Pre-K through kindergarten: Kid Pix

Intro to basic computer functions (Shift, mouse, etc.):
Students should perform at the basic level as indicated in the Companion to the Maryland Technology Literacy Standards for Students (MTLSS).

We encourage the use of Kid Pix to develop basic computer usage skills such as mouse and trackpad control, clicking to select items, click and drag, as well as encouraging creativity.

Grades 1 through 2: free typing games

Free Typing Game

20-25 mins. average per week

Students should perform at the basic level as indicated in the Companion to the Maryland Technology Literacy Standards for Students (MTLSS).

Suggestions for Implementations:

1. Introduce the home keys and finger placements.
2. Monitor and encourage the students to keep fingers on the home keys throughout the lesson.
3. Click on the orange Lesson tab at the top.
4. Select your lesson and goal and click on the "Start Lesson" button.
5. Confirm your lesson selection and click on "Start."
6. Type the directions in green type (also the key that is flashing on the keyboard).
7. Have students start with Lesson 1 and work with it until they reach the 15 words per minute goal (you can adjust the wpm goal).
8. Once they meet their goal, allow them to play a game (be sure the game keys match the lesson). Click on the game tab at the top and select the game.
9. Ask the students to click on the Beginner game level. You may also want the students to click on the "Turn off sound" box or mute the computers (or wear headphones).
10. After the game is finished, click on the lesson tab to do the next lesson.
11. Next week, encourage the students to review lessons completed and move on to the new lessons.
12. Tests are also an option that you may want to utilize with this program.

NOTE: Do not allow the students to post their scores and names on the game scoreboard.

NOTE: Laminate and Velcro a bulletin board keyboard on the top of every other computer. Encourage the students to look up at the laminated keyboard instead of looking down at the computer keyboard.

Troubleshooting: Be sure your caps lock is off!

Free Typing Game offers 40 different lessons and free typing games. Their most popular lesson, the home row keys, offers a challenge for those beginning to type. In addition to the home row lesson, Free Typing Game offers several lessons based on particular key emphasis. Typists struggling with particular keys can use these lessons to improve their accuracy. Free Typing Game offers lessons that emphasize hands and fingers too.

Grades 3 through 5: Dance Mat

10- 20 minutes per week (in addition to word processing)

(Common Core W6) fourth grade is required to type a minimum of 1 page per session and fifth grade is required to type a minimum of 2 pages per session (goal of 22 wpm, which would be a page without stopping, taking 10 minutes).
Students should perform at the basic level as indicated in the Companion to the Maryland Technology Literacy Standards for Students (MTLSS).

Suggestions for Implementations:

1. Headphones are recommended for classroom use of this program.
2. On the left-hand side, click on the level and stage you would like to begin with this session.
3. Click on "Full Screen" and then click on "Start" to begin.
4. Students should record their level and stage completed after each session.

NOTE: Periodically, return to the Free Typing Games program and have the students complete a test (click on the test tab at the top) and record their words per minute.