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Toothbrushing can be an intense sensory experience for some kids with sensory challenges. The mouth especially can be a sensitive area of the body and typically toothbrush bristles can feel overwhelming. We want to share a few alternatives to try.

Some kids thrive at school. They love organized activities, seeing lots of other kids, and making new friends. For other kids, school can be very emotionally draining and triggering. In this post, we explore some of the reasons why school isn’t for everyone.

We want to share some Halloween books written by Canadian authors. Swipe to find some new spooky reads for all ages!

Managing screen time can be very challenging these days. Technology can make activities more immediately gratifying and engaging, and we often have our devices readily available at all times. 
As great as technology can be, it can take away from spending valuable time with our loved ones. While it can be a great learning tool, it can also keep us from learning through experience. Setting boundaries and rules around screen time can help keep emotions in check and keep us living life off our screens.

There are several things to think about when choosing footwear for your kids. Can they run in them? Can they put them on by themselves? How do I teach my child to tie their shoes? Swipe to learn more about the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendations and some tips for teaching your child to tie their shoes.

Strikes can be challenging, but at times they can be necessary. In Alberta, teachers are currently striking for more manageable class sizes, more classroom support (e.g., more EAs), more teachers, and better pay. Teachers have seen a salary increase of only 5.87% over the past 10 years, while inflation in Alberta has been over 30% in that timeframe. Additionally, class sizes are often at 30+ students, many with individualized learning plans. Without sufficient additional support from EAs, teachers are struggling to meet the needs of all of their students. 
We want to give you some tips for managing at home during this strike. Focusing on a routine can help and having resources to keep kids occupied and learning can be a good place to start!

There are so many options for fancy lunch bags, but with the wisdom we now have on microplastics and our environment we wanted to give you a few ideas of ways to help keep you and the environment healthy!

Today, September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. It is a day to honour the Indigenous children that were forced into residential schools and the lasting impact this has on their families and communities. 
We wanted to share some books with you that were written by Indigenous authors.

School mornings can be a bit of a challenge! One way to make them run a bit more smoothly is with a little meal prep. Meal prep can be as complex as setting up your entire week in one day or simply having your coffee pot ready to go in the morning; there is no right or wrong, just what works best for you and your family.

Around the world, we are witnessing the rise of regressive policies, oppression of minorities, government control, and censorship. Here in Alberta, the government has been pushing for a book ban in our schools. At Speech Matters, we value curiosity, open access to information, representation, and critical media literacy skills. In light of recent events, here are some banned books we recommend and why.