Beyond Flashcards: How Online Speech Therapy in NYC Uses Play and Imagination to Keep Kids Engaged

As a treating pediatric speech-language pathologist and clinic owner, I conduct a combination of both in-person and online speech therapy in NYC. These therapy sessions are available for all ages and abilities every week.

Ms. Heather’s online speech therapy is rooted and grounded in play, imagination, and exploration of literacy, science, social games, and immersive role playing.

I strongly believe the silver lining of the pandemic was the beginning of broad access to quality care through online therapy across all of New York State.

This adoption and wide use of live calls within the therapy field has allowed us to provide quality speech therapy to a wider geographic area.

Online therapy provides greater accessibility to creative and innovative speech therapy. This provides options for children and families that may have been hindered by travel constraints in the past.

Ms. Heather uses creative pathways to keep children engaged and motivated during their online treatment sessions together.

Engaging Online Activities for Preschool-Aged Children

Here are some examples of engaging online activities that can be implemented with preschool-aged children during online therapy:

Music and popular children’s songs & videos.
Playful learning applications.
Pretend play with household items & toys.
Arts and crafts activities.
Reading children’s literature – short stories and fairy tales.

Online Speech Activities for School-Aged Children

Here are some examples of purposeful online activities to engage school-aged children during online therapy:

Reading, summarizing, and discussing chosen literature.
Exploring topics within the current local, national, and global news sources.
Creative writing activities.
Public speaking practice.
Dramatic play and expression.
Science experiments.
Creative movement, yoga sequences, and dance.

Useful Online Therapy Activities for Adolescents & Teenagers

Here are some examples of useful online activities to engage adolescents and teenagers during online therapy:

Engaging in a lively debate about a chosen topic, current events, historical events, or a chosen book.
Providing organizational support for homework and school assignments.
Support with reading comprehension & book reports.
Support with public speaking assignments.
Content creation – books, presentations, projects, ideas.
Creating and developing a business plan for an invention.
Engaging in theatre games and improvisational games.
Exploring culture and arts exhibits online.
Reviewing new events and restaurants around the city.

Online therapy does not need to be filled with flashcards and boring exercises, and drills.

Ms. Heather creates and facilitates exciting, engaging, and immersive online experiences for each child she treats.

Additionally, Ms. Heather follows each one of her patients’ inner motivations and curiosities to create personalized online classes.

Online Speech Therapy in NYC That Keeps Children Focused

If you’re ready to experience the unlimited possibilities that can be unlocked through gentle, caring, supportive, neurodivergent affirming care, we are here and ready to help your child and family soar!

Chatty Child’s speech therapists can assess your child’s speech and language developmental needs and craft an individually tailored treatment plan to address any areas of concern, while working seamlessly with your child’s medical team to achieve the best therapeutic outcomes for your child and family.

To book an in-person or online speech therapy assessment and treatment sessions with Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP, please visit our website at: www.chattychild.com; email: info@chattychild.com; or call: 347 491 4451

Sincerely,

Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP

Spark Learning and Confidence with Play-Based Online Speech Therapy in NYC

Speech therapy works best when kids are having fun. At Chatty Child, our online speech therapy in NYC blends imagination, play, and evidence-based strategies to keep children engaged, motivated, and excited to learn—no flashcards required.

Here’s how to get started with play-based online speech therapy in NYC:

Schedule a free 15-minute phone conversation to share your child’s strengths, challenges, and learning style, and explore how our creative approach can help.
Book a comprehensive evaluation to identify your child’s communication needs, interests, and motivators, laying the groundwork for a personalized therapy plan.
Begin interactive online sessions that combine purposeful play, storytelling, and skill-building activities, keeping your child engaged while making real progress.
Watch your child thrive as they build communication skills, confidence, and a love for learning that lasts.

Helping Children Heal and Thrive: Our Full Range of Services

At Chatty Child, speech therapy is just the beginning. We offer a wide range of supportive, integrative services designed to help children grow in confidence, strengthen skills, and give caregivers practical tools to encourage progress at home and school.

Speech Therapy – Personalized, evidence-based sessions that support communication, self-expression, and language development in ways that feel engaging and natural.
InterAct – A creative therapy model that blends storytelling, imaginative play, and performance to boost expressive language and confidence.
Occupational Therapy – Helps children build fine motor skills, manage sensory input, and gain greater independence in everyday routines.
Tutoring Services – Customized academic support in reading, writing, and critical thinking to encourage success and a love of learning.
Functional Nutrition – Tailored guidance to promote emotional well-being and physical health through key developmental stages.
Consulting – Collaborative coaching for parents, educators, and professionals to align strategies across therapy, school, and home.
Programs – Group-based experiences that nurture emotional awareness, foster social skills, and inspire joyful learning through play and movement.

By combining creative approaches with compassionate, research-based care, we help children strengthen communication, regulate emotions, and build lifelong confidence.

Meet Heather Lynn Boerner, Pediatric Speech Therapist in NYC

Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP, is a nationally certified and New York State licensed speech-language pathologist with more than 20 years of experience in pediatric speech therapy in NYC. Alongside her clinical expertise, she is a certified mindfulness and meditation instructor, a trauma-informed practitioner, and a proud neurodiverse and differently-abled individual. These personal and professional experiences shape her warm, inclusive approach to supporting children and families.

Inspired by her own journey as a differently-abled person, Heather founded Chatty Child Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy, PLLC—an accessible, empowering practice where children receive personalized, compassionate care. She is also the author of Carrie the Colorful Chameleon, a children’s book that fosters confidence, friendship, and a love of learning, complete with a teaching guide for parents and educators.

Heather and her dedicated team provide services in person at their Tribeca, Manhattan clinic and virtually across New York State, helping children develop stronger communication skills, self-expression, and confidence.