The production of vocalic R words is commonly acknowledged as one of the most difficult speech targets for both children and adults in English. As a speech pathologist for nearly three decades, I have tried several approaches for remediating R errors with good success. However, I struggled to help older clients progress in a timely fashion. So, I researched some new tools and found R Made Simple by Nancy Geruntino, MA, SLP through Northern Speech Services and things changed. In the opening pages of the instruction manual, Nancy states, “Many students that continue to struggle with ‘r’ past age 8 experience a mild form of apraxia.”
Motor speech therapy offers a structured approach to tackling the complexities of the vocalic R. The R Made Simple method teaches students to break down vocalic R words based on the sound preceding R and consider the tongue movements in these transitions. Therapy length varies based on age, challenge severity, and practice commitment, influencing duration and frequency of sessions.
Last summer, 2023, I purchased the R Made Simple Program so I could incorporate it with my private practice clients between 10-12 years. This article provides a first person, hands on review of the product.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Comprehensive kit that is cost effective
- Perfect program for older students working on vocalic R words
- Useful resources that make planning and implementation simple
- Effective motor planning approach for vocalic R words
Milestones for Vocalic R Words
Gliding is a phonological process where children replace the sounds “r” and “l” with “w” or “y.” For example, they might say “wabbit” instead of “rabbit” or “yemon” instead of “lemon.” This is a typical part of speech development in young children and usually resolves on its own by age 6 or 7.
The concept of vocalic R is integral to correct pronunciation in English. It presents various challenges, but mastering it is crucial for clear and accurate communication. For decades, speech pathologists used a speech sound development chart by Sander (1972) that suggested R mastery between 3-7 years. However, a more recent study in 2018 by McLeod and Crowe updated this expectation to vocalic R achievement by 5 years old. This new evidence suggests that prolonged distortion of vocalic R words beyond kindergarten may be detrimental to later progress.
R Made Simple Approach
The “R Made Simple” approach to vocalic R remediation offers a structured method for 7 to 18 years, that is focused on simplifying the therapeutic process. It utilizes specific strategies and resources tailored for practical application and consistent practice. The beauty of this program is that is captures the principles of motor learning. You begin working on teaching and instruction, then advance to analysis of vocalic R words. Using a tactile cue and auditory discrimination, you shape R in words, which carries into conversations.
As Nancy explains in the video above, the foundation of the R Made Simple Program involves teaching students to analyze the sound that is heard before the vocalic R word. There are three classifications:
Step-by-Step Strategies for Vocalic R Words
- Up: These sounds do not require the tongue tip for production; therefore, the tongue can be in an up position and ready for R production. For example, the tongue tip is not needed for producing k, so students can start with the tongue tip up and ready to produce creek.
- Down: All of the vowels including Y and the consonant X are generally produced with the tongue tip down and directly behind the bottom front teeth. Now, there is an extra motor planning movement/ step involved before the R sound. For example, in the word garden, we hear the vowel before the R, so the tongue tip is down and then needs to move up and back for R production.
- Slide: As the name implies, these sounds use the tip of the tongue and upper teeth. Thus, the student must slide the tongue into an R production. In the word feather, the TH sound is heard before the R, so the tongue tip must slide from between the teeth towards the back of the mouth to produce R. For banister, the tongue tip slides from T to the R sound.
Muscle Memory and Auditory Discrimination.
- Thumb Exercising: This technique helps students use a tactile support for moving the tongue in an upward movement for R. Instruct them to swallow with their fingers placed beneath the back of the tongue near the neck. Feel the tongue move. Then, position the thumb pad there and push while producing the R sound.
- Listening for the Match: In addition to using the above-mentioned tactile feedback, students may benefit from hearing the ‘ER’ sound prolongated in an ear as they produce the same target. When they hear a match, they release the ‘ER’ sound and transition into another sound. I like having them shift to ‘LY’ to hear an actual word.
R Made Simple Kit Contents
- Instructional Manual
- 8 Articulation Lessons
- Language Lessons
- Literacy Lesson
- 144 Picture Cards
- 40 Verb Cards
- 29 Individual Letter Cards (3 are blends)
- 4 UP, DOWN, SLIDE Alphabet Positioning Cards
- 1 Lesson Indicator Card
Programming Suggestions
The program also includes downloads for pre/post testing, worksheets, data collection pages, poems, and homework. Last summer, I had students using this program during individual treatment sessions at my private practice. One student enjoyed writing, so he created contents for up, down, and slide chapters of a story. Another student liked to draw, so she illustrated the short book. Not only did they both love this project, but they also found success with producing vocalic R words. One graduated speech services at the end of the summer and the other will exit services less than a year after using this program.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding vocalic R therapy, providing specific strategies and insights into the nuances of mastering the R sound.
What are effective strategies for vocalic R therapy?
Effective strategies for vocalic R therapy include auditory discrimination exercises, visual aids to demonstrate tongue positioning, and consistent practice with phonetic variations of the R sound. Therapists may also use tactile feedback techniques to guide correct tongue placement.
How does R chaining improve motor speech skills?
R chaining is a technique where individuals practice producing the vocalic R sound in a sequence of gradually increasing complexity—from syllables to words and then to sentences. This helps strengthen motor speech skills by building muscle memory and fluency in sound production.
How can distorted vocalic R be corrected?
Correcting a distorted vocalic R involves individualized assessment to identify the specific error pattern and the implementation of targeted interventions. Speech therapists may use a combination of auditory feedback, visual cues, and tongue-strengthening exercises to reshape the articulation of the R sound.
At what developmental stage should a child typically master the vocalic R sound?
Children typically master the vocalic R sound between the ages of 5 and 7. However, some children may take longer to develop this sound, and speech therapy may be beneficial if the R sound has not been acquired by the age of 7 or 8.
Nanette Cote is an ASHA certified speech pathologist, published author, and private practice business owner with 30 years experience.
