The COVID-19 pandemic forced an unprecedented global shutdown that closed schools for months, impacting a range of individuals and groups from children, parents, carers to educators.
Now, re-establishing familiar routines at home and in school, while maintaining wellbeing is more vital than ever.
For over two years, the proportion of a child’s life spent living in a pandemic is very large and has caused inconsistency in their classroom education. As a result of this, at home education has become a major focus resulting in a higher demand for educational toys and supplies.
Fox Wood Co., a sustainable kids play equipment brand that models its products on the Montessori approach was established in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown, when a likeminded group of parents saw an opportunity in the market for more educational and sustainable toys. They started to think of ways to provide fun, safe and entertaining play for their children, especially during home schooling.
Jess Locke, Co-Owner of Fox Wood Co. comments: “During the COVID-19 lockdown, we found there was a great need for quality Australian Made products. A large portion of our product range has been created from items we needed at home for our kids, to help them follow their natural development and independent learning while at home for such an unusual extended period during the lockdowns.”
Jess adds, “Our products were designed in line with our belief in active, risky play and the Montessori approach to childhood development. Another big factor in our design process was aesthetics, we wanted to make the products pleasing to the eye in way that would easily blend into both a home and school environment.”
The Benefits of Montessori Toys
Montessori furniture can help children develop self-confidence and motor skills by giving them more opportunities to explore their environment and participate in family life. Having shelves, tables and chairs that are tailored to your child’s size allows them to manoeuvre their surroundings with confidence and engage in independent play at their leisure.
Wayne Battishall, Director at Fox Wood Co added: “We’re passionate about creating high quality, Australian made products from locally-sourced and sustainable materials that are good for kids and good for the planet. All our play equipment is made from the highest quality Australia timbers, sustainable grown and sourced right here in Australia.”
A Montessori playroom is a carefully designed environment that encourages independence and concentration. It is a clean, simple playing space with a carefully selected, limited number of age-appropriate toys.
About Fox Wood Co.
Fox Wood Co. was established in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown, where long-time friends and parents saw an opportunity in the market for more sustainable toys, after being faced with sudden job. They started to think of ways to provide fun, safe and entertainment for their children.
The team includes Wayne, proud dad of an energetic 4-year-old girl and a fully qualified cabinet maker and detailed joiner. The other half includes Jess and Mick, a husband-and-wife team with an independent 5-year-old daughter and a very active spirited 3-year-old boy.
__small.png)
