BLOG

If your child can recognise digraphs in isolation but struggles to read them within words, you’re not alone. This is a common challenge in early reading development and can be confusing for both parents and educators.

In this guide, we explore why this gap between “knowing” and “applying” digraph knowledge happens, including factors like unitisation, transfer of learning and cognitive load. We also share practical, evidence-based strategies to help children build confidence, improve decoding skills and develop reading fluency over time.

Heavy work can be a powerful tool for supporting calm, focus and overall regulation. By providing proprioceptive input, it helps the body feel more organised, grounded and in control. But like any sensory support, it’s not just about doing more — it’s about finding the right type and level of input for your child.

In this guide, we explore what heavy work is, why some children seek it more than others, and simple ways to use it effectively at home, school or on the go.

A compression sensory swing can be a powerful tool for supporting emotional regulation, focus and calming proprioceptive input. But like any sensory support, it’s not about using it all the time — it’s about using it at the right time.

In this guide, we explore when a compression swing can help, when it may not be appropriate, and how to use it safely and effectively at home or in therapy.

Learning to tell the time on an analogue clock can be confusing for many children and challenging to teach. In this guide, Kirstie shares a simple 3-step, strength-based method that breaks time into manageable stages.

With short daily practice, most children can learn to tell the time in just 7 days — with free printable resources included.

Quiet fidgets can be powerful tools for supporting calm, focus and regulation — particularly during busy, overwhelming or emotionally charged moments. In this blog, we explore when quiet fidgets are most helpful, why they work, and what makes a fidget truly “quiet”.

We also share practical guidance on choosing the right option for different sensory needs, environments and daily routines, along with examples of quiet fidgets we regularly recommend.

When kids tip into sensory overload, their nervous system needs calm before anything else. Soft lights, slow movement, and predictable patterns, can gently draw attention away from overwhelm and help the brain reset without needing lots of words.

In this guide, we explain why visual calm works, the best times to use it through the day and share our favourite Starfish visual tools for home, classrooms and clinics to support regulation, focus and emotional wellbeing.

Teaching isn’t about pushing harder - it’s about guiding smarter. The art of teaching is finding that sweet spot where learning happens best: not too easy, not too hard, and with just the right support.

This blog unpacks Vygotsky’s ideas of the Zone of Proximal Development and scaffolding, with practical examples parents, educators, and tutors can use right away.

Whether we like it or not, screens are here to stay. Technology is vital for staying connected, but what we can do is learn to manage screen time responsibly.

Games are an ideal solution. There are so many great, screen-free games to keep children entertained that are just as easy to pop in the bag or car, here's some of our Starfish favourites!

Choosing the right size weighted compression vest can be tricky — especially when shopping online. In this practical guide, we walk you through everything you need to know, from how to measure your child to what a well-fitting vest should look and feel like.

We’ve even included real photos, body measurements, and expert tips to help you order with confidence. Because when it fits well, a weighted compression vest can do what it’s designed to: support calm, focus and self-regulation!