All beginning typists should first learn the correct placement of their hands using specific keys as a point of reference. The two index fingers should be placed lightly on the keys, f and j. On many keyboards, these keys have a raised bump to help the typist distinguish them without glancing at the keys. The middle fingers should rest on d and k. Ring fingers rest on s and l and pinkies should rest on a and the semicolon. The thumbs rest on the spacebar. BBC's Dance Mat Typing Website is a popular place for students to practice using this "home row."
After students begin to accurately type using the "home row" keys, they should practice using the remaining letters and symbols. There are specific strategies to help students continue learning, such as starting with the letters g and h, which are pressed by the index fingers. The left pinky finger touches q and z. The left ring finger strikes w and x. The left middle finger touches e and c. The left index finger should type the letters r,v,t and b. The right index finger touches the y,n,u and m keys. The right middle finger should type the i and comma key. The right ring finger touches the o and period key. Finally, the right pinky finger presses the p and backslash key. Students should practice touching all of these keys with the correct fingers.
Introduce fun typing lessons that will help students develop their accuracy. Ask them to write letters to friends, or perhaps soldiers serving overseas, seniors in a nursing home, a favorite author or a celebrity. Show students how to properly address a letter once it has been typed correctly. Many will enjoy this exercise because they know the end result will be seen by someone else.
To help students maintain accuracy while building speed, have them re-type pages from a book or other printed text; or have them type something as it is read aloud to them. These spend exercises will improve quickness when repeated regularly. As their typing skills increase and they become more expert at the keyboard, students will come to enjoy typing. There are websites, such as Free Typing Online, that offer games to help students increase quickness while still typing words correctly. Students are motivated to improve as the game challenges them to advance to higher levels.