Bloom into EdTech: The Blog

I firmly believe that typing is a necessary skill set that all children should achieve and think that it is never too early to start. Just how pre-writing and pre-drawing skills develop over time, typing should follow the same course. By second grade your students should begin to learn the correct placement of his hands on the keyboard. I have used the  Dance Mat Typing Web site with my late first grade and second grade students for years. I understand that there are a lot of great typing programs out there-however,  I found this one to be very fun and exciting for the age group. It keeps them involved the entire time! Grades: End of 1st grade- 2nd Grade Class Time: Continuous NETS: 6. Technology Operations and Concepts Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations. Students: a. understand and use technology systems. b. select and use applications effectively and productively. c. troubleshoot systems and applicatio...

Younger children who have just learned their ABC's in order, may have a hard time understanding, let alone memorizing the QWERTY Keyboard. This lesson is a fun way to learn basic keyboarding skills while revisiting the letters of the alphabet. At this age, you only want them to be comfortable at the keyboard- they soon will be proficient typists! For Grades: preschool-first grade Class time: 1 Class NETS Standards "6. Technology Operations and Concepts Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations." Materials: Printable QWERTY Letters (PDF) Keyboard Optional: Electronic Whiteboard and Computer   Procedure: Prep: Print out and place the letters in QWERTY order on the floor in your computer lab. If you have tight space, a hallway would suffice. I would also suggest laminating the QWERTY letters. 1. Discuss the Keyboard while students are sitting at their seats. Point out that the letters are NOT in alphabetical order. I...