Helping Children Learn to Type: A Parent’s Guide

These days typing is an essential life skill, let's face it, we're all typing something from time to time. From schoolwork and homework submissions to future careers, being able to type quickly and accurately can make a huge difference to a child’s confidence and productivity. At Keyboard Specialists, we want to help schools, parents, and educational institutions to make typing accessible and enjoyable for everyone — especially young learners.

So, if you’re a parent looking to support your child at home or a teacher wanting to introduce typing in the classroom, here are some practical tips and tools to help children learn to type effectively.

Why Typing Matters for Children

Typing isn’t just about speed — it’s about setting children up for success in school and beyond. Learning to type at an early age can:

• Improve academic performance – Assignments and exams are increasingly done online, and confident typists can focus on content rather than struggling with the keyboard.
• Enhance digital literacy – Typing is a foundation for navigating the digital world.
• Boost confidence – Mastering a core skill helps children feel more capable and independent.
• Prepare for future careers – From coding to content creation, typing is now a must-have skill.

Top Tips for Helping Kids Learn to Type

1. Start with the Right Equipment

Children learn best when they’re comfortable. Smaller hands need smaller, responsive keyboards. At Keyboard Specialists, we stock a wide range of child-friendly keyboards designed for little learners, including:

• Coloured keyboards to make learning fun
• Compact layouts perfect for small hands
• High-contrast keys to support children with dyslexia or visual impairments

Tip: If your child struggles with a standard keyboard, investing in a specialist learning keyboard can make a world of difference.

2. Teach Proper Finger Placement

Touch typing — typing without looking at the keyboard — is the most efficient method. Introduce your child to the home row technique early on:

• Place their index fingers on the F and J keys
• Encourage them to return to the home row after each keypress
• Make it a game — challenge them to “find their home” after every word

3. Use Fun, Interactive Typing Games

Children learn best through play, and there are fantastic free and paid resources online:

• BBC Dance Mat Typing – A colourful, animated introduction to typing
• TypingClub – Structured lessons with instant feedback
• NitroType – Turns typing speed into a fun racing game

These tools keep kids engaged while gradually improving speed and accuracy.

4. Practice Little and Often

Short, consistent practice sessions are more effective than long typing drills. Aim for:

• 10–15 minutes a day rather than an hour once a week
• Celebrating small milestones like typing their name quickly or reaching 20 words per minute

5. Focus on Accuracy Before Speed

Fast typing is useless if every other word is a typo. Encourage your child to:

• Slow down and concentrate on correct keystrokes
• Use typing tutor software that highlights mistakes and offers corrections
  
• Build confidence first — speed will come naturally

How Keyboard Specialists Can Help

At Keyboard Specialists, we supply a wide range of keyboards and assistive technology designed specifically for education. Whether you need:

• Child-friendly typing keyboards
• Specialist layouts for accessibility
  
• Expert advice on setting up a productive learning environment

…we’re here to support parents, schools, and teachers every step of the way.

Don't forget

Typing is a skill that will benefit children for life. By making the learning process fun, accessible, and rewarding, you can help your child gain confidence and independence in the digital world.

If you’re looking for specialist keyboards or expert advice on teaching typing, visit Keyboard Specialists today and explore our range of solutions designed to make learning easier.