Keyboarding and Literacy

Keyboarding is a literacy skill, therefore it is appropriate that it be included in the daily literacy block.
"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."

How does keyboarding tie into 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] recognize structure better and pay 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 though and recording speed, a fast typist comes a lot closer than a slow one."
~Michael J. Himowitz, The Baltimore Sun

What are some examples of activities that focus on keyboarding and literacy?

Distributed Practice
Students are provided more frequent exposure to ELA content and skills when they are given keyboarding assignments that tie to the week's studies.

Literacy Practice Stations
A small bank of computers at a literacy practice station can allow students to practice keyboarding and other needed literacy skills simultaneously while the teacher meets with students for skill-based small group instruction.

Increasing Opportunities to Respond
Students can use computers and other devices to type responses during ELA lessons, increasing their opportunities to respond while utilizing keyboarding skills.

Explicit Vocabulary Instruction
Students can type vocabulary words, definitions, and example sentences in addition to verbally sharing during vocabulary instruction.

High-Frequency Words
"Keyboard Chatter drills students on high frequency words - particularly those which are used in traditional spelling and reading books on the elementary level; thus, the keyboarding instruction reinforces the reading and spelling experiences of the students."
~Keyboard Chatter teacher manual, page ii