Keyboarding Practice Games

There is a definite need for our students to start developing keyboarding skills. In order for technology integration in the classroom and successful completion of the SOL tests on the computer, students need to feel comfortable not only using a computer, but also typing on one.

Before the age of 8, students can start getting familiar with the placement of keys, but they generally aren't ready to type. From the age of 8 to 10, students can become familiar with using 2 hands and all fingers and memorizing the layout of the keyboard. From the age of 10 and up, the child can start concentrating on better fingering and accuracy.

Keyboarding is one of those things that has to be repeated in order to get the hang of it. But the great thing is, once your fingers have "memorized" the keyboard, you no longer spend time thinking about typing, but instead use that time to think and compose. Get your students started and keep them interested and practicing with these fun keyboarding games for kids.

Dance Mat Typing

This BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) Web page teaches keyboarding while entertaining with belly dancing hippos and zen yaks. There are lessons for every age and stage and fun games to practice skills.

Super Hyper Spider Typer

Students will control the fate of a fuzzy pink spider dangling from her thread. Hungry chameleons steadily approach from four branches on the right side of the screen. Letters, or full words in the later levels, are written on the chameleon's sides. Students will type these letters to get rid of the chameleon threat.This game is best for ages 7 to 10.

Alpha Munchies

Alpha Munchies is a keyboarding activity that offers various levels of difficulty. Students must type the letters above the critters as they fall from the sky. Letters are introduced over a series of stages and accuracy is displayed as a percentage at the end of each round.

Learning Games for Kids

This website has a variety of different games to maintain
student interest while teaching vital typing skills.

The Typing Playground

This website has many keyboarding activities including a typing games arcade.  Students can work to get the highest score and have their name posted in the "Top Players" section.

Free Typing Games

This website allows students to choose their personal typing level to practice learning the keys. The game starts with home row and then progresses as the student improves. The pace of most of the games is best for a third grader on up, but there are lessons on this site as well.

_Fingerjig

Fingerjig is a 6 minute typing game that tests your typing ability. Words are randomly chosen from a dictionary of over 70,000. You must try to type the words as quickly and accurately as you can!

Typeracer

Increase your typing speed while racing against others.

Typing Master

This website has alternative ways for students to practice their typing skills. Games include a version of PacMan, Bubbles Typing, and more.

Keyboarding Freeware

This website has links to several games students can use when learning to type. This is a great reinforcement tool.