When it comes to practicing speech sounds, we tend to think in black-and-white—right or wrong. But what if it’s more of a gradient? In my latest YouTube video (watch it below!), I introduce the concept of the R Spectrum, a tool I developed that helps you rethink how we make progress with the R sound in speech therapy.
Typically, we see sound production as either correct or incorrect. But with the R Spectrum, I want you to visualize the R sound as existing on a scale. On one end, you’ve got an incorrect R, and on the other, a fully accurate R. The middle? Well, that’s where the magic happens! It’s not just about being wrong or right—it’s about being closer to an accurate R sound with each try. And we call those “almost but not quite” sounds approximations.
Approximations are key in speech therapy because they show progress. Instead of saying “nope, still wrong,” you can celebrate that you’re getting closer. With each small adjustment, you’re moving up the R Spectrum, refining the sound until it clicks into place as a true, accurate R.
In the video, I demonstrate how small changes in tongue placement can shift your R sound up or down the spectrum. And the best part? You can hear the difference as you get closer to the target R!
This approach is a game-changer. It aligns with the principle of shaping in speech therapy—those little steps along the way are huge wins. So next time you’re practicing the R sound, remember, it’s not about being instantly perfect. It’s about moving up that R Spectrum, one step at a time.
If you found the R Spectrum helpful and want even more tips and strategies for tackling the R sound in speech therapy, join our email list! You’ll get immediate access to our R Spectrum Freebie in the VIP freebie library.
If you’re ready to dive even deeper, check out the 1-hour R sound elicitation professional development course, where I cover the R Spectrum and so much more to help you confidently elicit and shape accurate R sounds. Sign up now and take your R therapy to the next level!
You’ve got this!
