Moving from block-based to text based coding languages can be difficult, and we find that while most students grasp coding concepts quite well, typing tends to bring the most difficulties.
Therefore, we would like to share some touch typing tips and resources to better prepare your child for text-based coding.
Online typing lessons
Here at blue{shift}, we often use Typing Club to get students used to typing. It uses a fun game-type format, has levels, gives students badges and teaches all the touch typing skills.
Typing club uses ads. To disable them, it’s best to install the following Chrome extension:
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/adblock/gighmmpiobklfepjocnamgkkbiglidom
Other resources
Typing test - test your typing speed - but remember to keep your fingers in the right place!
http://www.roomrecess.com/mobile/WPM/play.html
http://www.roomrecess.com/mobile/TypingSpeedTest/play.html
Typing games
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zf2f9j6/articles/z3c6tfr
Touch typing top tips!
When your child is practicing their touch typing at home, it's helpful to remind them of the following:
Be a home row hero and place your hands so that your index fingers rest on the keys with the bumps (the F and the J keys)
Sit with your back straight and your feet on the ground
No need to rush.
Try and type without looking when you're ready. You can hold a piece of A4 paper over your child's hands to test them.