The Letters & Common Symbols unit introduces students to touch typing using a grade-appropriate, letter-by-letter approach. The clearly structured and sequential curriculum teaches each new key on the home row and middle row one letter at a time and includes targeted practice of each new key learned. Kindergarten students focus on learning proper touch typing technique and gaining a greater familiarity of using the keyboard through consistent drill-and-practice lessons.

At the beginning of each new key lesson, students view a short introductory video developing their familiarity with the letter, associating it with common vocabulary words and pictures, then locating the key on the keyboard. Students then warm up with a review of previously learned keys before learning the correct finger and proper technique to use to strike the new key and practicing integrating it with other keys.

A series of lessons teaching all middle row keys using a more advanced multi-key approach is available in the Grade K curriculum, but is not included by default. If kindergarten students complete all Letters & Common Symbols lessons, as well as all Practice Library Reinforcement Lessons, you may decide to enable these lessons if instructional time allows at the end of your course by changing course settings.

RECOMMENDED INSTRUCTION

It is recommended that kindergarten students focus on learning proper finger placement and technique of the home row and middle row keys and develop a greater familiarity with using the keyboard. To become proficient in touch typing, students should be presented with a minimum of 20–30 minutes of keyboarding instruction per week, however it is recommended that students complete no more than one new key and its review lesson in any single instructional period. If instructional time allows at the end of your class period, you may assign students to redo that class period's lessons.

With consistent practice and instructor observation, kindergarten students should complete all Middle Row Keys lessons and reviews in approximately 20–25 class periods. Completion time will vary based on average typing speed and the amount of teacher-led dictation and demonstration provided.

BEST PRACTICES

During the initial phase of introducing the keyboard to students, it is important to reinforce the following:

1. Mistakes are normal. Let students know that making mistakes is part of the learning process, and with consistent practice, fewer mistakes will be made and accuracy will improve.

2. Stress accuracy, not speed. In the early stages of learning touch typing, it is important to learn to type at a slow, steady pace with few errors, rather than too fast with many errors.

3. Emphasize good typing technique. As you facilitate instruction, continually observe and monitor each student's technique while at the keyboard.

4. Home row keys. Emphasize the importance of anchoring on the F and J keys and keeping the remaining fingers on the home row to achieve proper reach technique.