/r/ remediation

These are some phrases that I like to use when working on the /r/ sound.  There are two ways to produce the /r/ sound.  Most people produce it by bunching their tongue at the back of the mouth, the tongue tip stays down.  Some people flip the tip of their tongue up to make the /r/ sound and don't really "bunch".  Before using these phrases make sure which type of production you want to target. 

During an the assessment for child who makes /r/ errors I like to see if they can make /r/ correctly in isolation or a variety of syllables (different vowels before and after).  I try to watch what their tongue is doing.  This helps me decide which type of /r/ I want to target.  If they don't ever make an accurate /r/ then I try both types with them to see which they have a better approximation with and that is what I target. 

Bunching R (more common)
"Pull your tongue back tight, like a fist."
"Smile while you say /r/."
"Growl like a tiger. GRRR!"
"Bunch your tongue up."

Retroflex or Tip up R (less common)
"Smile when you way /r/."
"Make your tongue tight."
"Tip up."
"Curl your tongue."

When teaching either type of /r/ be sure to show them what you mean in your mouth and/or with an oral puppet.