If you’ve worked with students on the /ɹ/, you know just how tricky it can be. Success doesn’t come from repeating the same word over and over—it comes from the right combination of strategies, a solid foundation, and a bit of creative cueing.

That’s where the Bjorem Speech® R Sound Cues come in. Whether you're introducing the sound or helping a student refine and carry it over, this deck offers visuals and supports that make your job easier—and your therapy more effective.

Let’s walk through 5 ways you can get the most out of this resource.

1. Build Auditory and Conceptual Foundations

Before students can say a new sound, they need to understand it. Start with:

• Auditory discrimination tasks – Can your student hear the /ɹ/? Use the R Sound Cues to anchor the correct sound to the corresponding visual. 

• Connect to everyday sounds – The cards in the deck do this beautifully. Whether it's the growl of a tiger or the grunt of a gorilla, tie the R sound to something meaningful and familiar... and fun! 

2. Identify Strengths and Starting Points

Quickly probe different /ɹ/ contexts—initial R, vocalic R, and R clusters—to find out what your student does best. Let that be your starting point.

 

3. Try Cognitive Reframing

Sometimes, "say R” can put students in a speech therapy rut. There tongue instantly falls to the floor of their mouth. To them, that's where the R sound happens. Let's get them out of this habit by trying a "new sound" and use the name of the cue (ex: "bulldog sound"). 

 

4. Teach the Movement for Vocalic R

The deck provides two visuals for each vocalic R—one for the R movement and one for the accompanying vowel, as seen in the original Bjorem Speech® Sound Cues. Since many students struggle with vocalic R due to the vowel, separating the two sounds helps clarify the tongue movement and makes production more accessible.

5. Integrate into Meaningful Contexts

The cues are the perfect size to integrate into the wonderful things you're already doing in your speech therapy sessions. Let kids move, talk, and explore. Model and label R words naturally. The cards from the Sound Cues for R deck fit perfectly into pretend play or storytelling.

/ɹ/ therapy doesn’t have to be frustrating—for you or your students. With the right tools and a clear plan, you can simplify your approach and amplify your results. The Bjorem Speech® R Sound Cues are a versatile, evidence-aligned tool that make every step of the journey easier—and a lot more fun.

 

Now go Rock the R! You've got this!

Lindsey Hockel, MS, CCC-SLP
Bjorem Speech® R Sound Cues 2nd Edition Co-Author
Rock the R® Founder