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I learned how to type when I was 16.  In typing class.  I think it was even on an actual TYPEWRITER not a computer! 

We are living in a DIFFERENT world now.  As a computer teacher I started working with the cutie pie KINDERGARTENERS getting them used to typing on the keyboards.  Granted I didn’t worry with things like keeping their tiny fingers on the home row, but it WAS widely accepted that at around 3rd to 4th grade, students should begin working on their actual Typing SKILLS. 

Kids these days are GOING to be on the computer and are GOING to be using the keyboard.  They should be taught the correct fingering EARLY to prevent those dreaded bad habits from forming, right?

I started Haylee last month on the great free site… Dance Mat Typing.  It works in stages starting with the Home Row!  It’s perfect for beginners and is lots of fun. 

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After she finished all the stages on that, she started on an actual Typing program that’s quite a bit more difficult… contrary to what you may think… Sponge Bob Typing.  :) 

{image via Top Ten Reviews}

Here’s a list of several typing games too that can help get your kiddos more familiar with the keyboard!

Right now she’s just working on her typing a few days a week in the afternoons when she has finished all her other work.

We have managed to finish up our first 9 weeks believe it or not!  So far our Video School choice has proved to be a good one.  Most of the time, she is able to completely work independently, which I L-O-V-E.  She grabs that day’s folder with all papers and assignment sheet, and follows that and what her video teacher says. 

I’m pretty horrible about keeping up with the RECORDING of her grades.  I do okay at the grading part, but then it goes into a folder to die be recorded and there it sits. 

I found a great FREE website last year for recording and average grades called Engrade… the #1 online gradebook.

I know it made my Excel Guru hubby sad that I didn’t ask him to make me a spreadsheet with formulas to the max, but at the time, this was the quick and easy fix!!  No calculators or formulas required! 

Keeping attendance records is one of our few Homeschool State Requirements. I decided to make a form I found online FUN and Cute.  Everything is more fun when it’s cute right? 

Attendance is a breeze with just one pupil, you know.

I know everyone probably has had their attendance sheets all squared away months ago, but in case anyone else is late to the party like me I’ll share it.  :) 

Here’s the word doc that you can edit, but you will not see the same fonts…

And here’s a pdf with the pretty fonts and blanks for you to write in your info old school!

Happy Homeschooling!!!  What do you do to prep your little students for the digital age?

Check out our Thrifty Homeschool Blogger Award Nomination…  :)