Keyboard - lesson 1
The home row of the keyboard is the most important to the touch-typist.
When at rest the typist's fingers are positioned, lightly, on the A-S-D-F keys for theleft hand, and the J-K-L-; keys for the right hand.
- The left index finger will control theF and G keys, the right index finger will control the J and Hkeys.
- The left middle finger will control theD key, the right middle finger will control the K key.
- The left ring finger will control theS key, the right ring finger will control the L key.
- The left little finger will control theA key, the right little finger will control the ; key.
- The spacebar is controlled by theright thumb.
| LEFT HAND | RIGHT HAND | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LF | RF | MF | IF | IF | IF | IF | MF | RF | LF |
| A | S | D | F | G | H | J | K | L | ; |
The F and J keys often have small raised bumps on their tops, a tactile aid for the typist.
The locations of all the other keys on the keyboard are learned in relation to these home keys so the touch-typist must be able to find the home keys by touch.
Using the raised bumps on the F and Jkeys as a guide, see if you can put your fingers on the home row correctly, without looking at the keyboard. No peeking.
Make sure you are sitting up straight, your feet flat on the floor. Keep your elbows close to your body, your wrists straight and your forearms level, and remember - take regular breaks.
When you are ready to begin, select an exercise and strike the key requested. Try not to look at the keyboard. It will be difficult at first but as the exercise progresses you will find it becomes easier and your fingers will begin to move without you consciously deciding which finger is associated with which key.
You may find it helpful to quietly say the name of the key as you strike it.
Don't let your mistakes cause you to lose heart, touch typing is a skill that can be learned by practice.
Repeat each exercise at least three times.