Can you type faster than a 3rd grader? ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) and WVDE Technology standards emphasize the empowered learner. Learning proper keyboarding skills is the gateway to empowerment from letter recognition to emailing, online courses, remote learning platforms such as Schoology, coding, programming, State Summative Assessments, etc.

Keyboarding is a multisensory muscle memory approach to teach and re-enforce phonics, sight words, sound and letter mapping skills, spelling, concentration, and focus. Muscle memory frees cognitive skills essential for creating quality work, unlike the hunt and peck method. Individuals with learning differences, ADHD, ADD, apraxia, dyslexia, orthopedic and vision impairments and other disabilities gain equity, access, and empowerment upon learning proper keyboarding skills.

PCES and NMS 3rd grade teachers joined WCS Technology Integration Specialists Mary Ann Young and Sadonna Kimble to integrate proper home row keyboarding skills through an engaging, cross-curricular, and standards-based Kentucky Derby unit. Virtual field trips to Church Hill Downs and the Kentucky Derby Museum, study of the Emancipation Proclamation, stem, fractions, multiplication, perimeter, area, speed, accuracy, literacy, research, Microsoft One Drive, career exploration and creating Church Hill Downs with Minecraft: Education Edition were key activities, skills, and standards covered.

Horses raced to the winner’s circle according to student’s individualized Typing Club data. The Typing Derby ended in true Kentucky Derby fashion by creating derby hats, fascinators, snacks, and special derby horses!

Empowerment, collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking skills were also evidenced in our WCTEC Simulated Workplace. Mr. Starkey, welding instructor, donated 200 horseshoes and guided his senior welding students to create 100 marketable horseshoe picture frames. Each 3rd grade student received a frame with an attached winner’s circle polaroid picture. Mrs. Young and Mrs. Kimble would like to thank our senior welders for creating this heartfelt gift. Special thanks to Mr. and Mrs. McPherson, Mrs. Chambers, Mrs. Pritchard, Mr. Starkey, Mr. Roger Kimble, Mrs. Shepard, Mrs. Christy, Mrs. Kay, Mrs. Riggle, Mr. Vigliotti, Mrs. Steele, Mrs. Trader, Mrs. Barcus, WCS BOE Members, WCS Interim Superintendent, Tammy Wells, county office staff, and Alena Littleton, owner of Subway Riverside Plaza for her generous donation.

Empowering learners and racing horses one typing test at a time!