Keyboarding

 Instruction and Practice:

Keyboarding is an integral part of computer use. From Kindergarten through Eighth Grade, keyboarding instruction is an important part of the computer curriculum. The youngest children are introduced to the layout of the keyboard and are encouraged to use two hands whenever using the keyboard. 

At the end of Second Grade, students take a  keyboard test on which they fill in all of the alphabet keys as well as the Punctuation, Shift, Enter, Backspace, Tab, and Caps Lock keys and the Space Bar. Second Graders also begin working on proper Keyboarding Technique.

Formal touch keyboarding instruction begins in Third Grade. Keyboarding practice and extension continues through Eighth Grade with more and more accountability for accuracy and speed.

Students from grades three through eight should practice keyboarding ten or more minutes at a time, at least four times per week. Practice may include Alphabet Drills, upper- and lowercase letters, spelling words or text from study or homework activities. Students may also use online keyboarding practice sites.

Any practice must include good technique. The goal of instruction and practice is for students to be able to key with speed and accuracy without looking at their hands.

Technique Guidelines:

Click picture to see more detail.

Body Posture

• Spine straight, lower back (hips) against back of chair, leaning slightly forward from the waist.
• Keyboard placed at bottom edge of desk.
• Sitting a comfortable distance from keyboard (a hand span is suggested).
• Centered in front of keyboard (body directly in front of  “H” key).
• Feet on floor or foot rest, slightly apart for body balance

Correct Arm and Hand Position

• Arms relaxed; elbows naturally close to body.
• Forearms nearly parallel with slope of keyboard.
• Fingers curved, tips of fingers resting lightly on Home Row keys (asdf, jkl;)
• Hands close enough together to “lock” thumbs. Fingers upright, not leaning toward little fingers.
• Hands and wrists “quiet,” almost motionless.
• Wrists low, but palms of hands not resting on keyboard (space for ping pong ball below palms).

Keystroking

• Beginning and ending all keystrokes at home row position.
• Keying each key with the correct finger.
• Keying the space bar with the thumb.
• Shifting with the appropriate “pinky” finger.
• Using the “pinky” finger of the right hand for the Enter and Backspace keys.
• Keeping eyes on copy (text, screen, etc.) rather than the keyboard, once a key has been introduced.