Typing Practice Tips and Resources
In today’s technology-driven world, typing has become an essential skill that everyone should develop. Being able to type proficiently is no longer just a requirement for office jobs, but it has become a basic necessity for school assignments, communication, and research.
In this context, it is crucial to teach children to type. Typing not only increases their productivity and efficiency but also helps them express their thoughts and ideas more effectively. In this blog post, I’ll cover some useful tips on how to teach kids to type as well as our favorite resources for typing practice.
Typing Practice with TypeDojo
We’ve recently discovered the TypeDojo typing test online, as well as their typing speed practice test, which can be an excellent way to gauge your child’s current skills and to measure their progress. You’ll even get a free certificate to print out when you’ve completed the test.
The best part? TypeDojo is free to use. No credit card or subscription required. You can begin using it immediately for not only typing tests and practice, but fun typing games, too. We all know that gamified learning increases the speed of learning new skills for kids!
If you create a free account on the site, it will keep track of your progress, but that is not a requirement of using TypeDojo. There is no reason not to give a try!
I learned to type on an electric typewriter when I was around 12 or 13. My daughters have gotten a much earlier start than I did. All three of my daughters can type quickly and accurately now thanks to that early start. TypeDojo has been a way for them to practice and improve those important typing skills.
Typing Practice Tips
- Start with proper posture and hand placement
Before children start typing, it is essential to teach them the proper posture and hand placement. They should sit straight with their feet flat on the ground, and their hands should rest on the keyboard with their fingers on the home row (ASDF JKL;). This will help them develop the correct muscle memory and avoid any discomfort or strain while typing. TypeDojo has a helpful chart to visualize this:
- Use online typing tutorials and games
There are numerous online typing tutorials and games available that can help children learn to type in a fun and engaging way. These websites offer lessons that teach the basics of typing and then gradually increase in difficulty as the child progresses. Typing games can also be a great way to keep children motivated and interested while learning. TypeDojo offers these options for free.
- Practice regularly
Consistent practice is key when it comes to learning to type. Encourage children to practice typing regularly, even if it’s just for a few minutes a day. As they become more comfortable with the keyboard, gradually increase their typing time.
- Encourage touch typing
Touch typing is a typing technique where the typist uses all ten fingers to type without looking at the keyboard. This technique allows for faster and more accurate typing. Encourage children to use touch typing instead of hunting and pecking for letters. It may take some time to develop this skill, but it is worth the effort.
- Use typing software
Typing software can be a useful tool to help children learn to type. These programs often come with games, exercises, and drills that are designed to improve typing speed and accuracy. Some popular typing software includes Mavis Beacon and Typing Master.
- Be patient and supportive
Finally, be patient and supportive while teaching children to type. Typing can be frustrating at times and they need to know that mistakes will happen naturally as part of the process. It is essential to remain positive and provide encouragement and constructive feedback to keep them motivated, just like any other area of homeschooling and parenting.
In conclusion, teaching kids to type is a valuable skill that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. By starting early and using these tips, children can develop a strong foundation in typing and become proficient typists in no time.
Head over to TypeDojo today for some free typing speed test practice to get started!
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