
Rat — say it with the "rrr" sound!
The letter R makes the "rrr" sound, just like at the start of the word Rat.
To make the R sound, curl the tip of your tongue up without letting it touch the roof of your mouth, and round your lips a little. Your throat buzzes, because R is a voiced sound. Some young children say 'w' instead of 'r' for a while, which is a normal part of learning to talk.
For everything else about R, including its other sounds, how to write capital R and small r, and more words, see the Letter R page.
Rats are clever animals that can learn tricks, find their way through mazes and remember routes. Some trained rats even help people by sniffing out hidden landmines. More R words to practice: red, run, rain, rabbit, rocket and ring. Run on the spot each time you say an R word!
What sound does the letter R make in "Rat"?
Have children roll their R's out loud together, then draw a rat with a long tail and trace the letter R.
Talk about how clever rats are, with great memories, and think of other animals that are known for being smart.
A rolling "rrr" sound, like Rat, Rabbit, Rainbow.
Small, clever, with long tails and great memories.
Almost everywhere in the world.
A tall line, a bump, and a small kicking leg.
Tracing the letter, rolling R's, drawing a rat, or coloring a printable worksheet.