The Link Between Bedtime Stories and Brain Development: How Speech Therapy in NYC Supports Early Learning
One of the best and most practical ways to improve your child’s understanding of language and cognitive development is by reading stories to them.
As a provider of speech therapy in NYC, I often recommend that parents include a bedtime story within each of their children’s nightly routines. I recommend this for many reasons that I will outline in this blog.
As a speech therapist, I wholeheartedly recommend reading to your child daily. This is to foster a positive relationship and connection to literature.
A regular bedtime routine that includes storytime can yield worthwhile and beneficial results.
Boosting Communication Skills Through Reading and Speech Therapy in NYC
Reading to your child can help them to:
- Gain familiarity with books and storytime in general. This can be extremely helpful as they enter preschool and are expected to sit, listen, and respond to questions about a presented story during daily circle time. By incorporating story time before bedtime, you are priming your child for success in the classroom and beyond.
- Build the skills needed to listen and understand a story that is presented aloud.
- Develop the ability to answer a variety of questions about a story. For example, asking your child a variety of questions during a storybook reading is extremely helpful for building overall communication skills. By asking your child questions about the characters, places, and events in the book, you are building the foundational skills required to achieve a successful back-and-forth conversation with your child.
- Learn critical thinking skills to improve their ability to process more complex information and begin making predictions. The ability to make hypothetical guesses or predictions is an extremely important skill.
- Making predictions about ‘what happens next in a story’ develops a child’s ability to process, synthesize, and integrate information.
- This process develops their overall critical thinking skills, which guide their ability to make mindful choices in their everyday life.
- Making predictions about ‘what happens next in a story’ develops a child’s ability to process, synthesize, and integrate information.
Develop their imagination and creative thinking skills outside of focused reading time.
Opening New Worlds Through Storytime
Reading to your child can open up a world of possibilities for them. Ideas, people, places, and activities that they may not encounter in their everyday lives. They can experience this through literature.
Through reading, a world of possibilities can be unlocked and brought to life for them.
Reading can spark a child’s imagination and open up a world of possibilities!
Storytime can be a magical time of togetherness, in which the parent and child bond can flourish and deepen.
Literature has the power to illuminate a whole new world of possibilities for each and every child. They can discover the joy that lies within the pages of a brilliant book!
Final Reflections from a NYC Speech Therapist
If your child is struggling during reading time or circle time, we are here ready to help support your child’s growth.
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 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
Support Your Child’s Growth with Speech Therapy in NYC
Bedtime stories do more than create cozy memories. They play an important role in building language, comprehension, and cognitive development. At Chatty Child, our pediatric speech therapists in NYC use engaging, story-based approaches to strengthen communication skills, nurture imagination, and encourage a love of learning. We create a supportive space where children can grow in both confidence and connection.
Here’s how to get started with speech therapy in NYC:
- Schedule a free 15-minute phone call to share your child’s needs and learn how storytelling can be integrated into their speech therapy journey.
- Book a comprehensive evaluation to identify strengths, communication goals, and opportunities for growth, ensuring a personalized plan.
- Begin individualized speech therapy sessions that use books, play, and creative activities to foster language development and confidence.
- Watch your child thrive as bedtime stories and therapy work hand-in-hand to support stronger communication, deeper connection, and long-term growth.
Helping Kids Grow with Confidence: Comprehensive Services at Chatty Child
At Chatty Child, we go beyond speech therapy to provide a wide range of services that support children’s overall development, resilience, and confidence, while also giving caregivers the tools they need to feel supported along the way.
- InterAct – A creative model blending storytelling, performance, and play to spark expressive language and build self-assurance.
- Occupational Therapy – Helps children strengthen fine motor skills, manage sensory input, and gain independence in daily routines.
- Teletherapy – Flexible online sessions in speech and occupational therapy for families throughout New York State.
- Tutoring Services – Tailored academic support in reading, writing, and critical thinking to encourage curiosity and classroom success.
- Functional Nutrition – Personalized guidance to promote physical health and emotional balance during essential growth years.
- Consulting – Collaborative coaching for parents, teachers, and professionals to create consistency across home, school, and therapy.
- Programs – Group experiences designed to nurture emotional awareness, build social skills, and inspire learning through joyful play and movement.
By combining creativity with evidence-based care, our team helps children strengthen communication, emotional regulation, and confidence.
About Heather: A Trusted 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 offering pediatric speech therapy in NYC. Beyond her clinical expertise, Heather is also a certified mindfulness and meditation teacher, a trauma-informed provider, and proudly identifies as neurodiverse and differently-abled—perspectives that deeply shape her compassionate, individualized approach to care.
Heather’s personal journey as a differently-abled person inspired her to create Chatty Child Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy, PLLC, an inclusive practice devoted to helping children thrive through supportive, tailored therapy. She is also the author of Carrie the Colorful Chameleon, a children’s book that encourages confidence, learning, and friendship, complete with a teaching guide for parents and educators.
Heather and her dedicated team provide services both in-person at their Tribeca, Manhattan clinic and online throughout Hudson Valley, Westchester, and all of New York State, empowering children to grow in communication, confidence, and self-expression.
