Computer Skills Curriculum
Keyboarding Lesson Plan

Title: Key It Correctly!

Grade: 3
Competency 2.2: Demonstrate proper keyboarding techniques for keying all letters.

Measure 2.2.1: Using a keyboarding device or computer, show the proper technique to type each key as it is called out by the teacher.

Time: 50 to 60 lessons with each lesson approximately, 15 minutes; lessons should be extended over time.

Terms: Keyboard, Software, RETURN/ENTER key, Space bar, Strike, Home row keys

Glossary

Activities

• 1. If computers and computer software are used, prepare equipment and load software.

• 2. Place on the classroom wall: large posters showing proper posture and proper keyboarding technique.

• 1. Review correct keyboarding posture by referring to the wall poster, by demonstrating the correct posture, and by instructing students to pantomime correct posture.

• 2. Referring to fingers as "right hand--first finger (index finger), second finger, third finger, fourth finger and thumb, review correct finger placement for the home row keys by calling students' attention to the wall poster, by demonstrating the correct finger placement, and by instructing students to pantomime correct finger placement. (Note: The Type-Right names fingers "fore finger, middle, third, and little finger.")

Activity:

• 1. Introduce new keys (two or three per day) by instructing students to: (1) locate the new key on the keyboarding chart, (2) locate the new key on the keyboard, (3) learn which finger strikes the new key, (4) watch the teacher as the new key is demonstrated, (5) with fingers in correct home row position, watch the finger as it reaches to the new key and back to home row position several times, (6) watch the finger as it strikes the new key and returns to home row position several times (students should be instructed to strike keys with quick, sharp strokes--as if the keys were hot!), and (7) watch the screen or paper as the finger strikes the new key and returns to home row position several times. (The "open screen" option should be selected if keyboarding software is being used.)

• 2. Instruct students to strike the new key, with eyes on screen or paper, as it is called aloud several times, returning to home row after each strike. Teacher's voice should be loud and sharp (cutting words off quickly) as students are instructed to strike the key as quickly as possible as the key is called.

• 3. Call aloud the same new key and instruct students to press the space bar (with right thumb) after each key, such as "d, space, d, space, d, space . . ." with students striking keys immediately after each is called.

• 4. Repeat with the other keys being introduced.

• 1. Instruct students to simultaneously strike the key as the teacher says the key aloud.

• 2. With home row keys, call aloud combinations using the same finger on both hands, such as: "f, j, f, space" (with first fingers); "s, l, s, space" (with third fingers); etc. If students are told ahead of time what the combinations will be, these can be keyed simultaneously with the teacher's voice.

• 3. With keys other than home keys, call aloud combinations using the new key along with the corresponding home key, such as: "d, e, d, space;" "k, i, k, space;" etc. These can be keyed simultaneously with the teacher's voice.

• 4. Call aloud combinations which spell simple words, such as (when teaching the "w"): "w, o, w, space; w, o, w, space. . ." ("Wow! This is fun!").

• 5. If keyboarding software or a Type-Right is being used, choose the appropriate lesson from the menu for additional practice on new keys.

• 6. To build speed, have students think of two-letter words which they know. The teacher should call aloud these words. Have the students key the same word over and over, placing spaces between words, and continuing until a different word is called.

Measure

Note

Constantly monitor students to remind them of correct technique, such as maintaining correct posture; using quick, sharp strokes; using correct fingering; and keeping eyes on screen or paper.