INPUT ARTICLE: Article: To start off on the right foot, begin with a short welcome note. Then, describe the purpose of the training materials so readers or participants know exactly what to expect. Keep it short and simple. Clearly label each segment of the training materials. Make the title easy to understand and ensure it relates to the content within that section. For instance, a unit about sanitizing dental tools might be called “Sanitation Practices.” Note how long it will take to complete each unit so readers or participants know what to expect. Clearly explain to the participants what you want them to learn and understand at the end of the unit. If you find that there are more than 3 learning objectives for a unit, break the unit into multiple segments to make the information easier to digest. For example, in a unit on using a point of sale system, a learning objective could be “Learn how to input a customer’s order.” Now is the time to describe the skills or knowledge that the participants need to know. Walk them through the process of completing the task or explain the information they need to meet the learning objectives. Develop activities to reinforce the knowledge and give the participants a chance to try each task on their own. To continue the example, you may give a presentation or provide screenshots that demonstrate how to input an order on a point of sale system. Once you’ve presented, or your employees have read through, a full unit, reiterate the main points. Explain to the participants how to meet the learning objectives so there are no misconceptions about what is expected from them. It’s essential to find out if your training materials are effective, and the best way to do that is to see how much your employees have learned. Develop a quiz or activity to see if participants are learning what they are intended to, and adjust the training materials if you find that they aren’t. For instance, each employee could complete a mock transaction on a point of sale system.

SUMMARY: Welcome participants and explain the goal of the training session or manual. Start each unit with a title. List 1-3 learning objectives per unit. Explain how to meet each learning objective. Provide a recap of the most important information. Test the participants’ knowledge at the end.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: You are more likely to stick to an exercise program if you make it an automated behavior, like brushing your teeth, which you do no matter what. Neuroscience research has shown that it takes time to create a new habit—up to 66 days. But that means that if you stick with exercise for just two months, you will form a new habit that can last a lifetime. Research shows that people who exercise with others enjoy exercise more than those who exercise alone.   A "workout buddy" can also make it more likely that you will take that six a.m. run! A personal trainer can provide a personalized exercise program and motivation. Committing to run a 5K race or a fitness challenge provides you with a goal to work toward. The Office of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition sponsors a variety of challenges, and you can track your progress online. Physical fitness will not improve linearly, but measuring one or more aspects of your fitness can help show your progress over time, which will help keep you motivated.  Electronic fitness trackers provide a wide variety of health tracking capabilities, from simple step counting to tracking your sleep patterns and heart rate.   A number of websites are also available for tracking fitness as well as nutrition. Some, like RunKeeper, can even help you find a fitness buddy.
Summary: Make exercise a habit. Exercise with others. Sign up for a challenge. Track your progress.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: You need something to act as the drum body. If you want a temporary solution because you're making the drum for a small child, use something like a metal soup pot (two handles instead of a one handled saucepan). If you want a drum for an older child or something that your child can have for a longer period of time, you can use PVC pipe or a cardboard shipping tube (both will need to be cut to size). You'll need balloons in a few different sizes, because the opening of your drum body will be different and you don't know what will really make the best sound until you try it. Once you have the balloons, cut off the necks. Stretch the balloon over the opening of the pot or drum body. This will probably be challenging, but don't give up. Try different balloons to get different sounds during this part of the process. Using a strong tape, like duct tape, tape the edges of the balloon to the side of the drum, helping to hold it in place. Make sure there are no air leaks. Enjoy your new drum!

SUMMARY:
Get a soup pot or other drum body. Get and prepare your balloons. Cover the opening. Secure the drum surface with tape. Done!