Sensory Tools and Learning in the Classroom

Sensory Tools and Learning in the Classroom

Beyond Weighted Vests: How MyBurrow® Supports Sensory Needs

Parents and educators involved in intervention programs are likely familiar with sensory tools like weighted vests, body socks, and now even weighted blankets for adults seeking restful sleep. These tools help individuals manage sensory stimulation, attention regulation, anxiety, and proprioceptive delays.

MyBurrow® serves a similar purpose — supporting children with behavioural and sensory regulation needs — but introduces a number of unique benefits. Unlike traditional weighted vests, lycra tunnels, or body socks, MyBurrow® offers unmatched versatility across environments.

MyBurrow with quick release feature

Why MyBurrow® is Different

MyBurrow® is intentionally designed to be non-restrictive. Children can initiate and control their use of it independently, creating a sense of ownership and safety. Its pressure panel tension is fully adjustable, allowing customisation based on individual sensory needs.

Unlike wearable sensory tools, MyBurrow® stays in place and accommodates multiple users in one session — eliminating delays associated with switching out equipment. This means children receive continuous sensory feedback without disrupting learning or therapeutic flow.

  • Ensures ease of access and safety in classroom and home settings.
  • Eliminates distractions associated with putting on or removing vests or socks.
  • Helps children remain in a defined space, reducing environmental overstimulation.

Flexible Design with Practical Benefits

The design includes super-strength Velcro side strips for quick and secure tension adjustment. Its EASY quick release feature ensures the child can safely exit without requiring help or navigating tricky fasteners — a major plus compared to body socks or tunnels.

Moreover, MyBurrow®...

  • Encourages inclusion by supporting diverse behavioural and learning needs within group environments.
  • Offers portability — easily moved around a room or between rooms.
  • Targets multiple outcomes in a single session — therapy, social interaction, and communication skills.
  • Comes in various sizes and colours to suit different settings: home, classroom, or clinic.
  • Built with durable materials to withstand everyday use and ensure longevity.

MyBurrow Classroom Setup

Dimitra Baveas - Creator or My Burrow; B.SpEd (Griffith University)  

About the author: Dimitra Baveas - Creator or My Burrow; B.SpEd (Griffith University)  

Dimitra Baveas was teaching in Queensland schools when her own daughter began to struggle in the classroom. Observing the immediate positive impact on her daughter’s focus and learning skills at the conclusion of each Occupational therapy session; she recognized the need to link the immediacy of these gains into the classroom learning process.By including therapy into the learning processes, Dimi’s aim was to foster greater generalization of positive therapy outcomes and the subsequent improvement in academic, social and emotional development. Dimi’s recognition of the need to build a bridge between therapy outcomes and in-class learning processes provided the inspiration for the creation of not a “bridge” but a burrow, ‘MyBurrow®’.Since the launch of MyBurrow® physiotherapists, occupational therapists, clinicians, teachers and parents in schools, clinics and hospitals around Australia have attested to the positive impact of MyBurrow®. Teaming up with Helena Smith {retired G.O.D – Guidance Officer (Developmental)} MyBurrow® now produces lesson plans and other supplementary resources available upon signing up to our newsletter at www.myburrow.com.au)

About the author: Helena Smith

Dip.T (Primary),{University of Qld}; B.Ed.St, (Remedial Education), {Uni of Qld}; B.A.(Psychology), {Deakin University}; Dip.Soc.Sci. (Psychology),{Uni of New England}; M.Ed.(Sp.Ed), {James Cook Uni of North Qld}; M.El.Ed.(Guidance & Counselling, Curriculum & Instruction), {Uni of Hawaii} and the winner of the Rotary Foundation Teachers of the Handicapped award for 1982.

Back to blog