That’s the goal that we have set for our 6 year old daughter this winter break as she is learning to touch type QWERTY.
It’s interesting because I attribute much of my interest in writing from the fact that I learned to touch type at such an early age – when I was 7 I spent my time learning how to type on my mother’s IBM selectric typewriter instead of playing outside that summer. I not only learned the full QWERTY but also wrote short stories on it – I must have used a truck load of cartridges and ink.
Luckily we don’t have to worry about that with Roenne as she’s learning on her own dated Macbook Pro.
I’m so proud of her, not because she’s fast yet but because she’s genuinely interested in learning how to type. It’s fascinating to watch her small little hands bounce around the keyboard and her face as she concentrates with such ease.
Her future will most definitely include typing of some sort – I want her that to be the very last thing that she has to worry about as she grows up using technology.
I’m enjoying this winter challenge as much as she is. Perhaps I’m enjoying it too much.
What are you using to teach her to type? Any sort of program or website? I’m curious for my kiddos
Merry Christmas John!
This is neat, she really looks determined there! I’ve been trying to get my 4yr old acclimated to technology, and typing as well. He’s been toying around with the iPad for about 3 months, and can easily navigate apps, and get on YouTube (and watch Gangnam Style about 200 times per day!! LOL!!)
It’s amazing to watch really, since at his age, I was probably banging together two wooden blocks or playing with a ball.
You know, this is a skill that all of us parents need to instill in our children. I see people who are in their 40′s, 50′s, 60′s, who can’t find a job, and much of it is due to their complete and utter ignorance to technology (and typing!). I know first hand, because I’ve passed on several candidates because of their lack of basic technical chops.
Good work!
Hey John, Merry Christmas to you and your family. Are you using an app to help teach your daughter to touch type?
Merry Christmas, and very good choice to teach her this kind of skills at this early age. My dad did almost the same with me, and I thank him for that!
Life is so much easier when you learn your basic tools. My CS5 is as second nature to me now as a pen, pencil or exacto knife. Frees you up to do what you need to do, without the worry so much of how you can do it. Glad she’s tackling that now, before you HAVE to in order to accomplish something important. Merry Christmas! I hope it’s been a good one!
Awesome–you’re making me think now is a great time to do the same with my son. I was in 8th grade when I stayed after school and learned this skill, thanks to my math teacher. Five and six seems to be a great age to get a jump on this:) Thanks for the tip!!
I was not the best student back in high school. But considering I am on the computer all day for my job, the best class I took was typing.
Awesome you remind me of my school days, my mom used to teach me like this.