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At Starfish, we want to offer you the best support we can. From the moment you begin your journey with us, our knowledge, experience and expertise is yours too. Our regular blogs aim to keep you up to date with all the latest industry news and advice, as well as our very own product information, tips and techniques.

Weighted Compression Vest Guide: Choosing the Right Fit blog cover image

Weighted Compression Vest Size Guide: Choosing the Right Fit

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!

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Cover image for the blog "Alphabetic Principle: A Complete Guide for Parents & Educators"

Alphabetic Principle: A Complete Guide for Parents & Educators

What’s the secret behind learning to read? It all starts with understanding how letters represent sounds. In this comprehensive guide, we break down the alphabetic principle and show you exactly what to teach, how to teach it, and why it matters. Perfect for parents, educators, and tutors supporting early literacy.

With free printables, video explanations, and evidence-based strategies, this is your go-to resource for teaching the building blocks of reading.

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Main blog image for the Starfish blog - "what order to teach the alphabet"

What Order To Teach The Alphabet

In early childhood education, teaching the alphabet is a fundamental skill that lays the foundation for reading and writing.

However, the order in which the letters are taught can greatly impact a child's learning progress.

In this blog, we will explore the importance of teaching the alphabet in a particular order, provide practical tips on how to effectively teach letter sounds, and suggest activities and resources that you can do now to support your child's learning journey. Plus a FREE DOWNLOAD!

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cover image for the blog - Can Weighted and Vibrating Pens Really Improve Handwriting?

Weighted and Vibrating Pens for Handwriting?

Struggling with faint, messy, or heavy-handed handwriting? Weighted and vibrating pens are more than just novel tools—they offer targeted sensory input that can help improve control, coordination, and writing fluency.

In this post, we unpack how they work, who they’re best suited for, and how to trial one at home before investing in a specialised option.

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cover image for the blog "What to Teach when Teaching the Alphabet"

What to Teach when Teaching the Alphabet

Teaching the alphabet is more than just letter names—it’s about helping children understand the sounds that build words. Using a synthetic phonics approach, this guide covers the best strategies for teaching letter sounds, choosing the right order, and making learning fun.

Whether your child is a preschooler just starting to explore letters or a school-aged learner ready to decode words, these evidence-based tips will set them up for reading success.

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A cover image for the blog - Weighted Items in the Classroom: A Guide for Teachers and Tutors

Weighted Items in the Classroom: A Guide for Teachers and Tutors

Weighted items like lap blankets and compression vests can transform classrooms and clinics by helping students self-regulate, reduce anxiety, and improve focus.

From understanding the science of deep pressure stimulation to selecting the right tools, this guide provides everything teachers and tutors need to create a sensory-friendly learning environment.

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the cover image for the blog "Why Premium Lycra Matters for Sensory Needs"

Why Quality Lycra Matters

Not all Lycra is created equal, and when it comes to sensory tools, quality matters. Premium Lycra takes sensory support to the next level, offering superior comfort, durability, and unmatched benefits for children with sensory needs and learning challenges.

From body socks to tunnels and bed sheets, discover why investing in high-quality materials can make a significant difference in fostering calm, focus, and sensory regulation. Read on to learn why it’s worth choosing the best!

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cover image for the blog - Get a Grip: The Benefits of Therapy Putty and How to Use It

Benefits of Therapy Putty and 20 Ways to Use It

Looking to boost hand strength, improve dexterity, or find a calming sensory tool? Therapy putty is a versatile solution that can help with all of these, and so much more!

In our latest blog, we dive into the many benefits of therapy putty, plus share 20 creative and easy ways to use it for strengthening and stress relief! Perfect for all ages and abilities, it's a must-have tool for anyone looking to improve fine motor skills.

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Header image for the blog - Y It Matters: The Four Sounds of Y and How to Use Them

Y It Matters: The Four Sounds of Y and How to Use Them

Understanding phonics is essential for helping children learn to read and spell effectively. Our latest blog dives into the versatile letter 'y' and its four distinct sounds, offering practical strategies and tips for mastering these phonics rules step by step.

With easy-to-follow explanations and engaging techniques, you'll find that learning and teaching phonics can be both fun and rewarding. Join us on this exciting journey to make literacy learning enjoyable and intuitive for everyone!

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