Home Row Hero

Home Row Hero

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Purpose:

This is an interactive lesson that teaches students the foundation of typing: proper hand positioning and building muscle memory for the home row keys. Students will practice correct finger placement on A S D F J K L ;, learn to return fingers to the home row naturally, and participate in practicing typing the home row keys.

Procedure:  

1. Introduction (5 mins) Instructor Steps:

  • Greet students and explain the day’s mission:  “Today you’re training to become a Home Row Hero — master of the keyboard!”

  • Ask: “Who knows what the home row is?”

  • Give each student a copy of:  This Home Row Hero Checklist (Student Handout).

  • Briefly explain the handout, home row, and the concept of finger zones.

  • The home row is where your fingers “live” when typing.

  • Fingers should return to A S D F (left) and J K L ; (right).

  • Your thumbs rest lightly on the spacebar.

2. Demonstration (5 mins) Instructor Steps:

  • Use a projector or visual aid to show correct hand placement on the keyboard.

  • Point out the raised bumps on F and J (for index fingers).

  • Show which fingers press which keys.

  • Emphasize good posture: feet flat, wrists up, fingers curved, back straight, and eyes on screen/copy.

3. Guided Practice (15 mins) Instructor Steps:

  • Direct students to open a word processing software and place their fingers on the home row keys.  Remind them you also want to see good posture:  feet flat, wrists up, fingers curved, back straight, and eyes on screen.

  • Circulate and gently correct hand position/posture as needed.

4. Transition to Dictation Practice (5-7 mins) Instructor Steps:

  • Encourage students not to look at hands as you dictate and they type what you say.

  • Slowly dictate short combinations of letters from the home row. Example:

    • “Type: A S D F.” (pause while they type)

    • “Now: J K L ;.”

    • “Next: F D S A — then ; L K J.”

    • “Next: J K L ; — then A S D F.”

    • “Next: F D S A — then ; L K J.”

  • Repeat 3–4 sequences, increasing complexity slightly.

  • Encourage rhythm and accuracy over speed.

Variations: 

Use the Learning Lights Keyboard to blackout the home row keys during student practice.

Materials Needed:  

Word processing software like Microsoft Word or Google Docs.  Projector or screen for instructor demo.  This Home Row Hero Checklist (Student Handout). Optional: background music, colored keyboard stickers for each finger zone,

Time required:

40 minutes or teacher discretion.

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