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!