How early in your neck of the woods

[aimee30]

I must admit that I was a sophomore in HS before I learned to type. My DH still only does the two finger peck and he is in going to college for computers.

Today my DS 10yo (5th grade), came in with typing homework. Is this the norm now? How early do they begin typing where you live?

Don't get me wrong. I think it is a wonderful idea. It just made me wonder if that's how all the schools are now.

I'd like to start my ADHD'er typing and she is only in 2nd grade. Anyone now if they have software geared for young ones to learn how to type?

[rosyred45]

I've never heard of mandatory typing, not that it's bad, just different.

I don't think they have it here, i'm goign to have to ask

[aimee30]

It was never mandatory for us either but I did take it (luckily) as an elective in HS.

I just thought since they are now making it mandatory in grade school here it might be everywhere?

It was also noted on the homework that if you didn't own a computer to send in a note and they would send a keyboard home to practice with. I just wonder how they would really know if the kids practiced on a keyboard or not. Those of us with computers must print it out and send it in.

[eaccae]

Last year Alexander was in 3rd and they did typing in the beginning of the year (in computer lab). I *think* they will do some more this year in computer lab and then move on to other things. The school uses Type to Learn 3 - we have Type to Learn 3 HOME version [/color]that we purchased and downloaded online. They have several products designed for different age groups - but you want the HOME version. Sunburst.com Keyboarding Software

DS had 4 other typing programs including the Jumpstart one and the hated them - he likes this one the best - and I personally like this one the best as well. But there are a lot of good ones out there - DS didn't like them though.

[sportsmom]

I was the same---I didn't learn typing until my sophmore year---my kids learned how to type in elem school but in 5th grade at the middle school they had to take a computer class for 9 weeks and there they learned ALOT about typing and how the computer works---geez I have to ask them what all the buttons are for LOL---they both have showed me many shortcuts--my oldest is in 9th grade and 2nd semester he will be taking computers again and I am sure he will learn more!!! Also you should hear him type while he IM his friends-- Holly Moly I hope he don't talk that fast HAHAHAHA

p.s. also while in 5th grade the teacher had a cover he put over the keys so the kids would learn where the letters were placed--I think that is why your school will send home a keyboard so the kids learn that as well.

[sportsmom]

My kids used Type To Learn as well---that is the program our school uses---I have seen it offered in book orders that the boys brought home too.