Teach kids to touch type

Computer Active (22-3 to 4-4-2007) reports that the TUC has called on the Government to introduce typing and keyboard skills into schools to prevent repetitive strain injury (RSI). In 2004/2005 nearly 375000 people suffered from RSI, which can be caused by poor typing skills.

"Despite the reality that most people are more likely these days to use a computer to write a document than a pen, school children are not routinely being taught how to type," said TUC general secretary Brendan Barber.

Add the health benefits to the necessity to have strong typing skills, touch typing now surely has to become a focus for all primary schools. I regularly get frustrated by the slow typing speed of children in Year Six. I think that children should be taught earlier. I have been told that touch typing is like riding a bike - you never forget. Once you have learned it will stay with you forever. Reading and writing on paper and screen is one of the new elements of the new Literacy Framework.

When my school amalgamates with the infants, I plan to introduce a touch typing course to Year Two and Three. Does that sound about the right age? Does anyone have any thoughts about how touch typing can be taught in primary schools?