Episode 87: Do This Before You Work on the /R/ Sound

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Here are a few units I recommend for students who are already at the sentence level or above (these include vocabulary and comprehension questions and are perfect for groups):

/r/ readings with a landforms theme targeting science standards

r readings bloodsuckers bundle

Tips discussed in this episode:

  • by completing a thorough speech sample, we learn more about how and when (and if!) a student is using the /r/ sound

  • completing a /r/ probe before we work on production will also make /r/ articulation speech therapy sessions be a lot less frustrating and more productive

  • use consistent terms with your students when describing the /r/ sound (“lip sound” “tongue sound” and a “strong /r/” are some of my favorites)

  • get your students lips out of the way by asking them to smile or by using some of the tips above

  • practice discrimination and see if your student can discriminate your productions as well as their own productions, either as old way /r/ sounds or strong /r/ sounds

Working on the /r/ sound is one of the trickiest sounds to work on in speech therapy. Remember to give it time. If it’s taking time, chances are - you are doing it right, it’s just going to take longer than you think it will.

Are you an SLP working on production of the /r/ sound for your students? Articulation for the /r/ sound can be tricky, so here are some tried-and-true tips to help you out.
Articulation tips for the /r/ sound for speech language pathologists including where to start, terms to use, and tips that will help you start off on the right foot.