How to Teach Yourself Keyboard Typing

Here are some simple keyboard practice techniques to teach yourself to type. In order to build speed and key memorization, you have to practice on a regular basis. Practice each grouping in sets of 10.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer or Typewriter
• Practice and Patience

1. The proper hand position (a-s-d-f) for typing is the left-hand pinky is on the "a", the ring finger is on the "s", the middle finger is on the "d" and the index(pointer) finger is on the "f".
   
   The proper hand position (j-k-l-;)for the right-hand is index-finger is on the "j", the middle finger is on the "k", the ring finger is on the "l", and the pinky finger is on the ";"(semi-colon).
   
   The thumbs rest on the space bar or below the space bar. This in their function.
   
   Practice striking each key group of the left or right hand. Do not look at your hands and as you strike each letter say aloud or quietly. This helps with finger-brain memorization.

2. Now for the top row left (q-w-e-r-t) and top row right (y-u-i-o-p). Maintain the typing hand position above left-hand (a-s-d-f) and right-hand (j-k-l-;)
   
   The left-hand pinky reaches up for the "q", and the ring finger reaches for the "w", the middle finger reaches for the "e", and the pointer finger reaches for the "r" and the "t".
   
   The right-hand pointer finger reaches up for the "y" and "u", the middle finger reaches for the "I" and the ring finger reaches for the "o", and the pinky reaches for the "p".
   
   Again, practice these groups of the left and right hand, remembering to say the key you are striking for mind-finger memorization.

3. Again, maintain the typing hand position. Now for the bottom left (z-x-c-v-b) the pinky reaches down to the "z", the ring finger down to the "x", the middle finger down to the "c", and the pointer finger down to the "v" and "b"
   
   The bottom right (n--,-.-/) the index finger reaches down for the "n" and the "m", the middle finger down to the "," (semi-colon), the ring finger down to the "." (period), and the pinky down to the "/" (forward slash)

4. Hand in the typing position, the left index finger reaches for the "g" and the right index finger reaches for the "h". Now practice typing and alternating these keys putting a space between them.
   
   Note: You can alternate your thumb (determined by your last key stroke being on the right or left) or you can use just one thumb for spacing if this is more comfortable.

5. The pinky finger of each hand holds the "shift" key that capitalizes letters or gives the top symbol for keys with 2 functions (ex. 5 or %). Now practice each grouping capitalizing the letter and placing a space bar between each letter.

6. Doing numbers takes a little longer sometimes to remember, depending on how often you use numbers. The left hand ring finger reaches for the "1" and "2", the middle finger reaches for the "3", and the index finger reaches for the "4", "5" and/or "6". The right hand reaches for the your preference the "6" and "7", the middle finger reaches for the "8", the ring finger reaches for the "9" and "0". Practice these saying aloud or quietly.

7. After you feel comfortable with the keyboard, try practicing these two sentences for speed and accuracy. The first sentence includes all the letter keys. The second one is for speed.
   
   Note: When you type words you do not spell out you visualize as you would reading and you let the finger-mind memorization type it out.
   
   1. The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog's back.
   
   2. Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country.

Tips & Warnings

• When typing on the computer do not use the "enter" until you want to start a new paragraph. The computer will automatically return according to your margins.
• Holding the "Alt" (alternate) key is for F1, F2 keys that are used for a specific programs function.
• Holding the "Ctrl" (control) key plus an arrow key will move your cursor left, right, or up and down.
• Holding the "Shift" and "Ctrl" together plus an arrow key, will highlight letter, text, etc.
• The "Alt" and "Ctrl" have other combined functions that you can learn along the way.
• When you are in the typing position, remember to keep your hand and wrist level. Avoid flexing your wrist up or down or resting palm below keyboard, causing "carpal tunnel", a nerve ending to be pinched or squeezed.

Resources

• National Institute of Health
• Learn2type Typing Test

[writer7]

on 6/24/2009 Good tips! Learning to type can be hard.