The tricky /R/: Mastering tongue placement for clear speech
The /R/ sound is notoriously challenging for many children (and even some adults!). It’s one of the most complex sounds in the English language, with various pronunciations depending on its position in a word. If your child is struggling with their /R/s, you’re not alone. As Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs), we frequently work on this sound, and a key component of our therapy is focusing on proper tongue placement.
Why is the /R/ so difficult?
The /R/ sound requires precise coordination of the tongue, jaw, and lips. Unlike sounds like /P/ or /B/ that involve simple lip movements, the /R/ involves intricate tongue movements and tension. There are also different ways to produce the /R/ sound, which adds to the complexity:
- Retroflex /R/: The tongue tip curls up and back towards the roof of the mouth.
- Bunched /R/: The body of the tongue bunches up towards the roof of the mouth, while the tongue tip remains down.
The importance of tongue placement
Regardless of which /R/ variation is being targeted, accurate tongue placement is crucial. Even a slight deviation can result in a distorted or inaccurate sound. That’s why SLTs dedicate significant time to teaching and practising tongue positioning.
Speech therapy techniques: Focusing on the tongue
Here’s a glimpse into how I address /R/ sound difficulties, with a focus on tongue placement:
- Visual aids:
- Mirrors: I use a mirror to help children see their tongue movements and make adjustments.
- Tongue diagrams and models: These visual tools provide a clear representation of where the tongue should be positioned.
- Tactile cues:
- Tongue depressors: These can be used to gently guide the tongue into the correct position.
- Food-grade tools: Sometimes, I use flavoured tongue depressors or other tools to provide tactile feedback and increase awareness of tongue placement.
- Auditory discrimination:
- I help children distinguish between correct and incorrect /R/ sounds.
- I use auditory cues and verbal feedback to reinforce proper pronunciation.
- Exercises and drills:
- Tongue strengthening exercises: Strengthening the tongue muscles can improve control and coordination.
- Tongue placement drills: We practise positioning the tongue in the desired location and holding it there.
- Sound approximation techniques: Sometimes we use other sounds to help approximate the /R/ sound. For example, I use the /L/ sound, to help achieve the correct tongue placement. Once my child has found the /L/ sound it is then a matter of pulling back just slightly to get a good /R/.
- Contextual practice:
- Once the child can produce the /R/ sound in isolation, we gradually introduce it into syllables, words, phrases, and sentences.
- We also practise the /R/ sound in different contexts, such as at the beginning, middle, and end of words.
Tips for Parents:
- Be patient and supportive: Learning the /R/ sound takes time and practice.
- Practise regularly: Short, frequent practice sessions are more effective than long, infrequent ones.
- Make it fun! Use games, stories, and other engaging activities to keep your child motivated.
- Work with an SLT: A qualified SLT can provide personalised guidance and support.
In conclusion:
The /R/ sound can be challenging, but with targeted speech therapy and a focus on tongue placement, most children can achieve clear and accurate pronunciation.
I hope this blog post is helpful!
Get in touch with me via my contact form if you need support

Sonja McGeachie
Early Intervention Speech and Language Therapist
Feeding and Dysphagia (Swallowing) Specialist The London Speech and Feeding Practice
The London Speech and Feeding Practice
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