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. |
Alpha MunchiesAlpha 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.
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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! |