When I’m doing therapy focusing on a specific sound, for example /r/, I will choose a game that contains the sound. Here are some of my favorites for /r/. Even the name of the game gives opportunities use the sound. (Once they master the sound, I notice they are very proud to ask if we’re going to play Rooster Race today.)
When introducing how to produce /r/, it is helpful for the student to understand where to put their tongue, teeth, and lips. Describe placement. Use visual aids like mirrors or a spoon to feel where the tongue belongs. A drawing of the tongue and teeth may also be helpful in visualizing where to place the tongue.One way to approximate placement is to start with another sound and then shift to the /r/ sound. Imitating a wolf/coyote sound gets their attention. Start with an ‘ah’ sound. Then slide into a roo sound for “ahroo.” Eventually drop off the initial sound and try producing just the “ar” sound.
Using words containing /gr/ and /kr/ blends may help in getting better placement. Reinforce growling when saying words starting with /gr/ or /kr/.
Practice these /kr/ words: crane, crush, crate, crease, cream, creak, creep, cry, crime.
Practice these /gr/ words: great, greet, grit, groan, grow, grape, grade, grip, grin, and grid.
Another way to approximate placement for /r/. Start with “sh.” Drop the back of your tongue and turn on your motor. Your tongue should curl slightly up at the sides.
Using a small spoon can help approximate placement for /r/. Put the spoon just inside of mouth. Practice curling tongue around the bowl of the spoon. Practice producing /r/.
Reinforce rounding the lips. Saying “oo” will help getting lips in position. That will help approximate overall lip placement for /r/.