Free Typing Lessons For Kids

I've been wanting to teach Miss Sunshyne how to type, since she loves spending time on the computer anyway.  I think it's a valuable skill to have in today's high tech world.  Now that we have a "working" computer we can finally do some of the cool things that I'd like to add into our daily curriculum, such as typing and blogging.  I went online last night to research some of the free typing lessons available for kids.  I found quite a few and actually put some to the test.  I think I'm still a big enough kid to determine which games are fun enough to keep my Sunshyne's attention.

The first one that I tried at http://www.learninggamesforkids.com/, I bookmarked because the beginning game gives lots of practice using the home keys, but also kinda zaps the little character when you get it wrong.  It's funny but at the same time I felt bad to get one wrong and watch my character get zapped.  I think Sunshyne will feel the same way.  I like this site because there are all kinds of learn and play games for the kiddos and I didn't run into a single hidden pop-up or ad.

Next, I found the BBC Dance Mat Typing program which is an introduction to touch typing for children aged 7-11 years.  Each of the 4 levels are divided into 3 stages which give them a total of 12 to enjoy.  Beginning at level 1 the child can build up their skills gradually to get to level 4.  What I really loved about this program is that it shows you where to put your fingers for the home keys and space bar and then allows you to continually practice where to touch the home keys as well as adjacent keys.  By the end of the first level, they are already typing words.  There's even a little song and dance by the animated characters to reward you once you've completed a level...very cute.  I think this one is very kid-friendly and teaches the right technique at the same time.  This one is definitely a keeper for us.