Proper Keyboarding Techniques


What is Keyboarding (also known as "Touch Typing")?
Touch typing is an automatic or sub-conscious skill, where all ten fingers are used. It enables fast and accurate entry of characters onto the computer screen, without looking down at the keyboard and without searching for keys.

Keyboarding Objectives for the 9 weeks:
  • To obtain adequate keyboarding skills that will enable you to use the computer more efficiently and effectively and be more productive.
  • To practice and develop your keyboarding skills; as well as, improve your speed and accuracy.
  • To key three pages in an entire sitting, or type at least 30 WPM. 
Learning Targets:
·        I can apply keyboarding concepts to the real world and evaluate ways they are making me college and career ready.
·        I can type using proper keyboarding techniques, which enable me to be a more efficient and productive computer user. 

Typing using correct keyboarding techniques will ensure you...
 Are able to type faster
 Are able to type without looking down at the keyboard
 Will make fewer mistakes
 Will get tired less often when typing long documents
 Are more prepared for college courses that require the use of computers
 Are more likely to obtain employment in a business or office setting

Why are keyboard skills so important?
      Studies have shown that students who can touch type learn other desktop applications 40% faster.
      Reduces the time you spend typing documents.
      Reduces the strain on your body.
      Keyboarding skills are a requirement in today’s digital age – most school assignments are submitted electronically and 90% of business documents are electronic.
      Ideas and information can be recorded at 3-5 times the rate of handwriting

Quick Facts:
      The average handwriting speed is 22 WPM
      The average typing speed is 40 WPM, a skilled typist will type between 60-100 WPM.
      One page paper = 250 words
      20 WPM = 13 minutes
      10 page paper = 130 minutes *over 2 hours
      60 WPM = 4 minutes
      10 page paper = 40 minutes *less than an hour
      Average presentation = spoken at 100 WPM




Typing Goals in WPM (words per minute):
6th Grade: 30 WPM
7th Grade: 35 WPM
8th Grade: 40 WPM
9th Grade: 45 WPM
                     Adult: 60 WPM or higher

What is the official name of the Keyboard?   Qwerty  
What key should be used to make a capital letter?   Shift on opposite hand
What key moves your cursor to a new line?   Enter  




Keyboarding Technique Checklist
Ask yourself the following questions:

  • Is your back straight?
  • Is your body centered in front of the G & H keys?
  • Is your neck straight and not twisted?
  • Are your wrists straight and off the keyboard?
  • Are your elbows bent at your side?
  • Are your feet in front of your chair?
  • Are your feet flat on the floor with 6 or 7 inches between the ankles?
  • Is one foot slightly ahead of the other?
  • Are your fingers curved?
  • Are your fingertips touching the home keys?
  • Are you using the correct fingers on each key?
  • Are you keeping your eyes straight ahead without looking down?
  • Do you press and release the keys quickly, like they’re hot?
  • Do you key at an even pace with a steady rhythm?
  • Do you return to home-key position quickly after reaches?
  • Do you use your writing-hand thumb for the Space bar?
  • Are you using the opposite hand’s pinky to make a capital letter?








Keyboard Labeling Practice

Click on the link below to practice for your keyboard labeling test.





QWERTY song!

Fishbowl Activity

Below, you will find statements made by a grouchy students who DID NOT want to learn proper keyboarding techniques. Work with a partner to defend against the statement(s) you are assigned. Be prepared to defend your position aloud. 


  1. At work I won’t have to use computers to communicate. I will just call them, or hand-write them a note.
  2. I will just hand-write all my notes in college. I already know how to do that!
  3. I really don’t waste that much time hunting and pecking when I type. I’m sure I can do my job fast enough without knowing how to type. 
  4. In my office I will just keep all my records in folders and in filing cabinets. That’s easier for me!
  5. There are not many jobs that require you to use a computer anyway! 
  6. I’ll just wait and learn how to type later when I have to use it. 
  7. At work I will just tell everyone I prefer all documents and letters be given to me the old fashion way… on paper! 
  8. In college I will just turn all my work in on paper. I’m sure my college professor will be okay with that.


Classroom Leadership Roles


Each leadership role will last one week. If a student holding the leadership role is absent, the student who held the role in the previous week will take over for the day.

Teacher’s Assistant
This student will be responsible for taking attendance, recording minutes of what occurs in the classroom each day, recording typing speeds on Friday, hanging up student work, and anything else Mrs. Page needs done.

Distribution Manager
This student will be responsible for passing out student workbooks, materials, supplies, and anything else that needs to be distributed.

Collections Manager
This student will be responsible for taking up all the workbooks and materials at the end of class and placing them in their designated area. They will also make sure all students have done everything for the 2 minute countdown.

Free Rice

Help feed the hungry children of the world while reviewing your Language Arts and Math concepts!