Steps to Say "R"
1. First have your child trace their tongue on the roof of their mouth from
the front behind the teeth to the back, while saying "ler". They should try
to get their tongue as far back as they can and the "er" sound should be
pronounced when their tongue is in the back. Practice this for a while until
they are getting a consistently good "er" sound. Then have them practice
just saying "er".
2. The next step is to say words with "r" in the beginning of them. Let me
know if you would like a set of "r" word cards (862-6461 or 862-2356).
Practice the words using the "er" sound at the beginning, such as "er ed"
for "red" or "er ight" for "right". Sometimes children put a "w" in after
the "er". You should have them correct themselves if they say this. Practice
the 20 words until your child gets 95% accuracy, or one or less wrong, three
times in a row. As they get better at saying the "er" sound you can stop
leaving a gap between the "er" and the rest of the word. Always have your
child repeat the word correctly if they make an error. It may help to remind
them to move their tongue back. Offer your child lots of encouragement as
they say the sounds correctly.
3. Now your child is ready to practice initial "r" ("r" in the beginning of
words) in phrases. I like to use "my" and then the word because it is easy
to say and won't distract them from pronouncing their "r" words correctly.
Sometimes the phrases don't make sense, but that's okay. Practice saying "my
er ed", "my er ug" etc. until they reach 95% accuracy three times in a row.
4. After "r" in phrases, your child is ready to practice saying "r" in longer
phrases. Longer phrases are groups of three or more words that don't have to
make a complete sentence. Some examples would be "the ered (red) table"
or "a yellow erose (rose)". You may have to invent the longer phrases for
your child if it is too difficult for them. Providing an example also
helps. It's good to avoid using other words that have an "r" in them because
this makes the task too challenging. Remember that "r" can be one of the
hardest sounds to say. Ninety percent of children master the sound at age 8,
so it is a later developing sound. Have your child practice saying "r" in
longer phrases until they get 95% or better accuracy for three sets of words
in a row. Continue to have them repeat themselves if they make a mistake.
5. Sentences are the next step in learning to say "r" words. Have your child
make up a sentence with the target word in it. If they are younger, or it is
too difficult for them, you can help create the sentences and they can repeat
you. It still helps to avoid using other words that have an "r" in them.
You can also begin to correct your child's "r" sounds when they are talking.
Just have them repeat the word they just had a hard time with. At this point
you may be able to have your child drop the "er" and just say "r" like you
do. Practice the sentences until they achieve 95% accuracy three times in a
row.
6. Following sentences, you should use two target words per sentence. An
example would be "I ran fast in the race", or "The rabbit hid under the
rug". This step can be challenging for students. As before, have them
correct themselves when they make an error with their sounds. Also continue
to offer lots of encouragement. After they are able to say their sentences
with 95% accuracy three times in a row, you are ready for new word cards.
7. These steps should also be followed with "r" in the end of words, "r" in
the middle of words, initial "r" blends, and final "r" blends. You continue
to start with words, followed by phrases, longer phrases, sentences, and two
target words per sentence. If your child is having difficulty at a level,
you might want to backtrack to a level they have already passed for practice
and to build your child's confidence. I know this can be a long process. If
you have any questions, feel free to call me at Trevor (862-2356) or Wilmot
(862-6461). I am also available through e-mail at
SundquistJJ@twc.k12.wi.us. I will also continue to monitor the "Interactive
Questions About Speech" link of this webpage.