HULAHOOPING!

Last week's class was probably the best yet!  We had guest speakers, Stephen's kids Mason and Emily and a graduate student all on the topic of hula hooping.  When I think of hula hooping, I think of the stereotypical hoop that children use when they're younger in gym class or for a distratction, but never did I think it could be used for a vast variety of therapeutic reasons.  We watched a bunch of youtube videos that explained how hula hooping can be used for different types of people and different reasons.  I found those videos inspiring, especially the people who used the hula hoops for dancing; it was a different way to express themselves and an extention on how they felt.  I also thought it was interesting how a facilitator used it for youth at risk, to keep kids off the streets and make good connections with each other.

Using a hula hoop can help you connect with yourself and is an activity that you can do by yourself and with others.  I was so excited when I found out that we got to make our own hula hoops and decorate them.  Since then I have played around with my hula hoop a lot more than I thought I would.  I can definitely use this for my future in therapeutic recreation and for all different types of populations; youth at risk, corrections, younger children with gross motor skills, etc.  During class, I tried my hardest to give the hula hoop a try but it was really frustrating because I couldn't initially get it to stay up and spin around.  After some practice and determination, I got it to work!