Learning to spell is a fundamental skill for writing. However, we are now in an age where most writing is typed. And, as a result, corrected by that very helpful auto-correct tool.
Many argue that our reliance on technology to help us out has created a society of bad spellers. And unfortunately, it’s down to us teachers to fix this.
Well, do not fear, Keyboard Spelling is here to help!
Keyboard Spelling is a cool teaching resource that aims to help students learn their spelling words while also developing their typing skills. The resource is a modern twist on learning to spell.
Physical movements, such as handwriting, help the brain store memory. And repetition converts memories from short-term to long-term memories. That’s why many spelling activities are often repetitive handwritten tasks.
However, since most written communication is now typed, it seems logical to practise storing those motor memories in typewritten form too. Keyboard Spelling helps to do just that.
Great for literacy lessons as a spelling starter, the paper keyboard will help develop students writing fluency by improving their spelling and typing speed.
How to Use Keyboard Spelling:
- First, students must write their spelling words in the text bubbles.
- They should then practise typing each spelling word 3 times onto the keyboard printed at the bottom of the sheet.
Extension Activities and Fun Ideas:
❇️ Why not start collecting old keyboards that can be used for spelling typing practise in the classroom? Using a real keyboard will make the activity more appealing and engaging.
❇️ Old keyboards are also a great addition to a role-play area. Set-up an office in your classroom, fill it with spelling word prompts and students can practise spelling while they office-play.
❇️ The principle behind Keyboard Spelling makes it a great cross-curricular activity. Familiarising themselves with a keyboard and learning to type and is an important IT skill for students. Therefore, teachers could use this activity during IT lessons. Using a keyboard attached to a working computer will bring the activity to life and give it real-life purpose. Plus, for students, seeing their spelling words appear in-front of them as they type, will help store visual memories as well as motor memories.
❇️ IT lessons are an accident waiting to happen. Often, technology fails, and students are sitting around waiting for problems to be fixed. With this in mind, it is always useful to have a back-up plan and one that makes effective use of learning time. Therefore, when the computers fail or the laptops haven’t been charged, consider using Keyboard Spelling as an educational time filler.
❇️ Finally, if you want to make the paper keyboard more like a true computer keyboard, use some Blu Tack and place it on the F and J. This will help simulate a computer keyboard as the raised bumps found on F and J are important when learning to touch-type.
The KEYBOARD SPELLING activity is available at our latest freebies page. All free resources are updated fortnightly. If this freebie is not available visit HERE to grab the latest free resource on us!
Never miss a classroom activity we create. The KEYBOARD SPELLING activity has been added to the Lizard Learning Club PLUS Membership.
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