Let’s ask: Which essential skill is rarely taught at school? This is not a trick question. However, it is one that very few people can answer confidently.
This skill is essential, but almost everyone overlooks it.
It is a skilled child will use every day; it doubles productivity, improves writing quality, and generally improves exam results.
Did you guess what it was?
It’s easy: touch type.
Touch typing is an essential skill many people don’t realize, perhaps even you.
Why shouldn’t all children learn to touch type?
One answer is All children do.
This may seem insignificant, but anyone who keeps up to date with the world of education will tell you that we are often at the forefront of educational policy, thinking and results. Put, if you are on it, it should tell your something. Typing is mandatory in all primary schools.
Children will spend most of their time writing during their childhood on a keyboard. In today’s world, pen and paper are almost non-existent. In schools, there are more computer-based examinations.
According to The Telegraph:
“All children receive endless hours of instruction using common computer programs. They are taught how to use the programs but not how to type. This is the modern equivalent of teaching children to use a computer to write joined-up, but not to teach them how to hold a pencil em>
Touch typing: Setting the context
When typing a sentence, there are four important steps. First, remembering. Next, putting into working memory. Then, chunking into characters and finally hitting the correct key.
Motor actions are essentially mental actions that must be converted into mental ones. Touch typists can automate motor actions and prepare the next keystroke automatically, without thinking. This reduces mistakes in writing and allows children to write longer and more quality stories.
This is what leads to greater quality of writing. This encourages creativity. This makes ideas the centre of attention, and all other brain functions are occupied with transferring thoughts to paper.
It’s been proven that touch typing is much easier for children than for adults. You will probably identify this if you have ever attempted to learn a new skill or language later in life.
Touch typing also has another benefit, which is often overlooked but worth noting. It can prevent injuries by encouraging better posture.
The best benefit is the increase in typing speed by up to five times. This will save you time and increase your productivity.
Is touch typing all that good? It must have a downside.
Yes, it has a downside – learning to type can be very boring. You have to repeat the movements over and over until it becomes automatic. Many children feel that learning to type is a punishment.
