Finding Your Thankful Voice: Speech and Language Therapy in NYC Encouraging Communication & Gratitude
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of year to start a gratitude practice with your child at home!
In this blog, I will describe a few multisensory activities that combine a variety of textures, sights, and sounds. These activities are designed to explore the idea of thankfulness and to begin building the foundations of a daily gratitude practice with your child.
Mindfulness is something we explore in speech and language therapy in NYC.
Gratitude Activities for Kids Encouraged by Speech and Language Therapy in NYC
A Thankful Turkey
Use a paper plate and colored paper to cut out the turkey’s feathers. Glue each feather onto the turkey plate. Create a silly turkey face.
Remember to have your child name things – big and small – that they are thankful for in that moment. Encourage them to do this as you place each feather on the turkey.
The Gratitude Rock
Grab a rock from the ground, then wash and dry it off. Start to create a super special gratitude rock. Paint the rock different colors using either paint, markers, or even colored glue!
When the gratitude rock is complete, you can encourage your child to hold the rock. Then they can think of 3 things that they are thankful for that day.
The Tree of Blessings
Draw a tall tree with many branches.
Then cut out different-hued leaves with construction paper. Place the gold, brown, orange, and red colored leaves on each branch.
When the tree is filled with leaves, take a magic marker and write on each leaf. Write down different moments, people, places, and things you are thankful for as a family.
Encourage your child to be mindful of even the tiny things to be thankful for.
Focus on the tiny blessings and pleasures that can be appreciated every day in a small way.
I invite you to simply notice and give thanks for the small moments of enjoyment in life. Like …
- The feeling of the warm sun on your neck.
- Tickle of a small breeze in your hair.
- The taste of freshly made soup on a chilly fall day.
- Sound of a crisp, tart apple piece snapping as you take your first bite.
- The laughter of your family filling your kitchen.
May we all pause and give thanks this Thanksgiving Season. Give thanks for all the small pleasures and moments that may usually go unnoticed. As a speech therapist in NYC, I encourage gratefulness in my holistic speech therapy sessions.
Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving Holiday!
And please feel free to share your best Thanksgiving Day recipes with me!
((I am a huge fan of sweet potato pie!))
Sincerely,
Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP at Chatty Child
Speech and Language Therapy in NYC for Growing Communicators
Children express themselves in meaningful ways long before words fully emerge. Their observations, gestures, sounds, and attempts at connection are all pieces of their growing communication world. At Chatty Child, we offer speech and language therapy in NYC that nurtures these early forms of expression while helping children build confidence, clarity, and a deeper sense of gratitude in how they interact with the world. Our therapists integrate mindful communication strategies, regulation support, and play-based learning to help kids develop a voice that feels authentic, capable, and joyfully their own.
Here’s how to start supporting your child’s communication and gratitude journey:
- Schedule a free 15-minute phone call to discuss your child’s speech concerns, communication strengths, and how mindfulness-informed speech therapy could support both expression and emotional growth.
- Book a comprehensive speech and language evaluation so we can learn about your child’s communication style, sensory needs, and the areas where they may benefit from targeted support.
- Begin individualized sessions that combine mindful communication tools, expressive language development, and gentle practices that help children notice, reflect, and share the things they feel thankful for.
- Watch your child grow into their “thankful voice,” building stronger self-expression, improved regulation, and deeper connection with the people and experiences that matter to them.
Your child doesn’t need to communicate perfectly. They just need a space where their voice can unfold naturally. With mindful, holistic speech and language therapy in NYC, they can develop meaningful communication skills while feeling encouraged, understood, and supported every step of the way.
Helping Children Shine: Comprehensive Care at Chatty Child in NYC
At Chatty Child, we believe every child should feel capable, curious, and connected as they learn to communicate. Our approach to speech therapy looks at the whole child to strengthen the cognitive, emotional, and communication skills that support success at home, in school, and in their wider world.
We partner closely with families to design personalized plans that encourage self-expression, developmental progress, and confidence across all areas of life.
- InterAct – A creative, story-centered program using play, character exploration, and collaborative activities to build language abilities, social engagement, and self-assurance.
- Occupational Therapy – Supports sensory processing, fine motor development, and everyday independence through individualized activities.
- Teletherapy – Accessible online speech and occupational therapy for families across New York State, offering expert guidance from the comfort of home.
- Tutoring – Customized academic assistance in reading, writing, and critical thinking to spark curiosity and support stronger learning skills.
- Functional Nutrition – Personalized nutrition strategies that promote focus, emotional balance, and regulation during key developmental phases.
- Consulting – Professional support for caregivers, educators, and providers to help children receive consistent, coordinated care across environments.
- Group Programs – Engaging group sessions that build communication abilities, social-emotional development, and collaborative play through creativity.
By merging research-backed practices with imaginative, nurturing support, our team helps children strengthen their voice, develop resilience, and flourish with confidence.
Introducing Heather Boerner, NYC Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist
Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC-SLP, is a licensed and nationally certified speech-language pathologist with over two decades of experience supporting children through pediatric speech therapy in NYC. In addition to her long-standing clinical background, Heather is trained in mindfulness and meditation, practices from a trauma-informed lens, and identifies as a neurodiverse, differently-abled individual, identities that profoundly influence her attuned, whole-child approach.
Motivated by her lived experience navigating the world as a differently-abled person, Heather created Chatty Child Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy, PLLC, an inclusive, child-centered practice built on empowerment, creativity, and individualized care. She is also the author of Carrie the Colorful Chameleon, a children’s book that encourages confidence, curiosity, and friendship, and includes a companion teaching guide for families and educators.
Heather and her team offer both in-person sessions at their Tribeca clinic and virtual services throughout New York State, helping children enhance communication, develop self-assurance, and express themselves with greater ease every day.
