Staplers–utilitarian office equipment in the hands of adults, super double-magnificent power machine in the hands of preschoolers. These things should be standard in all process art and tinkering areas. Not only are the loose parts themselves, they can be used to connect many other loose parts. And those connected loose parts may very well be looser and more interesting parts than they were separate.

Staplers And Safety

Here’s the obligatory blurb about safety. Kids exploring staplers should be appropriately supervised. It’s possible that a child could eat loose staples or stick them in their ear or nose holes, but it is highly unlikely. It’s also possible that they could–accidentally or on purpose–staple a body part. Again, highly unlikely. If they do, it’s a chance to learn that stapling flesh hurts. In my experience, very few kids staple their finger more than once. They’re quick learners.

Seriously, most kids can handle stapling without much drama or risk. But there’s always That Kid. You know the kid I’m talking about. To keep stapler interactions safe with that kid, you’ll just need to pay a bit more attention.

Stapler Selection And Upkeep

The stapler you have tucked away in your desk drawer or on the second shelf of the art supply cabinet behind the purple paint will probably work fine. If you need to purchase a stapler, opt for something well-built. Better to invest a few extra bucks on something that will stand up to lots of use.

Upkeep is pretty basic. Don’t leave them out in the rain, keep them away from water play, don’t fill them with play dough. Also, lube them up a couple of times a year to keep the staples flowing. This is easy. Dip a Q-tip in mineral oil, open the stapler, and give the guts a rubdown.

Staplers as loose parts will help kids express themselves creatively, hone physical skills, build social skills, and more. Have photos of kids using staplers that you’d like to share to append this post? Let me know in the comments. Your comments are welcome there too.

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