Engineering Explorers

"Do you have any of those . . . connector things?" asks Petey. "I need some for my robot."

"What kind of connectors do you need?" I ask. 

"I want to make the robot's leg connect to his stomach," he answers.

"Do you need tape?" I inquire.

Petey shakes his head vigorously.

"Will glue work?"

"Nope," he answers.

"Stapler?"

He shakes his head in frustration, his brow furrowing. "I know what they are but I don't know what to call them," he says. "They are circles and they are shiny, and then my robot can move his arms and legs."

“Oh, do you mean a brad? Is that what you need?” I grab a handful of brads from the desk and hold them up for Petey's inspection. 

Yes! That’s it, that's it!" he exclaims, flashing me a big smile. "Yes! I need a lot of brads!"

A brad is a small, flat, metal fastener used to temporarily or permanently hold two or more pieces of material together.

Brads can be an excellent way to introduce young engineers to simple mechanical principles, such as how rotation works or how to attach moving parts. Kids can use brads to attach parts of a model or structure that need to move independently (like attaching wings to a plane or arms to a robot).

While loose parts are great for building, it's the connectors that help children take their ideas to the next level. Connectors enable designs to evolve, mechanisms to work, and structures to stand. They turn creative ideas into tangible creations.

In the world of loose-parts play, connectors are the elements that help different pieces come together in a more permanent or functional way. Connectors can include everyday items such as:

• Clay
• Clothespins
• Paper clips
• Pipe cleaners
• Rubber bands
• Staples
• String
• Wire

One of the most important aspects of engineering is the process itself. Engineering isn’t just about building something—it’s about solving problems, trying out different ideas, and adjusting as you go.

Connectors are key to this process. When an engineer designs a new product—whether it's a bridge, a car, or a robot—they don’t just stack parts together and call it done. They figure out how to make those parts work together, using the right tools, materials, and yes, connectors!

Connectors enable children to experiment with how things come together in the real world. Along the way, they learn essential skills such as testing, adjusting, and improving—just like real engineers do.

The old standby—glue—still makes it into our daily rotation. But glue takes time to dry, and many of our budding engineers lack the patience to wait it out.

One tried-and-true option is washi tape, a decorative, low-tack masking tape that originated in Japan. Washi tape is non-toxic, easy to handle, and easy to tear by hand—a plus for younger children who are still developing their fine motor skills. This connector encourages independence by enabling early learners to engineer their creations without adult assistance.

Twisteezwire is another excellent connector for early engineers because it’s flexible, easy to manipulate, and promotes creativity and hands-on problem-solving. With this soft, bendable connector, children can twist, shape, and secure materials in countless ways with minimal effort. The versatility of Twisteezwire encourages experimentation, whether children are creating shapes, connecting parts, or building structures that require support or movement.

Modeling clay is another fantastic connector for early engineers because it’s soft and moldable. It also encourages tactile exploration, making it ideal for young children who are just beginning to experiment with design and structure.

Children can use clay to attach, stabilize, or shape materials. Clay enables our early engineers to build more stable foundations or create custom connections between pieces. The flexibility of clay supports creativity, enabling children to mold it into various shapes or forms to suit their needs. Simple modeling clay will not dry out like playdough or air-dry clay, so it can be reused for years on end.

Mavalus tape is a truly remarkable connector because it combines strength, versatility, and mess-free convenience, making it perfect for young learners. Unlike traditional tapes, Mavalus tape doesn’t leave any residue on surfaces such as paint, wallpaper, or furniture. It's strong enough to secure heavier materials, which enables children to create more robust structures and more intricate designs. The tape’s strong adhesive also provides quick, reliable connections, enabling children to experiment and problem-solve as they build. Because it supports a variety of construction projects with a wider range of materials, Mavalus tape fosters creativity and independence while enabling young children to engage in engineering adventures in a fun and safe way.

Connectors are an essential part of early engineering play because they bring creative ideas to life, enabling young children to experiment, solve problems, change their designs, and make their structures more stable, functional, and dynamic.

By using connectors, children learn about critical engineering concepts such as attachment, balance, and support, all while building their fine motor skills and developing resilience.

Most important, connectors give kids the freedom to turn abstract ideas into tangible creations, making the learning process more exciting and meaningful.

With these essential early engineering tools, children can create whatever they can imagine while building the confidence and skills they will need to become the problem-solvers and innovators of tomorrow!