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:
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Greet students and explain the day’s mission: “Today you’re training to become a Home Row Hero — master of the keyboard!”
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Ask: “Who knows what the home row is?”
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Give each student a copy of: This Home Row Hero Checklist (Student Handout).
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Briefly explain the handout, home row, and the concept of finger zones.
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The home row is where your fingers “live” when typing.
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Fingers should return to A S D F (left) and J K L ; (right).
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Your thumbs rest lightly on the spacebar.
2. Demonstration (5 mins) Instructor Steps:
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Use a projector or visual aid to show correct hand placement on the keyboard.
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Point out the raised bumps on F and J (for index fingers).
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Show which fingers press which keys.
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Emphasize good posture: feet flat, wrists up, fingers curved, back straight, and eyes on screen/copy.
3. Guided Practice (15 mins) Instructor Steps:
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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.
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Circulate and gently correct hand position/posture as needed.
4. Transition to Dictation Practice (5-7 mins) Instructor Steps:
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Encourage students not to look at hands as you dictate and they type what you say.
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Slowly dictate short combinations of letters from the home row. Example:
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“Type: A S D F.” (pause while they type)
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“Now: J K L ;.”
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“Next: F D S A — then ; L K J.”
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“Next: J K L ; — then A S D F.”
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“Next: F D S A — then ; L K J.”
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Repeat 3–4 sequences, increasing complexity slightly.
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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.