When I was recruited to teach typing to 6th graders back in 2004, the only experience I had was from my typing class in 1985. I was an accomplished typist thanks to my typing teacher, Berta Foster, an electronic typewriter, and hours of practice but I did not have the experience necessary to teach 11-12 year old how to type. To prepare myself for the new teaching opportunity, I researched different programs in hopes of finding a resource that was more engaging and less complicated for today's student. One of my major obstacles was the lack of time I was going to spend with my students each day which was only 30 minutes. Most programs I found were software based and focused on teaching the keys using the home-row method. With this method and the number of lessons it would take to even introduce the keys to the students, it was going to be difficult to develop a routine where students would find success.
As I continue to do my research, I eventually discovered a method that eliminates teaching from the home-row and instead introduces the keys alphabetically. This method was based upon research and a book written by Diana Hanbury King titled 👉Keyboarding Skills. I found remarkable success using her method of alphabetic keyboarding instruction along with positive reinforcement. In addition, I also utilized a revised 👉poem she adapted from Joyce Steeves from The Jermicy School that helped my students remember correct finger placement and reaches.
To explore this method of keyboarding instruction, please view Ms. King's book and this scope and pacing guide page for more information.