​

Our Journey Westward

  • Shop
  • Blog
    • Bible & Character
    • Living Math
    • Language Arts
    • Science & Nature
    • History & Geography
    • Fine Arts
    • Brain Training
    • Holidays
    • Healthy Homeschool
    • Preschool
    • Elementary
    • Middle School
    • High School
    • Curriculum & Schedules
  • Homeschool Speaker
  • My Account
  • 0 items$0.00

by Cindy Leave a Comment

How To Improve Language Arts Skills with Typing

Share43
Pin98
Email
Print
141Shares

Typing instruction has always been an important part of our homeschool. Not just for the sake of learning to type, but as an integral part of our language arts program.

In today’s technology age, of course it makes perfect sense to introduce our children early and often to correct typing format before bad habits are formed. Have you considered, though, how much of the language arts as a whole can be taught through the mode of typing?

I’m not at all suggesting we throw out paper and pencils in lieu of keyboards, but I am suggesting that typing might play a bigger role in successful teaching of the language arts than many of us have considered before.

Improve language arts skills with typing! #homeschool #languagearts #typingtest

This post has been sponsored by TypeDojo.com. All opinions are always my own.

How Typing Works Differently Than Writing

Typing is a hands-on activity that engages both sides of the brain at one time. I could argue that the act of typing is a brain training exercise, but without question it requires the brain to work differently than when writing with a pencil on paper.

For children who struggle with dysgraphia, the move from paper to keyboard can be life changing. Once typing becomes second nature (after less instruction time than you might think), kids with dysgraphia find it much easier to get their thoughts out and do so in an organized manner.

Dysgraphia or not, many children struggle to find joy in writing assignment. Typically, kids can simply think much faster than they can physically write. If they actually do write a wonderful first draft, the wheels fall off with every new edit that must be corrected before yet one more final draft can be completed. Sound familiar? Because typing can happen at almost the speed of thought and edits can be made easily, typing can ease frustration and anxiety that often accompany writing by hand.

Improve language arts skills with typing! #homeschool #languagearts #typingtest

Improve Language Arts Skills with Typing

Besides allowing my children to write creatively on the keyboard, I’ve used typing time and time again to teach and improve language arts skills in many other areas:

Spelling and Vocabulary

I mentioned already that typing is a hands-on activity. That means you have a wonderful hands-on mode of practicing spelling and vocabulary words at your fingertips. Literally. Simply typing the words a few times each will do wonders for remembering how to spell them.

For those of you who drill vocabulary with definitions, your children will gain as much benefit from typing the terms and their meanings as they would hand-writing them.

Similarly, if you ask your children to use spelling or vocabulary words in sentences, typing those sentences is fabulous practice.

Some people may argue that the spelling and grammar tools on word processing programs seem like cheating, but I actually find they help children pay more attention to details in the long run.

Syntax (The Way Words and Punctuation Are Used)

Charlotte Mason homeschoolers understand that copywork is a wonderful means to build an overall understanding of syntax. Copywork is simply copying word for word, capital for capital, punctuation for punctuation, a well-written sentence, paragraph, or more. Its purpose is not only to improve handwriting, but to help children internalize the usage of good language arts skills.

Typing can do the same thing! When given a well-written sentence, paragraph, or more to copy on the keyboard, children are still internalizing the usage of good language arts skills and fluency & voice in writing. The only difference…they are also practicing typing skills rather than handwriting skills.

I feel like I should reiterate that I’m not asking anyone to ditch handwriting. No way! Just consider how wonderful typing can be in addition to handwriting.

Consider a few syntax typing activities that can improve language arts skills:

Capitals and Punctuation

Type a few sentences which include several errors that your child must fix. These are editing skills at their finest.

Sentence and Paragraph Structure

After much experience with “copywork” during typing, try some dictation. Either mom reads a sentence aloud that the student types from memory, or the student reads a sentence himself (once) and then types it from memory. As able, read one sentence at a time to recreate one or more paragraphs.

Written narrations are another wonderful way to practice sentence and paragraph structure through typing. A narration is simply a retelling of story in your own words.

Improve language arts skills with typing! #homeschool #languagearts #typingtest

Language Arts in Typing Projects

There are so many wonderful, technology-based applications available to students to present projects these days! When students are able to type well, they can spend focused time learning new technology and creating some pretty spectacular products.

My children have particularly enjoyed creating newsletters over the years. They’ve also created PowerPoint presentations, written their own blogs, designed brochures, written children’s books, created recipe books, designed videos with text, taken part in discussion boards, and collaborated on Google docs.

Of course, that doesn’t even begin to cover the “regular” things most students already do through typing like internet searches, report writing, online classes, or social media.

Where to Learn Typing Skills

I believe it’s incredibly important to begin typing instruction early to keep the bad habits of hunting and pecking at bay. However, it’s never too late to begin typing instruction!

My Eli is the only kiddo in our house in need of typing lessons right now. We’ve used two free websites that have/are working nicely.

Dance Mat Typing

Dance Mat Typing by Kidz Type is a series of free leveled typing games that teach hand placement and work on repeated practice of various keys and key combinations.

The first game begins with very basic practice using only the left hand. By the time you reach the 12th and final game, all the keys are required with capital letters included in the series. You may play the games in any order and as often as you like. The games are timed, but only for your own notation in order to see improvement in speed when played again.

Improve language arts skills with typing! #homeschool #languagearts #typingtest

There are three different prompts on the screen for your children. They can simply type the letters that appear at the top of the screen, or glance at the colored keyboard to see where a key is located, or check the hands at the sides of the screen to be sure which finger to use.

Eli practiced these games a few minutes each day for a few months until I was confident that he understood finger placement on the keyboard.

Type Dojo

Eli is currently taking a daily typing test at Type Dojo to work on typing speed and accuracy. The website includes free typing tests that are leveled out for grade and skill level.

For each grade level, there are several types of practice sets to choose from – 2 letter words, Dolch words, phrases, number and shift exercises, etc. Each practice set can be taken as a 1, 3, or 5 minute test. That simply means your child will work through the various words in the set for the specified amount of time. Their goal is to improve accuracy and speed from one day to the next.

Improve language arts skills with typing! #homeschool #languagearts #typingtest

You may work through the practice sets and time frames in any order you like and as often as you like. For example, even though Eli is in 5th grade, we started with the 1st grade level. Why? Because it’s not about the vocabulary for us, it’s about gaining speed and accuracy. As he begins to master the smaller words, we simply move on to the next level.

While the levels go from 1st-8th grades, I’ve found the practice sets to be entirely appropriate for anyone of any age who needs a little polishing on accuracy or speed. In fact, there’s a words per minute test that can pre and post test any student. I’ve used it for myself and really improved my WPM rate after just playing around with the practice sets.

It only takes a few minutes each school day to see vast improvements!

 

Other posts you might like:

 Brain Training Acitivities Published Books for Kids Using Picture Books to Teach Writing

Share43
Pin98
Email
Print
141Shares

Last Updated: January 1, 2018 Filed Under: Charlotte Mason, Creative Homeschooling, Elementary, Gifted & Struggling Learners, Language Arts, Middle School Tagged With: brain training, copywork, dictation, dysgraphia, typing, Writing

Previous Post: « Fun and Educational Gift Lists
Next Post: Enjoy Animal Signs Nature Study Wherever You Are in the World »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

subscribe without commenting

Primary Sidebar

NaturExplorers Science Curriculum

NaturExplorers guides are perfect for the 1st-8th grade homeschool, co-op or classroom. This highly adaptable curriculum series uses nature study as the starting point for science lessons that reach into every other subject and meet all learning styles.

Popular Posts and Series


 photo widget300_zps64ea557d.jpg
 photo CMWidget_zpsd7fc8669.jpg
 photo livinglitwidget_zps657f0460.jpg

 photo 3b118073-e528-40c6-b009-8be2ccfc0a74_zps79607282.jpg
 photo NatureStudySneezePageWidget_zps3dc3947e.jpg


 photo ArtistStudyWidget_zps6df6beae.jpg
 photo Untitled_zps78916d12.jpg
 photo Unitstudywidget_zps852cf098.jpg
 photo PBLwidget_zps5a4c210f.jpg

 photo valueswidget_zpscf5135ed.jpg
 photo USA300widget_zpsb2606835.jpg



 photo SeasonsandHolidaysWidget_zpscc545744.jpg

Categories

Charlotte Mason How-To

 photo 2235a4d3-bec7-488d-89f5-e2dcd32a42db_zpsb2ec2b26.jpg

Most Recent Pins

 photo WhatsPinteresting_zps8b7f9748.jpg

Trusted Curriculum

All About Spelling



  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy and Blog Terms of Service
  • Affiliations & Disclosure Policy
  • Reviews and Advertisements
  • eShop Terms & Conditions
  • Affiliates
When my boys were little, I loved reading these “letters from God” to them as blessings to start the day.
As I was sorting bookshelves earlier this month, I stumbled across this sweet book again. I decided the blessings are still as pertinent today for my bigger boy as they were years ago. So, we’re starting our day yet again with a quick, but powerful “letter from God” before jumping into our daily Bible studies.
Do you do anything special to start your day off on the right foot? I’d love to hear about it!
Click the link in my bio for a link to the book.
#homeschoolblessings #homeschoolfamily #homeschoolmom #homeschool #homeschooling #yourmorningbasket #startthedayoffright #charlottemasonmama #loveyourkids #wildandfreemama #childrensbook #devotionalforkids #homeschool365 #homeschoolmorning #ourjourneywestward #ihsnet
Winter homeschooling can be tough in normal years. Winter homeschooling can be tough in normal years. It’s cold, the days are dark, and everyone’s cooped up together 24/7. That’s a recipe for the winter blahs to march right into your house and wreak havoc on attitudes and motivation.⠀
⠀
This year’s winter is unlike any other and those blahs may have actually settled in long before now. If you or your children are feeling down, anxious, or bored with school, are “at” each other constantly, bouncing off the walls, or tears and fighting are the norm…the blahs are there.⠀
⠀
Let’s get you, your children, and your homeschool back on track. I’ll be teaching a Homeschool Masterclass on Thursday afternoon to help you kick the blahs to the curb. If you can attend live, come! If you can’t attend live, catch the replay!⠀
⠀
We’ll tackle all sorts of problems the blahs bring with them with very practical  ideas that are easy to implement! ⠀
⠀
Click the link in my bio to join me. There is no shame in admitting that the blahs have arrived and you need a little boost from a friend. ❤️ ⠀
⠀
#homeschool #homeschooling #homeschoolmom #homeschoolfamily #wildandfreemom #charlottemasonmama #winterhomeschool #homeschoolhelp #homeschoollookslikethis #thisishomeschool #homeschoolmasterclass #homeschool365 #ihsnet #homeschoolmama #helpmehomeschool #winterblahs
Oh, what peace this quote brings to my soul. It’ Oh, what peace this quote brings to my soul. It’s true, you know. I’ve told my children for years that it only takes a nature walk to see God through His handiwork and to know that His promises are true.⠀
⠀
When the world seems to be falling apart around you, the sun never stops shining. The seasons never stop moving. Without a single, solitary effort of human hands, the woodlands still buzz with life.⠀
⠀
A student of nature can see the consistency in cycles and notice the incredible and creative intricacy of even the smallest specimen and be in awe that we truly serve a God who isn’t unaware of even one tiny detail in our world right now. ⠀
⠀
Life kind of seems overwhelming, though, I know. Remember when I said my motto lately has been to just put one foot in front of the other to do the next right thing? Nature walks (even when it’s cold) never fail me as a right thing. ⠀
⠀
Breathe, friend. Take a nature walk today and let God speak to your soul.⠀
⠀
#homeschool #homeschooling #homeschoolmom #homeschoolfamily #wildandfreemom #charlottemasonirl #winterhomeschool #homeschoollookslikethis #thisishomeschool #winternaturestudy #nosweatnaturestudy #homeschool365 #ihsnet #naturestudy #naturexplorers #nature #hewins
It might seem trite to post a winter picture book It might seem trite to post a winter picture book list right now, but I’m a big believer in keeping things as normal as possible in my home when things aren’t so normal otherwise.⠀
⠀
It’s the principle of putting one foot in front of the other as you simply do the next right thing. Good books almost always can be a “next right thing” choice.⠀
⠀
Even though I’m not homeschooling younger children anymore, I’ll probably never stop sharing wonderful picture book ideas with you. 🤓 I’ve spent way too many hours reading and collecting to ever stop loving them!⠀
⠀
Eli and I may not be using these books right now, but they are still some of my favorites for winter reading. Whatever may be going on around you, the winter months are always a good time of year to get in lots of extra reading. Snuggling and hot chocolate are optional, but encouraged.⠀
⠀
Click the link in my bio to find a blog post about these books + some of our favorite winter chapter books, too!⠀
⠀
#homeschool #readmorebooks #livingbooks #livingliterature #picturebooks #winterpicturebooks #homeschoolmom #wildandfreefamily #charlottemasonirl #winterhomeschool #homeschoollookslikethis #thisishomeschool #winternaturestudy #nosweatnaturestudy #homeschool365 #ihsnet
We celebrated a 14th birthday over Christmas break We celebrated a 14th birthday over Christmas break! 🎉🎁🎂🏀🥰
I love being auntie to a sweet baby again! 😍 I love being auntie to a sweet baby again! 😍
Merry Christmas from the Wests! 🎄 Merry Christmas from the Wests! 🎄
Christmas picture books are some of my very favori Christmas picture books are some of my very favorite books of all time. I’ve spent years collecting new ones here and there (and will probably continue collecting for years to come because there are at least a few favorites I still don’t own).🤗🤫⠀
⠀
When the kiddos were younger, I would sometimes wrap each of the books and place them in a basket near the Christmas tree. 🎁 Each morning during December, one of my children would choose a book to unwrap and that was the one we would read for the day. Oh, such precious memories!⠀
⠀
This year, even though my youngest is in 8th grade, the books are not hidden away! I’ve found a creative way to read them with Eli. We’re using them as mentor texts for his own stories during language arts. #sneakysmart (He’s writing some pretty great stories, too!)⠀
⠀
Click the link in my bio if you’d like to see my entire list of picture book favorites for the Christmas season!🎄If you’d like to know more about using picture books to teach writing to older kids, search “writing with picture books masterclass”on my website.⠀
⠀
#homeschoolbooks #christmasbooks #christmasbooklist #christmaspicturebooks #christmasschool #creativehomeschooling #livingbooks #livingliterature #readmorebooks #Decemberhomeschool #homeschoolfamily #homeschoollookslikethis #homeschoolmiddleschool #ilovebooks #charlottemasonirl #yourmorningbasket #ourjourneywestward #homeschoolrocks

Copyright 2006 -© 2021 · Our Journey Westward · All Rights Reserved

141Shares