Touch typing lesson 3: s, a, l, ;

Keys and finger movements

Keyboard layout: English US.

This lesson uses the outer home-row keys. Let the ring and little fingers press their own keys. Use a light touch, especially when punctuation shares a key with a letter.

• Left ring finger: Place it on S.
• Right ring finger: Place it on L.
• Left little finger: Place it on A.
• Right little finger: Place it on ;.

Typing with little fingers

If you have not learned touch typing, using your little fingers on the keyboard may feel unfamiliar. These fingers can receive less practice when you rely on other fingers to reach their keys, so learning the movements may take some time. When watching someone who has not learned touch typing, you may notice them using other fingers for keys assigned to the little fingers.

Typing with little fingers can initially be tiring, especially if they are not accustomed to typing. If typing causes pain, stop and take a break.

Regular breaks give your hands time to rest; gentle stretching and finger movements can also provide a change from repeated keystrokes. Pay attention to comfort and allow time for rest as you practice, rather than continuing through pain in an effort to improve your typing.

When a little-finger key feels awkward, slow down that reach. Do not move the index finger across the keyboard to avoid it.