A Summer Speech Therapy R Adventure in Beachtown, Michigan!
- Peggy Steiniger
- Aug 12
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 15
When most people think about speech therapy, they picture worksheets, flashcards, and drills. But what if I told you that speech therapy can look like play — and still deliver powerful results? On my latest “R is All Around Us” adventure in beautiful Beachtown, Michigan, I took a walk along the boardwalk and spotted dozens of R-rich words hidden in everyday sights.
From the Rocks along Lake Huron to the Railroad Track sign near the marina, every “R” moment became a playful opportunity to practice a tricky R sound — and this kind of learning sticks.
I've also made a printable worksheet to take with you on your trip to the beach! Hopefully, you won't get too wet! Download my Free Hard R Practice Worksheet where a summer vacation at the beachfront turns into speech therapy practice fun!
Why the R Sound is So Hard
The R sound is one of the most challenging speech sounds for kids to master. It’s made in the back of the mouth and requires precise tongue placement. Plus, it comes in many forms (think run, car, bird). Without targeted practice, it can linger as a challenge long after other speech sounds are mastered.
But here’s the secret: the more often kids practice R in meaningful, real-world contexts, the faster they improve.
Understanding the Complexity of the R Sound
The R sound can be tricky for many reasons. First, it requires a unique tongue position that can be hard for young children to grasp. They must curl their tongues back, which is not a natural position for many. Additionally, the R sound can appear in different contexts, like at the beginning, middle, or end of words. This variability adds to the challenge.
The Power of Play in Speech Therapy for Hard R Sounds
Play isn’t just fun — it’s therapy in disguise. When children are engaged, curious, and enjoying themselves, their brains are more receptive to learning. On my Beachtown adventure, I captured fun R-rich moments like:
Rocks at Lake Huron
A railroad track sign by the marina
Riders on a parasail mural
A whimsical bike rack
Birds along the shoreline
Wind art spinning in the breeze
In therapy, these visuals spark conversation, encourage description, and turn repetitive practice into an adventure.
Why Teletherapy Works for Hard R Speech Therapy
You don’t need to be on a boardwalk to benefit from an “R adventure.” In my teletherapy sessions, I bring real-life images, videos, and interactive games right to your screen.
Kids get the same engaging experience from the comfort of home — and parents can watch their child’s confidence bloom week after week.
Because my teletherapy sessions are tailored to your child’s needs, we can use familiar locations, favorite hobbies, or even items from around your home to spark “R-rich” conversations.
Intensive Speech Therapy = Faster Progress
When therapy feels like play, kids are more willing to put in the extra effort. That means:
More successful use of R in everyday conversations
Increased confidence speaking at school or with friends
A faster path to clear, confident communication
If your child is struggling with the R sound, now is the perfect time to start. I offer speech therapy via teletherapy in my licensed states — combining play, evidence-based techniques, and real-world practice to help your child succeed.
Join the R Sound Adventure Today!
If you are a parent, speech-language pathologist, or SLP assistant looking to successfully accomplish the Hard R Sound for your child or client, you should take a look at my Home Run Speech™ R Program! It specializes in implementing R Sound Success with online courses, coaching groups, and additional resources, from me! I'm Peggy, a 40+ year professional speech therapist, who wants to see all kids conquer the hard R sound.
📩 Contact me today to schedule a free consultation and start your own R adventure from home!
Download my free three-page Beachfront Hard R activity worksheet.
The Importance of Consistency in Practice
Consistency is key when it comes to mastering the R sound. Regular practice can make a huge difference. Incorporating fun activities into daily routines can help reinforce learning. For instance, you can create games that involve finding R-rich words in your environment. This not only makes practice enjoyable but also helps children connect sounds with real-life experiences.
Engaging Activities to Enhance R Sound Practice
Here are some engaging activities you can try at home:
R Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of R words and go on a scavenger hunt around your home or neighborhood to find items that start with the letter R.
Story Time: Read books that have a lot of R sounds. Emphasize the R words as you read, and encourage your child to repeat them after you.
R Sound Songs: Sing songs that include R sounds. Music is a fantastic way to reinforce sounds in a fun and memorable way.
Art Projects: Create art projects that incorporate R words. For example, make a collage of pictures that start with R.
By incorporating these activities into your routine, you can make practicing the R sound a fun and integral part of your child's day.
Celebrating Progress
As your child progresses, it's important to celebrate their achievements, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement can boost their confidence and motivate them to continue practicing. Whether it's a simple high-five or a special treat, acknowledging their hard work can make a big difference.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering the R sound can be a fun and rewarding journey. With the right tools, engaging activities, and a supportive environment, your child can conquer this challenging sound. Let’s make speech therapy an adventure filled with joy and discovery!
If you're ready to embark on this journey, reach out today. Together, we can turn the challenge of the R sound into a success story!
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