Challenge Task: Hula Hoop

Task Description:

Hula hoop for 20 seconds with the hoop starting around the waist and remaining off the ground (floor) the entire time.

Printable Description of the Hula Hoop Challenge (PDF)

Administering this Challenge:

Equipment:

Hula Hoops (at least 30" - 32" in diameter is recommended, but is really up to participants)

Area:

Start and Stop Signal:

Each youngster begins with the hula hoop held at waist level.
On the "go" command, the youngster begins to hula hoop.
Time "stops" when the hula hoop touches the ground.
The challenge is successfully completed when the youngster keeps the hula hoop off the floor for 20 seconds.

Challenge Comments:

Youngsters may have unlimited opportunities to pass this challenge.
It is recommended that the hula hoop be at least 30" - 32" in diameter.
If the hoop is too small or too large the challenge may become too difficult. Therefore when appropriate, encourage youngsters to try hoops with various sized diameters.
Hula hoops can be made from 3/4" or 1/2" poly pipe (normally used for sprinklers). The pipe can be purchased in most plumbing or hardware stores.
When cutting the pipe, the length of each piece, should be cut three times the diameter desired (e.g. if a diameter of 30" is desired, then the length of the pipe should be 90".
To join ends together, cut a 1" piece of doweling the same size as the pipe, rub it with Elmer's glue, and place it between the two open ends. Place a piece of tape over the connected joint and let dry overnight in a warm place.

"Ready Position": Position the hoop against the small of the back.
"Parallel to Ground": Make sure the hoop is parallel to the ground.
"Spin that Hoop": Normally, if one is right handed the hoop should be spun to the left. However, if one is left handed the hoop should be spun to the right.
"Move that Waist": To keep the hoop going, move the waist in a circular, rhythmic motion.
"Bend Knees": Keep knees slightly bent.
"Arms Up": Sometimes it is helpful to keep arms in the air.
Choose a larger hoop!

Ideas Adapting Challenge for Students with Disabilities:

Hula hoop on an arm or leg for 20 seconds
hula with both arms simultaneously
Turn a scarf in the air for 20 seconds
With hoop on ground, have student in wheelchair wheels around hoop for 20 seconds
Increase or decrease time as needed
turn ribbon in overhead, side, and frontal plane for 20 sec. each
turn ribbon in large circular pattern in frontal plane for 20 sec
wave short ribbon as modeled by teacher