Keyboard Chatter Introduction

Keyboard Chatter

Changes are happening for 2021-22, we are now using Typing Club.  Please refer to the curriculum map for your grade for updates.  Updates will be coming shortly on this page and the rest of the Keyboarding course.  

 

Keyboard Chatter is a 20-lesson program for teaching children to "chat with the computer" through touch typing. The program was written by Susan and Randy Boothe.

The program includes detailed lesson plans, drill sheets, poster masters, a music CD, game masters, evaluation charts, technique evaluation forms, and more.

 

Keyboard IconKeyboard Chatter

Before beginning this module, obtain your own copy of the Keyboard Chatter binder. As you work through the module, follow along through the various sections of the binder. Each school has their own master copy, and Canyons School District has permission to make as many copies of the binder as needed for use within the District. Each school is responsible for making their own copies of the Keyboard Chatter binder. As of August 2015, every elementary school in Canyons District had enough copies of the binder for each teacher in grades 3-5. If copies of the binder have been lost, or if more copies are needed, please make copies using your school's master copy or simply copy another teacher's binder.

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Note: Teachers have asked if it is possible to obtain an electronic copy of the Keyboard Chatter curriculum. We are currently unable to do so, but we are discussing the possibility with Susan Boothe, the copyright owner.

 

Keyboard IconBuild a Solid Foundation

The introduction to Keyboard Chatter says that the program is "optimum for 3rd grade", so why are we using the program for grades 3-5? The long-term plan for keyboarding instruction in Canyons School District is to have students move on to more advances keyboarding programs -- Keyboard Craze and Keyboard Connection -- as they advance to higher grade levels. However, we have found that until students have a solid foundation in keyboarding technique, moving on to more advanced curriculum is not effective. So, until students can demonstrate keyboarding technique mastery, we would like to continue to teach them using beginning-level keyboarding curriculum.

Our keyboarding goal in grades 3-5 is to ensure proper technique with every student and give them the basics they need. Review of these skills will benefit any student. Even the most accomplished typist can benefit from slowing down and reviewing the basics. If 4th or 5th grade teachers feel their students are ready to move on, they may. Contact your school's Ed Tech Coach to get help obtaining a copy of Craze or Connecting if needed.

 

Keyboard IconThe Importance of You in Keyboarding Instruction

As you teach keyboarding, remember that the teacher sets the tone for the class. Be excited! Make it fun! Add in your personality! Even drills and repetition can be fun if the teacher is into it!

"Keyboard Chatter is a teacher intensive instructional course. Its success lies in the enthusiasm and dedication of the instructor who presents it. It requires that the instructor teach through the entire course by presenting new materials, reinforcing proper technique, and drilling finger reaches, letter combinations, and high frequency words." ~ Keyboard Chatter Teacher Manual

 

Keyboard IconKeyboard Chatter Introduction

It's time to dive into Keyboard Chatter! Begin by reading the Introduction on pages i-ii of the Keyboard Chatter binder, or click the following link to download a pdf copy of the Keyboard Chatter Introduction: