The Letters & Common Symbols unit introduces students in grades 3–5 to touch typing using a row-by-row approach. This allows for motor and dexterity skills to be developed in a structured and sequential format. Students first begin with mastery of the middle row keys, then the top row, and finally the bottom row keys. The content is designed with a strong focus on sight and high frequency words.

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.

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 techniques. As you facilitate instruction, continually observe and monitor each student's technique while at the keyboard.

4. Home row keys. Emphasize the importance of keeping fingers on the home row keys so that proper reach technique can be achieved.

RECOMMENDED INSTRUCTION

It is recommended that students in grades 3–5 master the proper finger placement and technique of the home row keys before learning to reach to the top and bottom row keys. To become proficient in touch typing, students should be presented with a minimum of 25–35 minutes of keyboarding instruction per week. If instructional time allows, with consistent practice and instructor observation, students in grades 3–5 should complete the Learning to Type, Letters & Common Symbol Keys, and Words & Sentences Foundation Units.