Beginning the 2nd semester of First Grade, students work to improve their keyboarding skills with a program called TTL4. (Type to Learn). TTL4 has 36 lessons, 5 typing games with each lesson, and 7 keyboarding assessments.
Review of previously learned keys, demonstration of new keys, practice exercises and assessment, with continuous reinforcement of home row positioning, is a cycle followed throughout all of the 36 lessons. There is emphasis on words per minute speed as well as accuracy.
What students like most about TTL4 is that it's in the form of a game with adventure, information, and lots of specialized activities.
As a teacher, I have access to view the work of each student, and am able to personalize their individual plan and requirements for advancement. According to the accuracy and speed achieved in a lesson, goals for upcoming lessons are adjusted accordingly.
Students are exposed to lessons that incorporate real-world typing content, as well as cross-curricular. Examples include historical documents, literature passage, and original writing tasks.
Students are exposed to lessons that incorporate real-world typing content, as well as cross-curricular. Examples include historical documents, literature passage, and original writing tasks.
I asked the 2nd grade students what their favorite game was. It was a split between Drone Control and Dig This.
Drone Control ActivityThis is a timed typing game focusing on speed as well as accuracy. Students type the displayed text as quickly as possible to command a drone to move through dangerous terrain. They must reach their destination before time runs out.
The amount of content provided to the student in this game depends on their individual WPM goal. Students must type fast enough to meet their WPM goal in the time allotted in order to successfully reach their destination. WPM and accuracy are always recorded.
Dig This ActivityThis typing game focuses on accuracy and typing to a beat to encourage a smooth typing cadence. Students type the text displayed in order to break the ice or stones and reveal what's hidden beneath. The metronome beat for cadence can be turned on or off by the teacher in settings, as well as by the student in the game itself. (http://ttl4.sunburst.com/typing-games.php)
Students in grades 1-6 work in TTL4 quite often in technology, as well as trying our hands at other online keyboard activities. Keyboarding is a skill that everyone needs in their lives. These students are off to a good start!
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| One of the fun games on TTL4 |
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| Practicing Home Row Keys |
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| Both WPM and Accuracy are emphasized |
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| Look at that beautiful home row position! |
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| It's a whole row of spectacular home row positions! |
