Brooklyn Letters
1139 Prospect Avenue, Brooklyn
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We would highly recommend Ally! Our son always asks about her, so very thankful to Brooklyn Letters for introducing us.
~ Emily, mom of Brooklyn 2 year old -
I cannot express how grateful and rewarding my experience with Brooklyn Letters has been. Her tutor Ms. Daria is so knowledgeable, amazing, kind and awesome. My daughter has made so much progress in Literacy and Math and it's all … More thanks to Ms. Daria. I know my daughter is sad that she can no longer work with Ms. Daria, as she looked forward to their sessions every week. Thank you again!
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Nicole has been an amazing therapist!! She played a tremendous role in our daughter’s speech progress and overall development. She has come such a long way and we are so happy with the therapy she received!
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We could not be happier with the services Valerie provided! She is very thoughtful and knowledgeable and provided significant guidance to support our daughter's speech development outside of our scheduled sessions. She established … More a great working relationship with her, and she will definitely be missed! Your business model is amazing and it was an absolute pleasure working with Valerie. I've referred your organization and Valerie to the Executive Director of our daughter's school and friends/colleagues who are in need of speech therapy services.
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Christina was absolutely wonderful. She went out of her way to win my son over and it worked. He looked forward to her visits and his speech improved so much under her care. She was super flexible and it’s clear she truly cares. We adore … More Christina and we’re going to miss her. Almost sad he improved so much! She’s simply amazing and we can’t say enough how great she is. I would recommend her services to anyone and everyone, without hesitation. Thank you so much for connecting us with her!
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We cannot say enough good things about Effie, the ASL teacher, who was so engaged and effective with our 2 year old daughter from the very first session! Effie gladly included our whole family in the sessions! Her expertise and fantastic … More personality gave our daughter a way to communicate that she was so desperately seeking. The coordinators at Brooklyn Letters were so helpful and communicative…I would highly recommend their services!
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Samantha Dalmas was fantastic! We saw her for a feeding therapy evaluation and while she doesn’t think my daughter needs more feeding therapy sessions at this time, but she gave me lots of tips to try. If my daughter's doctors want … More to see more progress at her next appointment, I wouldn’t hesitate to reach out to Samantha again.
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Brooklyn Letters was recommended to me through a friend's speech therapist friend in NJ. The articulation evaluation for my daughter went well. We were pleased with Kristin's services.
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Melissa was wonderful. Our daughter warmed to her immediately and by the time she left, had already started "practicing" some of the techniques Melissa had shown her. I will not hesitate at all to reach out to Melissa again, should … More the need arise.
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Aileen was INCREDIBLY helpful to us, both in assessing possible origins of my grandson's food aversions, as well as informing us of various available interventions to consider.
I can’t thank you and Brooklyn Letters enough for connecting … More us with Aileen. In all our feeding therapy journey we have not gotten anything near the kind of benefit that we did from her. Her knowledge, professionalism, and responsiveness have put us on the path of progress with my grandson and has also made us feel genuinely well cared for. -
We were amazed with Allison! She met my son at 2 1/2 years old, not speaking much at all, and over a computer, and she was able to develop a bond and friendship, so much so that he would look forward to his weekly computer time with Allison. … More I was not sure how the speech therapy would go- but we are so happy that we tried it out and continued. It allowed my son to gain confidence in his speech, make a new friend :), and also give him the skills and a bit of understanding of how to shape his mouth or where to place his tongue to make the proper sounds. We were extremely happy with Allison- she was fantastic to work with.
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My sessions with Karen have been extremely helpful. My speech has improved tremendously. In fact, I just finished 2 hours of conducting interviews with a consulting client via MS Teams and I have an upcoming conference call. Both my … More neurologist and neurosurgeon remarked about how good my speech is. Much of the day it is perfect, although I still have some rough spots when I get tired or speak too quickly. One of my granddaughters is a speech pathology student at Ithaca College. She sat in on 2 sessions while she was home for winter break, and she was very impressed with Karen.
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We were delighted with Christie. First, and most importantly, our son made great strides under her guidance. So great, that we felt he no longer needed help! She was incredibly patient and kind with him and our son really responded to … More her. Christie was also great with me and my wife. She provided thorough and informative updates on our son's progress and which exercises she was using with him, so we could reinforce what she was teaching him. All in all, we had a fabulous experience with Christie and would highly recommend her.
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Theo was wonderful and his work with my son has produced some progress. I am grateful for the services Theo provided.
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Highly recommend Jill. She is a total pleasure to work with. After a few months working with Jill, my son is reading above grade level and LOVES to read. Mission accomplished!
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Paige was great and we had been really happy with her. I would highly recommend her! I recommend Brooklyn Letters to whomever asks for a speech therapist.
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Isabel was WONDERFUL and our son absolutely adored her, and he is making great progress with his reading and writing.
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Theo was fantastic with our 4yo son. We were very worried that his progress would fall off when we had to switch to remote sessions, but Theo kept our son happy and engaged through the screen. Highly highly recommend!
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We've been working with Theo from Brooklyn Letters for close to 4 months now and the results are apparent; our daughter has vastly improved her speech in a relatively short amount of time. We make "Theo Day" a celebration … More in our house with pancakes for breakfast, and the enthusiasm is matched in the sessions. Theo is fun, patient, professional, and caring, and he gives us the tools to take the lessons beyond the session. Thank you Theo, and Brooklyn Letters, for helping our daughter express herself.
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I worked with Alina to enhance my pronunciation, tone, and pacing while communicating socially and in a work environment. She was great to work with and clear about goals and learning objectives. The improvement from day 1 has been tremendous! … More
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Cathy has been excellent with us and our son. We will sorely miss her. He has improved significantly with Cathy’s help. Cathy was a true partner with us, especially as we pursued additional help through our son’s school system.
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We really loved working with Alina, she is so fantastic. Patient yet firm, and determined the best course of action very clearly and succintly for us. And it all transitioned so well to Zoom as well. I will definitely be back in touch for … More services for our other child after summer break!
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Vera was amazing! My 11 yo daughter made progress so quickly and really looked forward to her sessions. She was kept motivated and engaged.
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The work that Allison P. did with our daughter over the years has been invaluable to us. Our daughter had such a good relationship with Allison, and it allowed them to work really well together - even remotely these past 6 months. This … More year, Allison went above and beyond by helping us throughout the neuropsych eval we did, trying to re-open our daughter's IEP at her school, and eventually landing her at our chosen school. She was in contact with our daughter's teachers, with the neuropsychologist, and made herself available as a reference to speak on behalf of our daughter's learning differences.
Allison stopped by our house last week to give our daughter cupcakes and say goodbye, and I literally cried with appreciation for what an amazing speech therapist she has been. She has been our daughter's biggest champion. The new families that she will work with this year are lucky to have her. -
Sydney was great! Our son was sad to end his sessions with her, which says a lot. We appreciated her honest assessment of his skill level, and he now has materials to self monitor and practice. Thank you!
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Our experience with Theo was terrific. Theo was great with my son. He developed a positive relationship with him based on sincerity, respect, trust and a deep personal connection. In their lessons, Theo was encouraging, creative and kind. … More He helped our son understand how to differentiate the sounds he made when he spoke, and gave him great exercises to practice every week between lessons. Our son was sorry to have the lessons come to an end, but recognized that Theo had helped him as much as possible and it was time for him to stop. Theo explained to him (and us) how to keep working to get the last 5%, and encouraged him to keep working on the exercises on his own. I have recommended Theo to another parent who noticed my son's improvement and inquired for her own son.
We are all grateful to have gotten to know Theo, and we greatly appreciate all the work he did to help our son. -
"I have nothing but wonderful things to say about Michelle Macroy-Higgins. We are extremely pleased with her work with our daughter. I was so grateful for my daughter to have a speech therapist who is a researcher (specialty in late … More talkers), graduate professor and practitioner. Her expertise was clearly evident in our conversations and work with our daughter. She was very responsive to my questions and often sent articles and other materials about language development that I found helpful. Thankfully, my daughter's speech improved tremendously. Michelle developed such a warm relationship with my daughter. My daughter was always excited to see Michelle and would greet her at the door with a big hug. Lastly, I would add that Michelle always demonstrated empathy with me as a mother who was initially worried about her daughter's language development. I could go on and on about how pleased we were with Michelle's work."
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Theo is a wonderful Clinton Hill speech therapist. We were really pleased with him. Our son showed drastic improvement, not only in his speech but in his confidence.
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Alexa has been an enthusiastic, reliable, well prepared and caring teacher for our 6 year old daughter. She has been able to improve and increase our daughter's confidence lesson by lesson with patience and competence; through varied … More and productive didactic practice. Alexa has engaged our daughter in several activities that always kept her motivated and eager to learn literacy. My wife and I, both of us are educators, feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to observe Alexa's pedagogical skills. Alexa has had a big impact on our daughter literacy growth. Thank you Brooklyn Letters!
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We were absolutely DELIGHTED with Marsha's services. She was wonderful. We found her to be kind, fun, engaging, very knowledgeable. She provided us with clear instructions and additional written handouts each week. She engaged our … More son with different techniques and toys, and showed us how to use her techniques when we were interacting with him. I actually just texted her on Saturday - Our son finally said "more" - one of the target words we had been working on with her. It was a total joy to hear, and I had to share it with her - she wrote back immediately to congratulate us. I am so appreciative of her expertise, and wish we could have seen her for longer. I recommended her to another family in our neighborhood who is looking for a speech therapist.
Roaring with the R Sound: Mastering the Art of Pronunciation
The “r” sound is a common sound in the English (US) language and can be produced in several different ways.
- Vocalic R, r-controlled vowels, or vowel R are terms used to describe vowel sounds that are influenced by the presence of a vowel followed by the letter “R” in a word. Here are examples of common vocalic R, r-controlled vowels, or vowel R:
- “ar” as in “car,” “barn,” “harm,” “park,” “start”
- “er” as in “her,” “fern,” “sister,” “fern,” “winter”
- “ir” as in “bird,” “shirt,” “dirt,” “first,” “shirt”
- “or” as in “more,” “fork,” “short,” “door”
- “ur” as in “turn,” “curl,” “hurt”
- “air” as in “air,” “hair,” “stair,” “chair,” “pair”
- “are” as in “care,” “bare,” “share,” “stare”
- “ear” as in “ear,” “fear,” “near,” “peer”
- “ire” as in “fire,” “tire,” “desire,” “hire”
- Prevocalic R or initial /r/ refers to the occurrence of the letter “R” before a vowel sound within a word. In this position, the “R” remains consistently consonantal, without affecting the vowel sound that follows it. Here are some examples of words with prevocalic R:
- The “R” comes before the vowel- red, risk, rib, rub, ran, run
- The “R” precedes the vowel and is in a consonant cluster e.g. /gr/- grime, prime, trimester, grind, brisk, primal, grin, trim, grindstone
In these examples, the “R” remains a consonant sound before the vowel sound that follows it. It does not influence or change the pronunciation of the vowel. Prevocalic R is commonly found in many English words and contributes to the complexity and diversity of the language.
Each of these variations of the /r/ sound has a distinct sound and can be used to create different pronunciations of words. When used correctly, the /r/ sound can make speech more fluid and help to give words more emphasis. Understanding how to produce the /r/ sound properly is an important part of learning English (US) language and can help to improve pronunciation. Speech language therapists will assess the various types of /r/ sounds to determine which /r/ sounds one needs to work on at various levels, eg. sound, syllable, beginning, middle, and end of words.
Why is Producing the /R/ Sound so Difficult?
The /r/ sound is one of the most difficult sounds to produce in the English language (US). It is a voiced consonant, meaning that it requires the vibration of the vocal cords to produce it. Producing it requires good coordination between the tongue, lips, and teeth, making it a difficult sound to master. English language learners who are not native English speakers may find it particularly challenging due to their native language not having the same sound. The /r/ sound can also be difficult to hear, as it is usually unvoiced in English (US).
What are Common /R/ Sound Speech Errors?
The English language can be difficult to learn, especially when pronouncing the letter “R.” There are several common errors that English language learners make when pronouncing the “R” sound, and understanding and correcting these mistakes can be a challenge.
One common mispronunciation is when the “R” sound is replaced with a “W” sound, as in the word “wrack” instead of “rack.” This is a common mistake and can be corrected by practicing the proper pronunciation of the “R” sound.
How Children Learn the /R/ Sound
Learning the /r/ sound is an important part of language development for children. This sound typically develops between ages 5 and 8, but the age range may be wider depending on the individual learner. The /r/ sound in English is an alveolar tap or trill, which is produced by tapping the tip of the tongue against the alveolar ridge behind the upper front teeth.
By understanding the /r/ sound and introducing activities and games to help children learn this sound, parents and educators can help children develop the necessary language skills to be successful in school and life.
Common /R/ Sound Speech Errors:
- Substituting “W” for “R”: One of the most common mispronunciations is substituting the “W” sound for the “R” sound. This occurs when the tip of the tongue doesn’t make contact with the alveolar ridge (the area behind the upper teeth), resulting in a sound that resembles “with” instead of “rush.” For example, pronouncing “rabbit” as “wabbit” or “red” as “wed.”
- “R” and “L” Confusion: Some learners, particularly those whose native languages don’t distinguish between the “R” and “L” sounds, may struggle with differentiating between the two. This can lead to mispronunciations, such as pronouncing “rice” as “lice” or “run” as “lun.”
- “R” Flap: In certain English dialects, the “R” sound can be pronounced as a flap, also known as an alveolar tap. This is a quick, single tap of the tongue against the alveolar ridge. Learners who are not familiar with this pronunciation may mistakenly produce a trilled “R” or pronounce it as a vowel sound, such as “uh” or “uh-uh.”
- Guttural or Throaty “R”: In some languages and dialects, the “R” sound is produced using the back of the throat or a guttural pronunciation. This can lead to mispronunciations where learners produce a deep, throaty sound instead of the standard alveolar or retroflex “R” sounds found in English.
- “R” Omission: Another common mistake is omitting the “R” sound altogether, especially in certain word positions. This omission can occur at the end of words or syllables, resulting in words like “car” being pronounced as “ch” or “better” as “betta.”
To address these mispronunciations, focusing on proper tongue placement and airflow is crucial. Practice exercises, such as repeating words with the correct “R” sound and paying attention to the position of the tongue, can help improve pronunciation. Additionally, seeking guidance from a speech therapist or using online resources specifically designed for “R” sound practice can be beneficial.
Valuable Tips and Techniques for Targeting the /R/ Sound:
- Tongue Placement: Proper tongue placement is crucial for producing the R sound. Encourage the individual to place the tip of their tongue just behind the alveolar ridge (the bumpy ridge behind the upper front teeth) or slightly curled back towards the roof of the mouth, depending on the specific R variation targeted.
- Articulatory Modeling: Use visual cues, such as mirrors or videos, to provide a clear model of correct tongue and lip movements for producing the R sound. Encourage the individual to observe their own mouth movements and compare them to the model for self-correction.
- Auditory Discrimination: Develop auditory discrimination skills to help individuals distinguish between correct and incorrect productions of the R sound. Engage in minimal pair activities, where words that differ only by the presence or absence of the R sound are contrasted, to train the ear to identify subtle differences in pronunciation.
- Gradual Shaping: Start with easier R sounds and progress to more challenging variations. Begin with vocalic R sounds (e.g., “ear,” “air”) or the alveolar tap/trill R (e.g., “butter,” “rabbit”) before moving on to retroflex R sounds (e.g., “red,” “car”).
- Chunking: Break down words or phrases containing the R sound into smaller units and practice each unit separately. This approach allows the individual to focus on mastering specific sounds within a controlled context.
- Repetition and Drill Practice: Encourage the regular practice of R sound productions through repetition and drill exercises. Practice saying R sounds in isolation, then progress to syllables, words, phrases, and eventually sentences. Use various materials, such as word lists or flashcards, to provide a wide range of R sound practice opportunities.
- Everyday Integration: Encourage individuals to incorporate the R sound into their everyday conversations. Suggest talking about specific topics or engaging in role-play activities that require frequent use of the R sound. This practice reinforces their ability to produce the sound in real-life situations.
- Positive Reinforcement: Provide positive feedback and encouragement throughout the speech therapy process. Celebrate even small improvements and successes, as this can boost confidence and motivation.
- Consistency and Patience: Consistent practice is key to progress. Encourage individuals to practice their R sound productions regularly, even outside therapy sessions. Remind them that progress takes time and patience, and setbacks are a natural part of the learning process.
How to Treat Problems with the /R/ Sound
1. Seek Professional Guidance: Consult a speech-language pathologist (SLP) or a speech therapist specializing in articulation disorders. They can evaluate your specific difficulties with the /R/ sound and provide tailored exercises and techniques to address them effectively.
2. Tongue Placement: Proper tongue placement is crucial for producing the /R/ sound. The tongue should be raised and arched slightly toward the alveolar ridge (the bumpy area behind the upper front teeth) without touching it. Practice tongue exercises, such as elevating the tip of the tongue behind the front teeth while keeping the back of the tongue down.
3. Articulation Exercises: Engage in targeted articulation exercises to strengthen the muscles involved in producing the /R/ sound. Some common exercises include:
a. Tongue Twisters: Practice saying tongue twisters that contain multiple /R/ sounds, such as “Red leather, yellow leather” or “Rory’s running round the railway track.”
b. Word Repetition: Repeat words with the /R/ sound, focusing on correct tongue placement and airflow. Start with simple words like “run” or “red” and gradually progress to more complex words and sentences.
c. Minimal Pairs: Work on distinguishing between similar sounds and minimal pairs to develop auditory discrimination. For example, practice contrasting words like “rat” and “bat” or “right” and “light.”
4. Model Native Speakers: Listen carefully to native English speakers who pronounce the /R/ sound accurately. Observe their mouth and tongue positions and try to mimic their pronunciation. You can find audio or video resources, such as online tutorials or speech therapy apps, that provide native speaker models for practicing the /R/ sound.
5. Record and Self-Evaluate: Record yourself speaking and listen back to identify any errors or areas that need improvement. Pay attention to tongue placement, clarity, and overall accuracy. Self-evaluation can help you monitor progress and make adjustments as needed.
6. Consistent Practice: Regular and consistent practice is key to improving your /R/ sound. Set aside dedicated time each day to focus on practicing tongue exercises, word repetition, and tongue twisters. Incorporate the /R/ sound into your daily conversations and gradually increase the complexity of words and sentences.
7. Patience and Persistence: Remember that mastering the /R/ sound takes time and patience. Progress may be gradual, but with consistent effort and perseverance, you can overcome difficulties and achieve clear and accurate pronunciation.
If you’re looking for professional help with your “R” sound, it’s a great idea to consult with a speech-language pathologist (SLP). An SLP is a trained professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating speech and language disorders.
How Can Our Speech Pathologists Help with /R/ Sound Speech Errors?
Our speech therapists will evaluate the child’s ability to produce the “r” sound in various word positions (initial, medial, and final) and different contexts (syllables, words, phrases, and sentences). They will observe the child’s accuracy, clarity, and overall speech intelligibility. We will also examine the structures involved in speech production, including the lips, tongue, jaw, and palate, to assess their structure, strength, and coordination.
Our SLPs may also assess the child’s receptive and expressive language skills to understand how their linguistic skills impact their speech production skills. We will analyze the child’s productions of the “r” sound in various linguistic and phonetic contexts to identify specific error patterns or strategies used by the child.
Based on the assessment findings, our SLPs will develop an individualized treatment plan to address the child’s specific difficulties with the “r” sound. This plan may involve a combination of therapy techniques, such as auditory discrimination and targeted speech drills, to help the child develop accurate and consistent production of the “r” sound.
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Craig Selinger
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