Keyboarding and Literacy

Keyboarding and Literacy

"Early [keyboarding] introduction reduces bad habit development and provides additional benefits that include improvements in spelling, writing, and reading comprehension." ~Leigh Zeitz, When to Teach Keyboarding.

Literacy Block

In addition to all the previously mentioned reasons for teaching keyboarding, it is important to remember that keyboarding is a literacy skill. Therefore, it is appropriate that it be included in the daily literacy block. Keyboarding is specifically mentioned in the Canyons School District "Production and Distribution of Writing" section of the core standards outlined in each grade level curriculum map:

Writing Standards.png

Keyboarding has been built into the literacy block in the Canyons School District elementary curriculum maps. For example, take a look at the scope and sequence for 4th Grade ELA Content Integration:

Curriculum Map 4.png

Once Unit 1 of the literacy block is finished, keyboarding is also on the list of activities that should be included in skill-based practice stations, as seen in this example from the 3rd grade curriculum map:

Keyboarding Practice Stations.png

Click here Links to an external site. to find your grade level curriculum map and discover how keyboarding fits into your teaching.

Literacy Connection

How does keyboarding connect with literacy?

  • Student writing develops faster through word processing because it facilitates the review and revision learning process. Efficient keyboarding skills allow students to emphasize concept development instead of key location.
  • "Keyboarding facilitates skill development in writing. Students who can keyboard are not only faster but also more imaginative. They are free to think about composing text or copying material rather than constantly trying to find their place." ~USOE
  • “In just three short months of keyboarding... a teacher in the Salt Lake City elementary schools noticed benefits. She reported that [students] recognized structure better and paid more attention to details.” ~Salt Lake Tribune
  • "The problem is that we can think much faster than we can put words down on paper... While we will never be able to completely close the gap between thought and recording speed, a fast typist comes a lot closer than a slow one." ~Michael J. Himowitz, The Baltimore Sun