Help! Do you know something about speech therapy? I have a simple question...

[Radio_Lady]

My six-year-old grandson has a problem saying the "er" (as in "driver") combination.

As an ending, it sounds more like the prefix "or" (as in "Oregon").

I'd like to gently help correct him, but don't know how to explain where the tongue, teeth, and cheeks are positioned for the two different sounds.

(Otherwise, my grandboy is perfect.)

Maybe you can help add some lucidity and practicality to this discussion??

It's such a common pronunciation:

"brother" becomes "brothOR"

"spider" becomes "spidOR"

"Mother" becomes "MothOR"

Can you help out or guide me to some Internet places where I can understand what to do?

Thanks in advance,

Radio_Lady in Oregon

[Bunny]

1. Well, I'm not an expert in anything, but I think that's a pretty common speech

thing for kids, and I'm guessing he'll outgrow it. In any case, his school should offer Speech Therapy - maybe you could inquire there?

[MonkeyFunk]

2. agreed

I've heard a lot of kids say it that way, and it goes away.

I wouldn't recommend do-it-yourself speech therapy. If it's really an issue, consult a professional.

[Radio_Lady]

3. UPDATE: Thanks for your suggestions. I'll discuss this with my daughter next September

when the little guy is supposed to enter first grade in a local public school.

[u4ic]

4. I used to sound like Elmer Fudd when a kid

Wascally wabbit!

I outgrew the wwwounded r's within a couple of years after beginning school.

[Maineiac]

5. I had speech therapy after my stroke

but don't remember any of the drills we uswed to do. Sorry.

[Omphaloskepsis]

6. I had a tumor in my larynx when I was four.

Well I had it until I was four. I couldn't talk until it was removed. Nobody had clue about what the problem was. I went to tons of doctors. My grandma summed up what everyone thought, "Susan, you made a retarded baby." Mom was kinda pissed, and by that I mean she wanted to beat the shit out of the old lady.

One day we were at the laundry mat(?sp) and my mom noticed a little boy and he didn't have a Adams apple. I had a big one. Back to the doctor. Tumor. Surgery, problem solved.

I was in speech therapy for years. This was at my elementary school. I couldn't make the "r" sound. That was unfortunate, because my first name is Ryan. It always came out as, "Whyan."


Eventually it got better.

edit :: what I originally wanted to say before I started talking about myself.

In speech therapy they teach you how to use your tongue to make certain sounds.. This takes years. This isn't a weekend project you Google for instructions. Talk to his school.

[Radio_Lady]

7. DUers, I do appreciate all of your comments. I must get ready for my radio recording day, Friday.

So I'm wishing you all...

Good night and good luck!

Radio Lady in Oregon

[Mojambo]

8. My 6 year old nephew is taking speech therapy at school right now

It's working out pretty well for him.

They send home lists of practice words that we run with him.

His improvement has been rapid.

Anyway, the school will probably have a program in place to work on this.