Typing Checklist

      Follows directions.
      Completes exercises on time.
      Is prepared for class.
      Has work well organized.
      Has a good attitude.


A professionally formatted, single page typing checklist is available. This printable copy has a scale:
  Needs Work     About Right     Great Job.

Click on the Little Professor for display/printing. Only the Skills Check List will be displayed for printing.


Click on the Little Professor
to print the check list. Then
"back arrow" to return here.




I gave you a free checklist.
So now, it's pay back time.
You are now obligated to listen to my long-winded lecture (all good ideas have to be reinforced.)


Because speed and accuracy are important most people learn the "touch typing" system. The touch system consists of assigning certain letters to each finger. The ooperator memorizes the keyboard and does not have to look at the keys.

When keyboarding fingers are placed on the "home row" keys. The user reaches up or down to the assigned key. In the starting position, the fingers of the left hand rest lightly on the A, S, D, and F keys. The fingers of the right hand rest on the J, K, L, and ; keys. All fingers of both hands are used. Either thumb may be used to press the space bar, but most people use their right thumb.

Keyboarding is taught in a learning environment, either at school, home, or office. Computer programs have been developed to teach typing, such as "nimblefingers." These programs permit a self-paced approach to learning. Drills and interesting exercises, along with repetition, help "train your fingers." Speed and accuracy increase once the learner becomes comfortable with the location of the keys.

Learners are able to apply their new skill to typing letters, reports, and other documents. With practice, touch typists can achieve speeds of more than 100 words per minute. Because you do not have to think about which finger to use in pressing a key, you can concentrate on the subject at hand. Thus the quality of your correspondence, such as e-mail, increases.

Typing Tips

A private tutor is needed.   A private tutor is needed, but they are often expensive. So, we have built-in The Little Professor as your typing assistant in the Nimble Fingers series of keyboarding programs. He will guide you in learning and point out when an exercise needs to be re-keyed.

Numerous exercises are needed.   Remember, practice is necessary to develop typing skills. The problem is that boredom can set in if you are constantly re-keying the same exercises.

Use the correct finger when striking a key.   When first learning to type, concentrate on striking the correct keys without looking at your fingers. Do not be too concerned with speed or accuracy—they will improve as your skills develop.

Set up a schedule.   Unless you establish a "schedule for learning" it is all to easy to find an excuse for not practicing. It takes practice to develop touch-keyboarding skills.

Do you have an extra fifteen minutes?   Then you can complete a couple of practice exercises. It might not sound like much, but you have helped develop your skills.

Type without looking at the keys.   Use a quick stroke to strike each key. Do not “press” or “mash” the key. Strike the key quickly and move on!

Error reduction.   If errors are occurring on the bottom-row keys, move your chair back from the keyboard and slightly raise your wrists.

Use the correct finger-keystroke.   Study the pictures in the Nimble Fingers program to know which finger to use. Whisper each letter before striking the key.

Check your hands!   Your fingers should be on the home-row keys and your hands should slant at the same angle as the keyboard. Do not let your wrists become lazy and rest against the desk or the keyboard.

Re-key an exercise if you are not satisfied. After completing the beginning exercises, using the correct finger should be automatic. If you still have to look at the keyboard when you type a particular key, rerun the appropriate exercise.

Make adjustments.   Check your distance from the keyboard. Adjust your chair when necessary to avoid a common problem – that of sitting too close to the keyboard. Also, adjust the angle of your monitor to minimize glare. Remove excessive paperwork from your work area.