Why learn to touch type?

Computers are everywhere and will be a part of our children's futures, no matter what they choose to do later in life. At Berkswich, we place great emphasis on high quality presentation and pen and paper skills. However, we also recognise the importance of computing skills. Touch typing is yet another way of developing each child's proficiency - it is another skill to add to their toolkit for life.

There are four main ways in which touch typing can be beneficial:

1. time - touch typing can drastically improve typing speed. Even using a few fingers at a rapid speed is far slower. An increased speed saves a significant amount of time
2. focus - every time you glance down at the keyboard or make a correction, focus is broken. Touch typing relies on motor memory rather than sight, freeing you up to direct your focus on where it counts
3. health - learning to sit and type correctly cultivates better habits. Touch typing is not just about increasing speed, it is about adopting healthy IT habits and providing increased comfort​
4. increased skills - why not start to touch type while you are still young: it is easier to learn to type efficiently now, than it is to learn when you have already developed bad habits 

Top Tips

When you can do it well, touch typing is the fastest way to write. The important points to remember are:

• use the correct fingers
• do not peek at the keys!
• there is no need to rush
• always rest your wrists on the desk

If you become tired, you should take a rest, and shake your hands and arms to relax your muscles.

It is vitally important not to look at your hands when you are learning to type. The best way to ensure that you don't look at your hands is to cover them up -  make a simple box out of cardboard to cover both the keys and your hands.

Why not try out one of the games below? Please ask an adult to supervise when using the internet. Happy typing!