The /r/ sound can be very challenging for children to learn. One of the things that makes it difficult to master is comprehending the position of the tongue.
A fun way to teach tongue positioning can be done through using play dough. Regular play dough can be used again and again, but if you want to create a model that will harden, consider using “Model Magic” dough by Crayola.
The /r/ sound can be made in two different ways: bunched and retroflexed. Before completing this activity, have your child’s speech therapist confirm with you which position you child has the most success with. Once you have determined which position to practice, grab some dough and follow the steps below:
Bunched Position: First, roll the dough into a ball and then use your palm to squish the play dough flat. Make sure the back of the tongue is wider than the front. Then, place the wider/ back side of the tongue on the table and gently push apply pressure downward. When you are done, the back sides of the tongue should be lifted upward. Remind your child the sides of the tongue should touch the insides of the back teeth.
Retroflexed Position:Follow the same instructions from the bunched position, but add the following step: curl the tip of the tongue so that it is pointing backwards.
In addition to visualizing /r/ with the use of play dough, consider using some of the following books which are loaded with /r/ words to practice:
/r/ at the beginning of words (initial /r/)
Robert the Rose Horse by Joan Heilbroner
Rosie Revere Engineer by Andrea Beaty
/r/ in the middle of words (medial /r/)
Clark the Shark by Bruce Hale
Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes
/r/ at the end of words (final /r/)
Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman
Roller Coaster by Marla Frazee