Hugs & Bugs Club

SUPERHEROES ✨

Real-life superheroes dropped by Superhero Week! 🚒✨

These experiences are amazing and the magic is felt by all in these moments that spark curiosity. Watching the Hoboken Fire Department teach our children, let them see and feel the gear, explore the truck, and take the fire hose for a spin was truly inspiring! ✨

Thank you, HFD, for taking the time to inspire our next generation of heroes! ❤️ Hoboken Public Safety Department

And stay tuned to see our Hoboken Police Department’s visit too!

BALLOON POOL 🎈

I used to set up this exact sensory filled balloon pool in my tiny apartment for my two rambunctious toddlers! Literally shoving every piece of furniture against the walls just to make it fit. So bringing this experience to students in our classroom is always nostalgic for me and feels so special seeing the kids faces light up!

Watching them get totally lost in the balloons, laughing at their wild static hair, and watching the balloons fly everywhere is pure magic ✨

And yes... cleanup is 100% my favorite part. The space is quiet and all you’re left to hear is the satisfying popping at the end!

(Save this post for your next rainy day or classroom sensory activity!)

Pro-tip for teachers & parents: ALWAYS turn the air plugs on the inflatable pool so they face away from the kids eyes when they enter! Tiny fingers are fast, and they will deflate your hard work in seconds. 😉

DIY LIGHT-TABLE (temporary) version 2

✨ No sand? No problem! Here is part two of the tiny-apartment DIY light table!

If you want the magic of a light table without bringing the beach into your living room, this mess-free setup is for you!

Here’s how to do it: 💡

Take your LED light sticks and place them under an upside-down clear bin.
(Or pop the lights directly inside the bin and snap the lid on!)

🌈 Add colorful Magna-Tiles or translucent loose parts on top and watch them glow!

✨I add the tissue paper to diffuse the light a little :)

It’s bright, colorful, super engaging, and packs away right back under the bed in seconds. Perfection for small-space living and classrooms! 🙌✨

What’s your favorite translucent toy to put on a light table? Let me know below! 👇

📢PASS on the news! FREE link in my bio!

We’re gearing up for the Camp Renegade Play FREE Virtual Summit happening July 23rd & 24th, and I am SO excited to share the stage with this incredible crew of play-based experts!

We passed around our camp shirt so you can meet some of the brilliant speakers bringing fresh inspiration, play hacks, and actionable ideas to camp this year. Turn your sound ON to hear what everyone is diving into!

Why You Need a Ticket to Camp:
    •    🎟️ 100% FREE Access for two full days of sessions
    •    💡 Packed with real and inspiring play ideas for your classroom or home
    •    🍿 Watch from anywhere in your comfy clothes!
🤝 Meet & Share the love by Following Your Camp Counselors!

We want you to get inspired by everyone in this video! Tap through and give these incredible presenters a follow too:

Hugs & Bugs Club
Jennifer | The Playschool
MJ | Reggio Inspired Mama 🌱
Amber Unger 🖍️ Play-Based Learning
Jocelyn Manzanarez | ECE music educator +Speaker
In home early childhood educator.
We Skoolhouse
Jessica Karpathios | ECE Consultant ☀️
Kristen Day | Formerly Kristen RB Peterson
Jenny Yerxa Oliver

Most people think sensory play is about what’s in the bin. But sometimes, the magic is in the light.
✨ Tea lights hidden in black beans → tiny discoveries
✨ Glow sticks in balloons → slow, glowing chase
✨ A DIY light table → quiet focus, longer play
✨ Flashlights + magnatiles → shadows that move and grow

I’ll be sharing 20+ ideas for “Sensory Play Inside & Beyond the Bin,” using things you already have.

📅 July 23–24
🎟️ Free to attend
👉 Save your spot (link in bio)
⬇️ Tag a friend below that would love to join!

Come join me and other fabulous educators to bring you 400+ ready-to-use ideas! Check out and follow them for their fantastic and inspiring ideas:
MJ | Reggio Inspired Mama 🌱
Emotions You Know™
Jenny Yerxa Oliver
We Skoolhouse
Storybook Village Preschool
In home early childhood educator.
Jessica Karpathios | ECE Consultant ☀️
Suzanne Cotton
Wonderforest
Cathy Belgrave
The Artful Child | Creative Programs Toronto
Tiger Lily Preschool, Coaching & Learning Resources
Jocelyn Manzanarez | ECE music educator +Speaker
Jennifer | The Playschool
Amber Unger 🖍️ Play-Based Learning

🌿 OUR NATURE SCHOOL ✨

Ever wonder what a school year looks like at Hugs & Bugs Club?!

Here is a sneak peek into our magical, child-led days:

🌱 Nature as the Teacher: We prioritize daily outdoor play, rain or shine. Whether we’re splashing in puddles, climbing trees, or examining a tiny beetle, the earth is our ultimate playground.

✨ Sparking Curiosity: We don’t just give answers; we encourage big questions! Our days are fueled by the natural wonder and innate curiosity of our little explorers.

🌿Play-Based & Child-Led: We follow the child’s lead. If a group becomes fascinated by building forts or mixing mud potions, that becomes our lesson plan. Learning happens naturally when it’s driven by joy!

🎨 Reggio-Inspired: We view children as capable, resilient individuals full of wonder. This deep collaboration naturally fosters rich social connection, empathy, and emotional growth.
We aren’t just preparing children for the next school grade; we are nurturing lifelong learners, deep thinkers, and compassionate friends. ❤️

Spaces for our upcoming sessions for little ones 2-6 years old fill up fast! Click the link in our bio to learn more about our philosophy and secure your spot in the mud at Hugs & Bugs Club!

At Hugs and Bugs Club we always decorate the classroom with students artwork. The year starts with very little on the walls and by the end of the year the walls, blossom!

Here is one of our favorite ways to keep art work from our students. We hope you enjoy it and maybe try it for your home or classroom.

Comment your favorite flower emoji! 🌻

HERB & FLOWER SENSORY GARDEN

Curiosity driven learning can happen anytime and many times it’s outside of 4 walls. It’s so beautiful to embrace. Ordinary moments spark joyful discovery. Our sensory gardens always spark joy and curiosity. Come join us as we learn through play based learning at Hugs & Bugs Club.

Enrollment is now open for our preschool for ages 2.5-6 yrs old.

Come join our play based preschool!
Ages 2.5-6 yrs old
2, 3, and 5 day part time options🐞