Why You Should Teach Typing with KidzType: A Free Touch Typing Program for Kids
Technology isn’t just part of our lives anymore; it is our lives. From schoolwork to creative writing, online research to staying connected with family, typing has become as fundamental as reading and writing. That’s exactly why teaching your kids proper typing skills early is one of the smartest moves you can make as a homeschool parent.
But here’s the question: won’t they pick it up on their own?
Sure, they might. But wouldn’t you rather they learn the right way from the start, efficiently, ergonomically, and with skills that’ll serve them for life? That’s where KidzType comes in, and the best part? It’s completely free.
What Is Touch Typing (And Why Does It Matter)?
Touch typing is the ability to type quickly and accurately without looking at the keyboard. It means using all ten fingers, keeping your hands in proper position, and letting muscle memory do the work.
Here’s why it matters:
Speed: Hunt-and-peck typists average about 35 words per minute (WPM). Touch typists? They easily hit 65+ WPM—and that’s just the average.
Health: Proper typing posture keeps your spine straight, wrists relaxed, and reduces the risk of repetitive strain injuries that come from hunching over a keyboard for hours.
Future-proofing: Nearly every job today requires typing. The earlier your child masters this skill, the more confident and efficient they’ll be in school, work, and life.
When Should You Start Teaching Typing?
Most experts recommend starting typing instruction in elementary school, typically around ages 7-10. At this age, kids’ hand-eye coordination is developed enough to handle the keyboard, and their brains are primed for building new skills.
The goal? By middle school, students should be typing at least 30 WPM with good accuracy. And here’s the good news: they don’t need hours of practice. Just 10-15 minutes a day is enough to build strong typing habits.
Starting early means your kids won’t struggle to type essays in high school while trying to organize their thoughts. They’ll type fluently, freeing up mental energy for creativity and critical thinking.
What Makes KidzType Different?
KidzType is a free online typing program designed specifically for kids, making learning fun. No boring drills. No outdated software. Just engaging, effective typing practice your kids will actually want to do.
Here’s What KidzType Offers:
Typing Lessons – Step-by-step instruction on proper hand positioning, finger placement, and letter groups. The foundation of good typing starts here.
Typing Exercises and Practice Sessions – Reinforce lessons with targeted practice on specific rows, letter combinations, and speed building. Perfect for mastering tricky keys.
- Dance Mat Typing – This is where the fun really begins. Colorful graphics, engaging characters, and entertaining sounds turn typing practice into an adventure. Kids love it.
Typing Games – Once they’ve got the basics down, kids can practice their skills with games like swimming races, vampire hunts, and UFO piloting missions. Learning disguised as play? Yes, please.
Typing Tests (via TypeDojo) – Track progress with timed typing tests that measure WPM and accuracy. Great for goal-setting and celebrating improvements. (Note: TypeDojo, KidzType’s sister site, does display ads.)
Why I Recommend KidzType for Homeschoolers
Full transparency: I was compensated for my time reviewing KidzType, but these opinions are 100% my own.
Here’s why KidzType is perfect for homeschool families:
✅ It’s completely free – No subscription fees, no hidden costs, no credit card required.
✅ No downloads needed – Everything runs in your browser. One less program cluttering your computer.
✅ High-quality and engaging – The lessons are well-designed, and the games genuinely hold kids’ attention.
✅ Easy progress tracking – You can see exactly what your child practiced, for how long, and how they’re improving over time.
✅ Kid-tested and approved – My daughter loved the games and couldn’t wait to practice. When learning feels like playing, everybody wins.
The Bottom Line
Teaching typing doesn’t have to be tedious, expensive, or time-consuming. With KidzType, your kids can build essential touch typing skills in just minutes a day, all while having a blast.
Whether you’re just starting your homeschool typing journey or looking for a better program, KidzType delivers everything you need: solid instruction, engaging practice, and real results.
Ready to get started? Head over to KidzType.com and watch your kids’ typing skills soar.
