How can parents help kids learn to type?

Typing in today's digital world is more than a skill; it's a bridge to connectivity, creation, and an increasingly necessary component of communication and literacy. As kids grow up surrounded by keyboards and screens, parents have a unique opportunity to turn these everyday encounters into foundational learning experiences. 

Introduce typing early on

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Kids are naturally curious and love exploring new things. Young brains also tend to learn those new things more easily. According to one study, kids who learned to type in elementary school showed better narrative storytelling abilities and improved spelling. For younger kids, start with simple activities like letting them type their name or favorite words. This will help them become familiar with the keyboard layout and develop hand-eye coordination. Learning to type early can help pave the way for greater digital fluency and better performance at school and professionally. 

Use fun and interactive games

Kids learn best when engaged, and many online typing games make learning to type enjoyable for kids. These games often have colorful graphics, sound effects, characters, and fun challenges that motivate kids to improve their skills.

Teach proper finger placement

Correct finger placement is crucial for efficient typing. Parents can teach their kids the basic hand positioning on the keyboard, known as the "home row" starting at 5 or 6 years old. You can start by placing the left hand on ASDF and the right hand on JKL. Encourage your child to use both hands and all their fingers rather than relying on just a few for typing. 

Incorporate typing into daily activities

Try integrating typing into everyday activities. Encourage your child to type out their homework, write emails or letters to family members, or even transcribe notes from a book. This gets them to practice their typing and writing skills at the same time. 

Try a class

If you or your child want to speed the process up, consider enrolling them in a typing class, either as an elective at school or an extracurricular. Structured lessons and challenges can help kids learn to type quickly and efficiently.

Learning how to type is a highly beneficial skill for kids and adults across disciplines. If typing classes aren’t available at school, you can find many online and local resources. Combined with consistent practice, your kids can learn to type proficiently quickly.