ is a voiceless plosive (a tiny puff or 'pop' of air).

🎧 Recording your voice helps you catch small sound differences that you might not notice while speaking.

🧠 Practicing speech shows how your brain and mouth team up — the more you try, the clearer you can shape sounds.

🔬 Speech scientists study lip movement and airflow with slow-motion video and sound analysis to see how sounds form.