Great app for teaching /r/ and vowels

Many kids struggle to produce a good vocalic /r/ sound – in other words, ‘Errrr’  or ‘Arrrrr’ or ‘Orrrrr’, etc.  It's like asking a child to do a complicated gymnastics routine with their tongue!  For some, it just doesn't come naturally.
 

We’ve talked about different techniques for teaching them where to put their tongue in other posts; however, it can be difficult for kids to figure out exactly what needs to go where and when.  Feedback is important, and for many kids, visual feedback can help them learn more quickly.  There’s an app called ‘Vowel Viz’ that is great for giving instant feedback.  It is intended for teaching correct vowel production, but it is also great for teaching vocalic /r/.  Below is a short video of how it can be used to learn how to say ‘ER’ correctly.  

The idea is to make the orange curser land on the ɝ symbol (the phonetic symbol for ‘ER’, as in the last syllable of ‘teacher’).  If you can get the orange curse in the oval shaded area, you are at least close.

The downside is that the app is about $30.  However, if your child is struggling with /r/ you might find it worthwhile.  My students love to use it and have made faster progress since I purchased it.  You can find more detailed info about VOWEL VIZ at the app store and a review by another speech therapist HERE.

As always, lots of practice is the key!

Good luck!