For parents, the idea of typing brings up many memories of Mavis Beacon, typing instructors, and timed tests while sitting in a lab of computers. Starting as early as third grade and continuing through ninth grade, these classes were meant to teach the basics of typing and improve accuracy and speed. But these days, children are using technology at much younger ages. They’re typing, in some cases, before they’re reading and writing.
A number of products have been released to help teach little ones keyboard basics. These special keyboards host larger keys for small fingers, have color coded sections (vowels vs. consonants, etc.), and have all keys clearly labeled – even the space bar. Most are made from a strong, durable plastic to withstand dropping or extreme movements. Kid-friendly and parent approved, these keyboards allow kids to get a better grasp on the typing process, even as they are still advancing their comprehension skills.
Typing is an important skill, and young children benefit from enhancing their knowledge of keyboard use. Learning the basics early on can help children get a jump start on their technological abilities.