Like other basic skills, typing (often called keyboarding) is one of those things homeschoolers should master before graduation — preferably a whole lot sooner. No student ever complains about knowing how to type, yet many grads lament never taking the time to master this tremendously useful skill.
Parents may introduce keyboarding early on, or wait until it is needed during the child’s life. I suggest starting in the elementary years so it is almost second-nature by the time longer periods of typing become necessary; but, even introducing keyboarding during high school is never too late. (See comments about the future of teaching typing, below.)
During high school, a keyboarding course may be given a full- or half-credit on the transcript, assuming it meets the number of hours or level of mastery you require of your students. Typing tests and printed documents may also be included in a student portfolio as evidence of level mastery, if desired. In the alternative, keyboarding may be woven into a computer course, a business course, a writing class, a life skills program, or some other practical arts experience designed by you.
Many typing tools exist online, thus finding a favorite for every student isn’t very difficult. Below, you’ll find a list of about a dozen typing products offered free, online, and [most] without any registration whatsoever.
Check these out for all ages, including adults:
Try these for the younger set:
Keep in mind the proliferation and evolution of modern devices will eventually eliminate the need to teach keyboarding altogether, since most kids will learn entirely on their own. Meanwhile, parents need to make sure all students master basic keyboarding before graduating from homeschool.
Know of any great typing/keyboarding products? Tell us about it by leaving a COMMENT!
The link to Typing Made Fun brings you to a malicious web site. The rest are great, thanks for sharing!
Thanks for letting us know, Tammy!
We have just released Typing Tournament Online complete with a free typing speed test. It has one minute and three minute free typing speed tests. These free tests gives you a quick and accurate snap shot of your typing speed. Once finished you can print a certificate and then if you like take a free trial of the full Typing Tournament Online. Works on Windows PCs, Apple Macs, Surface Tablets, iPads, Chromebooks and other Android tablets.
typing dot com is a good one as well. It is free, but they have a sister site and they plan on changing the name. The sister site is geared for classes of up to 25 students and cost but very cheap. you can use it for less students and it is free.