for many years, trying to quantify progress, has led me to the following
conclusions:
1) The only way to ensure that kids use all their fingers is to have the
keys on the keyboard covered. I had a custom made cover, basically like a
shelf that was wide enough to cover the keyboard, had side panels that made
it tall enough for the students to place their hands underneath, and then a
flap of fabric that came down in front of the shelf. I had a laminated
keyboard on top of the monitor for reference.
2) The best age group developmentally to make progress is 5th grade (both
because of physical growth and willingness to keep practicing). I would give
everyone a timed 10 minute "test" once a month, which was everyone typing
the same story. We scored correct words per minute. Students started with
their hands on home row. They were allowed to lift the flap to reposition
their hands, but otherwise, hands were covered. The average base score was
usually around 2 correct words per minute. By the end of the school year,
these 5th graders were all at 10 cwpm at least.
3) Keyboarding should be done frequently but in short time periods- 3 times
a week for 19 minutes at a time is great.
4) Any keyboarding software works, or they can type from a story.
It is important to encourage younger children to use Word processing in K -
4. If your schedule does not accommodate frequent keyboarding, then that is
a great summer assignment for incoming 5th graders. There are many free
online typing programs.
Daiva Navickas
On Fri, Dec 3, 2010 at 3:22 PM, Jennifer Voorhees <voorheesj@sidwell.edu>wrote:
> We do an introduction to keyboarding at the end of 2nd, then we really
> get going in 3rd. We use Typing Pal Online which is great for motivated
> kids, because they can work on it anywhere they are online. For kids who
> are lagging, it can become homework if necessary. Teachers can check up
> on them online and keep track. We try to get them through the program by
> the end of 4th. The 5-6th use it also, but with the interface designed
> for older kids, so it doesn't feel like repeating. It's reasonably
> priced and very easy to set up.
>
> I also like it for the short, clear lessons which are still fun, and
> compared to Type to Learn 3 there is a refreshing absence of too much
> nonsense.
>
> Jenni Swanson Voorhees
> Sidwell Friends School
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: A forum for independent school educators
> [mailto:ISED-L@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU] On Behalf Of Jayme Johnson
> Sent: Friday, December 03, 2010 2:41 PM
> To: ISED-L@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU
> Subject: Re: Typing Software for K-2
>
> I agree with Renee. We begin touch typing instruction at the end of 3rd
> grade, and give a two week refresher course the the beginning of 4th,
> 5th, and 6th grades.
>
> We have Type to Learn 4 network edition on campus. Students really
> prefer the free online practice/games to TTL4, but it is always a
> "choice time" option.
>
> Here are our keyboarding links that we provide for practice:
> http://village-school.org/vsstudents/keyboarding.html
> ~Jayme
>
>
> On 12/3/10 11:01 AM, "Renee Ramig" <rramig@sevenhillsschool.org> wrote:
>
> Type to Learn 4 is designed for grades K-12. We only use it down to 3rd
> grade with great results.
>
> I would actually worry about using touch typing with students in K-2.
> Even in 3rd grade there are some students that just don't have the small
> motor skills to learn touch typing. We use TTL4 as an introduction in
> 3rd grade, with the 4th and 5th grade teachers using it a lot more.
>
> I know there are proponents on both sides of the issue, with some saying
> start typing at the same time you are teaching letters and others that
> say wait until they are older.
>
> The program I know that has been designed with a lot of science behind
> for the younger students is Talking Fingers. It was purchased by
> Learning Company awhile back and they renamed it Read, Write, Type. It
> now seems to be back at the Talking Fingers company along with a couple
> other programs. They have online demos for you to try it out at:
> http://www.talkingfingers.com/
>
> Renee Ramig
> Seven Hills School
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: A forum for independent school educators
> [mailto:ISED-L@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU] On Behalf Of Ademola Popoola
> Sent: Friday, December 03, 2010 10:26 AM
> To: ISED-L@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU
> Subject: Typing Software for K-2
>
> Does anyone have any recommendations for an excellent (fun and engaging)
> touch typing program (online or software) for K-2 students?
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> --
> A. Popoola
> Sacred Heart Schools Chicago
>
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--
Daiva Navickas
Instructional Technology South Area Solomon Schechter Day School
1 Commerce Way
Norwood, MA 02062
781-769-5555
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