Costumes, Candy, and Communication: How A Creative NYC Speech Therapist Uses Halloween to Boost Language Skills
Halloween can be an exciting time for children of all ages.
Halloween is a special time of year where 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.
You can find me on Halloween night participating in the legendary Annual West Village Halloween Parade and 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 practice I use Halloween themes and activities to encourage and facilitate language learning in unique and creative ways.
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.
- We may practice going trick or treating by knocking on a door, waiting for it to open and practice saying aloud: “trick or treat” with their own home, first.
- We may talk about the different decorations they may see around the city: pumpkins, ghosts, lights and the noises they might hear – in preparation of 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 the month of 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 and fill it with funny halloween creatures.
- Make a witches 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.
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!
If your child is struggling to communicate or to follow directions – we can help!
Are you ready to experience the difference of bespoke, holistic, compassionate, personalized care at Chatty Child?
Chatty Child’s speech therapists can assess your child’s speech and language skills 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
Meet the Author: A Pediatric Speech Therapist in NYC
Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP, is a nationally certified and New York State licensed speech-language pathologist with over two decades of experience providing pediatric speech therapy in NYC. In addition to her clinical background, Heather is a certified mindfulness and meditation teacher, a trauma-informed provider, and a proud neurodiverse and differently-abled individual. Her personal and professional experiences deeply inform her approach to care.
Heather’s own journey as a differently-abled person led her to establish Chatty Child Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy, PLLC, an inclusive practice dedicated to empowering children through individualized, compassionate support. She is also the author of Carrie the Colorful Chameleon, a children’s book that promotes confidence, learning, and friendship. The story includes a teaching guide designed for use by parents and educators alike.
Heather and her team offer services both in-person at their Tribeca, Manhattan clinic and virtually throughout New York State, helping children grow in confidence, communication, and self-expression.
