Keyboard Classroom - Teaching Children to Type

It's always such a blessing when we get the chance to review curriculum that teaches something I've already been wanting the children to learn.  Such is the case with Keyboard Classroom.  I've been wanting the kids to learn to type, since typing is such a vitally important skill in our computer-driven world.

I asked Brianna if she would be my reviewer this time around.  We received a CD ROM and a pair of finger positioners.  Keyboard Classroom is also available as an instant download.  It is designed to work with Windows.  They do not recommend using the program on a laptop, because a laptop's keyboard is different than that of a traditional, desktop computer.

The finger positioners didn't fit the kids' keyboard as well as they did mine, and Brianna didn't like them, so they didn't get used much, but I like the concept, and perhaps when she has completed the program, one of her brothers will choose to use them while they work through it.  

The basic idea is that the finger positioners train the student's hand to stay in the right place and use the correct fingers for each letter.  

You begin as a cadet, and progress through the ranks, hopefully all the way to general, as you learn new skills.  

There are 5 main learning areas, and you earn tokens in those, to be used playing games after practicing.  Brianna's favorite game was Zirch.  The object is to collect the moving letters that spell Zirch.

Although she learned a lot from the program, being 13, she felt like it was better suited to younger kids.  However, since she's off to school next year, I'm guessing she'll appreciate the skills she's learning when it comes time to start typing her high school homework papers.  

The family license is a great deal if you have several students you would like to use the program with, since the price per person goes down quite a bit.  The single user license and the family license each come with one set of finger guides.  Additional finger guides can be purchased for $15.  Keyboard Classroom also offers a school license tailored to fit a traditional classroom's needs.  

I found this to be a good addition to our homeschool, and I look forward to having Eli work through the program next year, when Brianna is done with it.  

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