We are on struggle street at the moment with typing. I know there are many of you that are feeling the same way as me. I had someone even mention in a comment that they had a kid trying to tap the screen.
While I love iPads as much as the next tech lover…I don’t LOVE the way that it has made kids lazy when it comes to learning how to type.
Today, the kiddos worked with a new program called Dance Mat Typing. I’m pretty sure the entire program is free…but don’t quote me on it.
I also found Keyboarding Without Tears. There are a few lessons where students can try it, but it does cost. If it is anything like Handwriting Without Tears…then I’m sure it would be amazing. I just haven’t had the chance to get to know the program well.
We have also used Type To Learn Jr. I think that this is a great program to have for any classroom where students are learning how to type. It is a program that I know is used in many different schools.
I created a unit that works on two skills. The first skill is the student has to identify the beginning sounds of each picture. I did try to follow the sequence of how they should learn how to type starting with the home row. For example, this activity that you see in the pictures follows the sequence: f,d,s,a.
When this picture was taken, we hadn’t learned our home row letters yet so there was a lot of single finger punching of keys 🙂 That’s ok because they were still working on the skill of identifying the beginning sound. If you have access to a printer, then you should let them print it off. They think that is pretty much the most exciting part of their day.
So far, I have only made one unit {because I actually like to sleep at night}, but I am planning on more to help these little fingers get used to typing on a keyboard and not tapping a screen!
I already did a Facebook and Instagram giveaway, but I can’t leave you all out!
Enter below for a chance to win!
This is a great resource! Thanks for the chance to win.
~Laura
We don’t teach keyboarding in Kindergarten at my school. They start in first grade. We do have a computer lab where we use Classworks (blah) and other programs. Mostly we use websites that reinforce reading and math skills…Starfall, abcya, etc. Hope I win!! 🙂
I used to use type to learn when I taught 3rd grade. This is my first year in K. With all the other things they need to learn I never thought about typing skills! Thanks for this post!