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Using a keyboard is a very
important skill to have in this day and age of technology.
It is not only important to be able to interact with computers but
it is also a health issue. Use the proper typing position
helps to prevent back problems as well as carpel tunnel syndrome.
When typing you should sit the following way:
- Sitting up with a straight back
- Feet out in front of you
- fingers curved and touching the correct keys
- Wrists slightly elevated off the table
In my classes I grade
on the above four things each day no matter what I have students
doing, whether it is working on typing or working on another assignment.
The kids are scored on a 4 point scale where they can get 1 point for displaying each of the following: fingers on correct keys (and returning to home row), feet flat on floor in front of them, wrists straight, backs straight. Students are observed several times throughout the period and grades are adjusted up or down accordingly. I also point out general reminders of what they need to be working on as well as meet individually with students to talk about what they need to work on. Grades for typing position are reported as letter grades based on percents but it is the total points that are used to calculate the overall grade. The thing to remember as you look at the grades on the progress report is the amount of points out of 4 your child is getting and that this portion is part of their participation grade (10% of overall grade).
Often times people ask
me what I recommend to help students with their typing skills outside
of class. The best recommendation I can give is give them
opportunities to practice their typing. Instead of having
them write letters or notes have them type them out. have
them type out their homework unless the teacher gives other instructions.
Buy them an electric typewriter to practice on. Even in this
day and age of computers and word processors, working on a typewriter
is a great way to practice skills and is less expensive than buying
a computer.
As for typing programs
I suggest. I look for typing programs that have an element
of fun but also teach students the proper fingers to use.
I look for both graphic feedback as well as auditory feedback.
The ones I have worked with in the past and think do a good job
are:
- Keywords
- All the right type
- Mario teaches typing (speed only)
- Mavis Bacon typing
Below are some links where
you can practice your typing online for free as well as the typing
program in our class.
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