Touch typing lesson 16: a→z, s→x, l→.

Keys and finger movements

Keyboard layout: English US.

For the lower letter row, move the assigned finger down from its home key. Keep your wrist in line with your forearm and give the finger room to move.

• Left ring finger: Move from S to X, then return to S.
• Right ring finger: Move from L to ., then return to L.
• Left little finger: Move from A to Z, then return to A.

Touch typing games

Touch typing games turn keyboard practice into a game. A related idea, gamification, uses game elements in activities that are not games, such as regular lessons. Scores and completed levels show what you have achieved within the game. As you work towards a higher typing speed, you can set yourself specific goals and follow your progress.

Completing a level or improving your score can give a sense of accomplishment. Typing games, such as those offered by AgileFingers, provide an enjoyable variation on typing exercises. You still repeat keypresses, but they become part of the game's tasks.

Letters or words appear alongside the graphics, and typing them controls what happens in the game. You can practice your keyboard skills while playing and see how well you handle the letters or words on screen. Touch typing games can make practicing a useful skill entertaining and help you stay interested in practice.

Choose a game difficulty that leaves time to use the intended fingers. If you start guessing keys, return to a slower exercise.