My husband works on a computer keyboard all day. It’s his work. And he can type pretty fast for two-finger-typist. But he can write as fast or even faster with a pen and paper.
On the other hand, I spent a couple of weeks doing a touch-typing course when I got my first computer, and I can type faster than he can, even though I spend less time at the computer and I’ve been using a computer for a lot shorter time than he has.
Touch typing is a skill to teach your child. It’s like handwriting or spelling, or mental arithmetic or driving. All these are skills that we all use regularly, throughout life.
Not being able to touch type can be a handicap, really slowing you down. So it’s really worth spending the time teaching your child.
Free Typing Program
There are lots of touch typing programs around,both paid programs and free ones. I like the BBC version. Dance Mat Typing is aimed at 7 – 11 year olds.
You will need headphones or speakers to enjoy the song and dance in each game. The games use the Flash plug-in but you can play the alternative interactive versions available at each stage.
There are also some worksheets for each stage that can be printed out and used offline with a typewriter or computer.
Here’s the link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing/