INPUT ARTICLE: Article: For back safety, an average adult should not lift bulky items that weigh more than 25 lb (11 kg) without assistance. So, instead of packing fewer, bigger boxes full of stuff, fill more, smaller boxes with your moving items. When you do need a bigger box, for instance for an awkwardly-shaped item, fill the rest of it with lightweight items or packing material to keep it under 25 lb (11 kg). Depending on your physical condition, you might feel confident lifting a box of books that weighs more than this. However, bulky or awkwardly-shaped items, like furniture or home appliances, should be lifted with helpers to reduce your risk of injury. Lift in tandem with your helper or helpers when dealing with the heavy items. Make sure everyone uses proper technique and lifts at the same time—try counting out “1, 2, 3, lift!” Rather than carrying a wardrobe from one bedroom to another on the same level, for example, slide it instead. Use proper lifting technique to tip up one side slightly and slide a sheet of cardboard beneath it. Then, do the same with the other side. From there, you should be able to safely push the item across multiple types of flooring.  Push with your legs, keeping your back at its natural slight curve, your head up, and your arms bent. Don’t arch your back when pushing. It’s easier on your back to push rather than pull. You can also buy moving sliders to place under furniture and other heavy items. Look for them at home improvement stores or online. Basically, any time you can use wheels to your advantage, do so. Hand trucks are great for moving boxes and appliances—you just need to slide the platform under the item, secure the item in place with the straps, tilt back the handle to lift the item onto the two wheels, and push or pull the hand truck to your destination.  Hand trucks are often called dollies, although technically a dolly has a level platform and four wheels (meaning you have to lift the item onto it). You can rent hand trucks and other moving tools from home improvement stores and tool rental stores. If you rent a truck from a moving company, you may also be able to get some moving tools to use. No matter what moving tools you use, make sure you know how to use them properly, follow all safety recommendations, and don’t exceed the maximum safe load. If you’re not sure how to use something, ask for a demonstration when you rent it. Sometimes the wisest way to protect your back while moving is to let someone else do the lifting for you. If you’ve had a back injury, have recurring back problems, or have any current or ongoing issues with your legs, core, or arms, don’t risk serious injury by trying to lift and move heavy items.

SUMMARY: Pack smaller, lighter boxes as much as possible. Get help lifting bulky items that weigh more than 25 lb (11 kg). Don’t lift when you can push instead. Use hand trucks, dollies, carts, and other moving tools. Know your limits and hire movers if needed.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: That is, focus on certain letters, and teach them the sound that coordinates with them. For instance, you can say, "'T' makes a 'tuh' sound. Can you hear it in words like 'tuh-able,' 'tuh-op,' and 'tuh-rycycle?'" Give kids a good foundation by helping them spell the words they commonly use correctly.  Teach your child to spell phonetically. Let them sound out words and write down the spelling as they think it sounds. Start with words that contain letters they already know the sounds for, which will help them make connections. Help them learn the correct spelling by having them re-write a word after they've spelled it out themselves. For instance, some worksheets encourage kids to write what's going on in a picture, while others give them a prompt to write their own story. Group words with similar patterns together, and have your kids learn to write them. One way to help them is to encourage them to use the words in a story. Let your child learn by what you do. As you make sentences, your child will learn to put words together, too.  You can take it one step farther by having your child "play along." That is, if you're writing a note to a friend, let your child write a not  to her friend. Engage your kids in their environment by asking them to describe it on paper. For example, give them an object to describe, such as a cup, and set a time limit. When the time limit is up, give them another object to describe that seems dissimilar, such as a cucumber. Let them describe it within a set limit. As the final part of the exercise, have them write about how the objects are similar, which asks them to make connections and engages them more fully. Give your child exercises that encourage him to write creatively, which makes it more fun. As an example, try putting a number of unusual words on strips of paper, though they should be words that your kid already knows, such as "tissue," "frozen," "flame," "stroke," and "fanning." Let your kid pick a couple of words from the group without looking. Have her write a poem that incorporates all the words. Encourage your child to write everyday. Let them use their imagination to make stories that go along with their pictures. As your kid continues to connect meaning with letters and words, his or her spelling will improve. One way to encourage daily writing is to have your kid start a journal. You can ask your kid to write about what happened that day, or you can use prompts to help her along. As an example, you could ask her to write about one of her toys and why she likes it or to discuss a dream she had the night before.

SUMMARY:
Teach sounds in connection with letters. Work on spelling. Use worksheets that encourage your kids to write. Help your kids learn English word patterns. Talk aloud while you're writing. Use description exercises. Try playing with poetry. Make writing a daily practice.