Keyboarding Skills

In my middle school classroom, 2 of my 6th graders are not able to hold pencils properly or not yet produce any meaningful characters. I am talking about any writing utensils…OT kicked in to help with this area for many many years…..but no success.

After many years of painful memories of WRITING or you can call “tracing with hand over hand prompt”, I wanted to turn our attention to something more positive- With the help of technology.

So, I created a system, a manila folder(Typing Folder) with a zipper bag attached one side that carries 5-6 flashcards(sight words) for each session.

We practiced using this system on their own and typing assigned words. After 2 weeks, the outcome was amazing!! It is not painful- it is fun! Plus, kids actually produce words on their own with a great deal of independence.

To help my staff who is helping kids practice keyboarding, I created a visual as well. Only Practice makes Perfect !!!

I have seen many students with limited language skills learn typing on the iPad or their AAC device to access literacy lessons. They type to communicate with others as well. Using a picture-based speech-generating device (SGD) may limit options in terms of vocabulary selection and language complexities for some kids.

It’s important to have a multidisciplinary team to support a child. It’s only meaningful when a speech therapist, occupational therapist, behavior analyst, psychologist, special educator, and parents work together for a meaningful educational program for the child.