Teaching Typing for Kids - Typing Games, Lessons and Software
Why Typing for Kids Is Important
Typing for kids can be fun. Typing, or keyboarding as it is now called, is a necessary skill in today's world. Kids need to know how to type at a much younger age because of computers used in most schools today. However, most schools don't teach typing skills to students in early grades.
For their future careers, typing is an essential skill for students. Even jobs that aren't spent in an office require typing skills. Farmers, police officers, and other active professions all require time spent on a computer.
Many kids learn to type improperly because of time spent on a computer from an early age with no proper typing training techniques. In order to prevent your child from becoming a 'pecking' typer at the computer keyboard, he should learn the correct way to type. Besides being a leg up, teaching kids how to type properly also prevents injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Easy Ways to Teach Typing for Kids
Thanks to computers and the internet, typing for kids has become an easy skill to learn. Typing games for kids help teach typing skills in a fun, easy way without being intimidating. Younger kids don't even realize they are learning how to type properly.
There are many fun typing games for kids available at reasonable prices. There are also typing websites for kids which teach typing by offering free typing practice for kids.
I have homeschooled three children all the way through high school. Due to trial and error and lots of research, here are my favorite fun typing games for kids and recommendations for the best typing websites for kids that provide free typing practice for kids.
Free Online Typing Games for Kids
- Free Online Typing Games for Kids - Play Bubbles And KeyMan!
Here are two fun typing games for kids. The first online typing game is like the PacMan arcade game. Kids love it. The other requires kids to burst bubbles by typing the correct letters. Both provide excellent free online typing practice for kids. - Fun Keyboarding and Typing Games for Kids
This website has three different free typing games for kids. They range in ages and typing skill levels taught, from learning the home row to increasing typing accuracy and speed. Don't miss Typing of the Ghosts. It is addictive.
Online Free Typing Lessons for Kids
- Typing Tutor with Free Online Typing Lessons for Kids
This website is a typing tutor that provides free online typing lessons for kids. It has progressive lessons, measures words per minute and provides grades. This is more a free online typing tutor for older kids than a typing game for kids.
- Free Typing Practice for Kids - Typing Test Online
This is a free online typing test that measures words per minute, net typing speed, and typing errors. This is a great way to measure typing skills progress and improvement.
SpongeBob Squarepants Typing for Kids
Actually, all of my kids are too old to have used this typing program. However, many friends who have young ones swear that this is one of the best typing games for kids. If your kid is a fan of SpongeBob, it may be worth a try.
Typing Instructor for Kids
Excellent keyboarding software with lots of typing games for kids and ten different typing plans. Great for elementary to middle school level.
Jumpstart Typing for Kids
My kids enjoyed Jumpstart Typing. I am a fan of most of the Jumpstart products. Mixes sports such as skateboarding with fun typing games for kids. Also provides timed typing tests and video typing lessons for kids.
Mavis Beacon Typing for Kids
I know that this typing game for kids has become somewhat out of fashion. However, this is the main typing game that I used for my kids to teach typing skills. I was satisfied. Enough said. I don't know if it is compatible with newer Windows programs, so be sure before buying.