Helping Kids Stay Engaged Indoors: Speech Therapy in NYC With Playful Winter Activities
I know – winter can just – drag on forever.
It often feels like the season that never ends.
Kids are bubbling with energy and it’s so cold outside – often nowhere to go.
What can parents do to help their kids stay active and engaged this winter season?
Here is a fun and engaging indoor game to keep all your little ones moving, grooving and communicating all winter long!
One of my favorite movement games to play at my clinic during this cold winter season is called – animals walk and talk!
I ask the child what type of animal or creature they would like to talk about, and then embody and pretend to be.
We explore the attributes of the chosen animal:
- What’s its name?
- Where does it live?
- What does it like to eat?
- What makes it special?
- How does it move?
- What sounds does it make?
- Who are their friends?
Next, we creatively act out the animal walk or movement together.
Each child is encouraged to enact their own personal interpretation of the animal walk or movement.
You may also encourage your child or student to draw a picture of their chosen animal or create a special collage from different colored prints.
As an extension activity, you can gently help your child research pictures, videos and facts about their chosen animal.
Bonus points – they can present their findings to the whole family or class – while performing their own unique chosen movements and sounds!
I hope you have so much fun exploring the animals walk and talk game this winter season!
Until next time!
Sincerely,
Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP at Chatty Child
Meet Heather Boerner, Helping Children Find Their Voice
Heather Lynn Boerner, MA, CCC-SLP, is a licensed, nationally certified speech-language pathologist with over 20 years of experience providing pediatric speech therapy in NYC. Her work is guided by mindfulness training, a trauma-informed lens, and her lived experience as a neurodiverse, differently-abled individual, shaping a compassionate, whole-child approach to care.
Motivated by her personal and professional journey, Heather founded Chatty Child Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy, PLLC, an inclusive practice centered on creativity and individualized support. She is also the author of Carrie the Colorful Chameleon, a children’s book created to encourage confidence, curiosity, and connection.
Heather and her team offer in-person therapy at the Tribeca clinic and virtual services throughout New York State, helping children build communication skills, confidence, and comfort in expressing their voice.
Holistic Speech and Developmental Services for Children in NYC
At Chatty Child, we help children build communication skills that support confidence, connection, and everyday success. Our holistic approach to speech therapy recognizes that language development is closely tied to emotional regulation, learning, and relationships.
We work collaboratively with families to create individualized plans that support self-expression and developmental growth across home, school, and community settings.
Our services include:
- InterAct – A playful, story-based program that builds language, social connection, and confidence through imagination and interaction.
- Occupational Therapy – Support for sensory integration, fine motor skills, and independence in daily routines.
- Teletherapy – At-home speech and occupational therapy for families across New York State.
- Tutoring – Personalized academic support to strengthen reading, writing, and critical thinking.
- Functional Nutrition – Nutrition guidance to support focus, regulation, and development.
- Consulting – Collaborative support for caregivers and educators.
- Group Programs – Small-group experiences that promote communication, cooperation, and social-emotional growth.
Through evidence-informed care and creative, individualized support, Chatty Child helps children find their voice and grow with confidence.
