When searching for the ultimate sensory adventure in Hoboken, New Jersey, we turned to the most talked about place in Hoboken-Hugs and Bugs Club Mommy and Me Classes on Willow and 6th Street and their newest location, Chrysalis Cove on Park and 6th. Street. It definitely did not disappoint.
Hugs and Bugs is a place for parents and children to have fun and explore through sensory play. Children are allowed to express themselves in a free and uninhibited manner, while increasing their sensory and motor skills.
When James and I entered the class on the first day, the music was soft and calming and we were ready to have some fun. We then met Tulla the Turtle whose shell was full of beautifully colored balls that the children were obsessed with. We sang and signed the “Welcome Song” in American Sign Language before we all introduced our little ones to Miss Olivia to which she reciprocated by repeating the letter of their first names in sign gestures…how awesome is that?
Every semester she introduces a book that she reads through on the first day, then draws references to at every class. We were very excited for Eric Carle’s THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR because it’s an all time favorite classic of ours.
BUBBLEWRAP ART: To represent the egg hatching on the leaf at the beginning of the book, the children were given bubble wrap so they could explore its textures. We loveddd it, I mean…who doesn’t love bubblewrap?
Bubblewrap is perfect for strengthening their fingers and fine motor skills, while also having a calming effect. Next it was time for art smocks so they could finger paint on the bubblewrap. Blues, greens, and reds were all beautifully mixed with gentle and delicate hands. No James, you can’t eat the paint, but you are free to do everything else.
Referencing the pages from the book with activities, reinforces their imagination and can make it easier to understand… plus it was so much fun.
The little beans represented the egg on the leaf. One of the things we loved most about Hugs and Bugs Club was that everything was allergy-free and Eco friendly so the children were allowed to dive into the seeds to feel the texture in their hands and under their feet.
Throughout the semester we were always amazed at all the sensory activities that referenced The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Below I have just a few of those activities that we enjoyed so much.
HOLES
Sometimes it’s not very easy to put objects through tiny holes, especially with tiny fingers. It gets better with a little practice. This sensory activity was a lot of fun. The pipe cleaners were cut into small pieces and the children had to try to drop them into the container. The colors were bright and vibrant so this was a very engaging activity and definitely helped to increase hand-eye coordination.
LEAFY GREENS
These green crinkled shredded paper below represented the leaves. The children were allowed to play freely. Messes are welcomed here and only the grown ups are allowed to wear socks.
WHITE COCOON
What kid does not like unraveling toilet paper? Well at Hugs and Bugs these little bugs got to indulge in this activity that represented the caterpillar wrapped in his cocoon. I think the children had the most fun with this.
Raining PomPoms
Dive into the Fun
There was a rainbow of colorful pompoms. The little bugs placed them into bowls and were given clear plastic bottles so they could try to drop some in. Once again, this activity is perfect for strengthening hand-eye coordination and independence.
FOOD AND FALL
During Autumn 2018, we were introduced to lots of foods to welcome the season. The children were given bowls, funnels and even legos to explore. I loved this type of sensory play because they could see, smell and touch the food but not taste it. This encourages discipline and will-power. They can feel the leaves and rocks between their hands and the corn under their feet.
TIME TO GET MESSY
There were a few hesitant ones at first in the bunch, including James, but most of the children loved the painting sessions. Little square sponges were used as brushes along with pompoms or just your bare hands. The texture and squishy feel of the sponge on foil seemed fun and satisfying to some of them.
Painting the mirror and hanging balloons was the most fun thing that I…I mean James, had to do in this class. Children can see their reflection which can assist in developing a sense of self awareness and independence.
LIGHT TO DARK TRANSITIONS
Some children may be afraid of the dark so this activity may be great at assisting in their transitions from light to dark.
Especially during the winter time when the nights come sooner. Olivia gradually dimmed the light until the only lights were coming from the bins. Then sand was thrown on top of the bins where they could play and draw. They were even given little glow sticks and a bottle full of glitter-water and mini flashlights….they were completely amazed and so was I.
TRANSFORMATION
Rice is by far the best product to use when introducing sensory play. The rice was multi-colored with little colored pompoms and pretty butterflies thrown into the bin along with some scoops for pouring into bowls. We found rice all over when we got home, which was a nice little reminder of all the fun we had.
WE ALREADY STARTED THE SPRING SEMESTER
The entire fall session at Hugs and Bugs Club has been a tremendous experience. The children learned a lot and the parents did too.
Not only did Olivia engage with the children, she was also very engaging with the parents. She explained what was expected to happen during every class and still took the time to recap what the children did and share tips on how we can do it at home. She also discussed the importance of sensory play and often offered her own experiences with her children.
The children received little snacks after every class and it was only to be eaten on the welcome mat so the children wouldn’t be confused when they had to play with actual food.
The snacks at the end were always healthy and allergy-free and completely optional. Would I recommend this class…ABSOLUTELY. That’s if you can get in.
