Costumes, Candy, and Communication: How A Speech Language Pathologist in NYC Uses Halloween to Boost Language Skills
Halloween can be an exciting time for children of all ages.
It is a special time of year when children and adults alike get to explore their creativity and use their imagination while dressing in unique costumes.
Halloween is honestly my absolute favorite holiday of the year.
As a speech language pathologist in NYC, you can find me on Halloween night participating in the legendary Annual West Village Halloween Parade. Anyone can join in on the fun!
If you have not celebrated Halloween night in the West Village neighborhood, then I highly recommend it! The West Village along 6th Ave comes alive with goblins, ghosts, monsters, and characters from all the beloved Disney movies.
In my own speech therapy sessions in NYC, I use Halloween themes and activities to encourage and facilitate language learning. This is done in unique and creative ways.
Building Language and Listening Skills Through Halloween Activities
Here are some examples of how I use the seasonal theme of Halloween to boost my students’ verbal language skills.
- We may discuss ideas for their Halloween costumes this year. Organizing and planning what items they will need to create or buy.
- Additionally, we may practice going trick or treating by knocking on a door, waiting for it to open, and saying aloud: “trick or treat!” First, at their own home.
- We may talk about the different decorations they may see around the city. Pumpkins, ghosts, lights, and the noises they might hear in preparation for the big Halloween night.
I also utilize Halloween themes to develop strong listening skills within my students.
Here are some examples of activities you can try at home during October to improve your child’s listening skills as well:
- Encourage a game of “ I spy – Halloween Bingo.” Give your child a list of Halloween items to find. Ask them to find these items around their neighborhood – while filling up their bingo card.
- Build a haunted house. Give your child step-by-step directions to construct a spooky home. Then, fill it with funny Halloween creatures.
- Also, make a witch’s brew. Give instructions to fill a pot of weird items around the house and create a unique Halloween brew.
- Make a monster puppet. Use items around the house to create a silly monster puppet. Make sure to give directions along the way – to improve those listening skills!
Halloween is a great time to plan a play date for a day trip to the country. Give your child the opportunity to practice those social skills with their friends.
Fall Activities to Enjoy This October from a Speech Language Pathologist in NYC
Here are some exciting fall activities to do with your friends and family this October season:
- Apple picking.
- Pumpling picking.
- Hay rides.
- Corn mazes.
- Haunted houses.
- Jumping in the leaves.
- Going to a farmers’ market.
- Exploring a fall festival or fair.
- Taking a hike in nature.
- Visiting an animal petting farm.
I invite you to really soak up the pleasures of fall with your family and friends this autumn season in our beautiful New York State!
Learn More About Working with a Speech Pathologist in NYC
If your child is having a hard time communicating or following directions, we’re here to support you both with speech therapy!
Are you ready to experience the attentive, holistic, and compassionate care that Chatty Child is known for?
Our speech therapists provide thorough evaluations of your child’s speech and language skills and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to their needs. In addition, we collaborate closely with your child’s medical team to ensure coordinated, effective care that supports your child and your family every step of the way.
To schedule an in-person or virtual speech therapy evaluation with Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC-SLP, please visit www.chattychild.com, email info@chattychild.com, or call 347-491-4451.
Warmly,
Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC-SLP
Boost Halloween Communication Skills With a Creative Speech Language Pathologist in NYC
Halloween is full of costumes, colors, sounds, and excitement. This is the perfect season to spark language growth. At Chatty Child, our team uses imaginative, theme-based activities to help children strengthen communication skills. This is accomplished in ways that feel fun, natural, and confidence-building. With guidance from a speech language pathologist in NYC, your child can turn holiday play into meaningful learning. They can practice new words, listening skills, and social communication as they prepare for the big night.
Here’s how you can support your child’s communication this Halloween:
- Schedule a complimentary 15-minute call to talk about your child’s language goals and learn how seasonal, play-rich speech therapy can support their growth.
- Book a personalized evaluation to better understand your child’s strengths, challenges, and sensory preferences, allowing us to design a Halloween-themed therapy plan just for them.
- Begin engaging therapy sessions that use costumes, pretend play, trick-or-treat practice, and sensory exploration to help your child build vocabulary, listening skills, and expressive language.
- Watch your child grow in confidence as they learn to communicate more effectively, navigate holiday activities with ease, and enjoy Halloween in a way that feels empowering and joyful.
Halloween can be more than just a fun celebration. It can be a powerful opportunity for connection, communication, and growth. With the right support from a skilled speech language pathologist in NYC, your child can step into the season feeling proud of their voice and ready to shine.
Holistic Developmental Support for Every Child at Chatty Child
At Chatty Child, we believe every child deserves the tools and confidence to communicate with joy, curiosity, and connection. Our approach to speech therapy extends far beyond language; we help children strengthen the communication, cognitive, sensory, and emotional foundations they need to flourish at home, in school, and in their communities.
We partner closely with families to design individualized plans that support growth, self-expression, and confidence across all environments.
- InterAct – A playful, story-centered program using imagination, role-play, and collaboration to build language skills, social communication, and confidence.
- Occupational Therapy – Enhances sensory processing, fine motor skills, and independence in daily routines.
- Teletherapy – Accessible online speech and occupational therapy for families throughout New York State.
- Tutoring – Customized academic support in reading, writing, and problem-solving that sparks curiosity and strengthens learning skills.
- Functional Nutrition – Personalized strategies to improve focus, emotional regulation, and overall developmental well-being.
- Consulting – Professional guidance for parents, educators, and caregivers to ensure consistent support across settings.
- Group Programs – Creative, interactive sessions that promote communication, teamwork, and social-emotional growth.
Through evidence-based methods paired with imaginative, compassionate care, our team helps children discover their voice, build resilience, and grow with confidence.
About Heather Lynn Boerner, Speech Language Pathologist in NYC
Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC-SLP, is a New York State–licensed and nationally certified speech-language pathologist with more than 20 years of experience supporting children through pediatric speech therapy in NYC. Along with her extensive clinical background, Heather is trained in mindfulness and meditation, practices from a trauma-informed lens, and proudly identifies as a neurodiverse, differently-abled individual, all of which shape her thoughtful, empathetic approach to care.
Her personal experiences as a differently-abled person inspired her to create Chatty Child Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy, PLLC, an inclusive practice grounded in individualized, heart-centered support for every child. Heather is also the author of Carrie the Colorful Chameleon, a children’s book that celebrates confidence, curiosity, and friendship, complete with a built-in teaching guide for families and educators.
Heather and her team provide services both in-person at their Tribeca clinic and online throughout New York State, helping children strengthen communication skills, build self-esteem, and express themselves with greater confidence each day.
