Sense of Place for Wee Ones - Sink and Refrigerator Kitchen

Sense of Place for Wee Ones

1 - 3 years. Constructed from a durable combination of FSC-sourced materials, the Sink and Fridge Kitchen merges each hallmark of this furniture collection into the perfect dramatic play space for infants and toddlers. Ramps, holes, cutouts for pass-through and multiple levels in the fridge promote children's movement and make this interactive unit a special place for exploration, discovery and socialization. Designed to be used back-to-back with the Stove and Cupboard, the kitchen units in this collection can be stationed away from the wall, creating accessibility from all four sides. This encourages children to exuberantly navigate around the unit, increases play possibilities and uses classroom space in a more interesting and effective way. Unit features plenty of additional storage for pretend play accessories and children's toys. Clean with mild soap and water. Do not use cleansers, bleach, etc. Measures 36"L x 16"W x 32"H.

Product Features:

• Made from a durable combination of white laminated plywood and solid birch
• Smooth sanded edges, with an easy-to-clean finish that prevents scratches and stains
• Collection created using an innovative 360° Play Design to encourage meaningful interaction with the furniture from all sides
• Intentional holes encourage children to practice innate play patterns
• Angled shelves in the fridge unit enhance dramatic play
• Connect with Sense of Place for Wee Ones - Stove and Cupboard to create a playful dramatic play area that can be accessed from all sides
• Pass-through cutout in unit encourages socialization between multiple children during play
• Designed specifically for toddlers and twos
• Limited Lifetime Warranty
• Ships fully assembled
• Furniture connection tools and instructions included
• Measures 36"L x 16"W x 32"H

Due to the nature of the wood used, variations in color and grain are to be expected. Naturally occurring variations in wood like color, grain, pinholes, and knots are not considered defects. 

The Sense of Place for Wee Ones Collection

The Sense of Place for Wee Ones collection, created by author, speaker, and early childhood educator Dr. Sandra Duncan is the first modular furniture system that nurtures a child’s inherent need to move, play, and belong. Built upon extensive research and theory, this beautiful collection provides young children with an environment that supports their innate play patterns and encourages physical and cognitive development. The key features of this collection emerged from innate characteristics that toddlers exhibit. These characteristics are intricately woven throughout the design:

1. Movement Connoisseur: Through its intentional design, this collection supports children’s inherent need to move and promotes the repetitive movements that they need to engage in to learn, grow and develop.
2. Sensory Seeker: Wee ones use all of their senses while establishing understandings about their environments. Details in this collection like ramps, holes, mirrors, and levels enrich play and encourage sensorial experiences.
3. Pathfinder: Young children exuberantly navigate their environments in unique and unusual ways. Coves, tunnels and pieces designed to be interacted with from all sides, provide visual and physical pathways throughout the classroom.
4. Enthusiastic Improvisor: As enthusiastic improvisors, wee ones interpret their environment in unexpected ways. The furniture in this collection can easily be rearranged and reorganized, creating modular systems that meet children’s changing needs.

Sandra Duncan, EdD

With over 45 years of experience and a doctorate in education, Dr. Sandra Duncan has a wide and varied background in early care and education. She has extensive experience in working with young children and parents, teaching at the university level (doctorate students and early childhood students), designing and writing professional development programs for practitioners, and authoring several teacher resource books including her latest effort with Jody Martin and Sally Haughey, Through a Child’s Eyes.

Now, Dr. Duncan is bringing her years of theory and best practices to the early childhood classroom in the form of the Sense of Place furniture collection - an exclusive to the Kaplan portolfio of furniture offerings. With its modern aesthetics, many authentic and true-to-real-life details, and considerations for what the youngest of children need to thrive best in their first learning environments, the Sense of Place collection provides ITT and ECE educators a beautiful backdrop to creating the most meaningful and lasting of learning experiences in early education classrooms for years to come.

“The classroom is powerful. Its space has the capacity to regulate children’s behaviors either positively or negatively... The types of materials in the classroom, including the furniture, and the way they are arranged influence how children act, react, learn and grow.”

—Sandra Duncan, EdD, Jody Martin and Sally Haughey, Through a Child’s Eyes 

Cleaning Instructions:

Use mild soap and water on a damp cloth. Do not use window-cleaners or abrasive products as they may damage the finish and will invalidate your warranty. For clear and translucent panels, use a mild solution of vinegar and water.