Typing is fast becoming an important skill in our tech based world. Having your student open to using this skill is imperative. In just 20 minutes of the following activities per day will give your student the finger strength and key board knowledge they need to be ready to incorporate typing into their learning programs.

Step 1: Knitting: Introduce your student to the art of knitting. You can try various styles until you find the one that best suits your students ability. Finger knitting is a great way to start! It helps students focus on finger strength. Knitting with needles is a little more challenging but will suit some older students. The more practice the fingers get the stronger they will become.

Step 2: Key board games: The internet is full of interesting and engaging web based software to help your student become familiar with the keyboard. Students from as young as 4 years old can be practicing finger placement, letter sounds and names from the keyboard of your home computer.

Step 3: Piano wizard for computers: For students who are motivated by music, computer based piano programs are a fabulous way to engage your student in learning to use a computer keyboard. Again the finger strength and coordination are only made stronger with this type of activity.

Step 4: Clay modeling: Many children gain a lot of manual dexterity through manipulating clay. The creative nature of this activity has children engaged for long periods of time. This helps keep fingers strong and supple.

Step 5: Lego building: The fine motor skills and finger coordination of this activity transfers favorably to typing. Little fingers become strong when pulling apart little lego time and time again. Because of the fun nature of this activity it helps build the strength in fingers and does a lot to reinforce sequencing - another important aspect in typing.

Step 6: Choose an age appropriate, interactive and engaging typing program. Your students brain is highly receptive to novelty and this aids in retention. Typing programs are made more successful when integrated with the above activities. All students are different and with firm finger skills typing can be easily learned in 20 minutes a day with the use of a mixture of these different approaches.

Happy typing!

Make learning to type incredibly fun with ideas at http://www.2Think2Learn.com Have your student engaging and excelling in response to your improved integration of technology skills. Visit http://www.K12Genius.com for interactive approaches and programs to teach typing in the home.