Keyboarding for the Christian School (Elementary Version) - A Review

Product: Keyboarding for the Christian School (Elementary Version)

Price: $12.95

Company: Christian Keyboarding (Leanne Beitel)

Order Information: Christiankeyboarding.com

Other Products are available including -
Keyboarding for the Christian School
Columns 2003 or Columns 2007
Tables 2003 or Tables 2007
Teacher Tools

Brief Overview:
This program is an instant download that teaches typing skills using Biblical-based references for copywork.

In-Depth Look:
I received Keyboarding for the Christian School (6th grade and up) and the Keyboarding for the Christian School Elementary Version (K-5th grade) for the purpose of reviewing. Since my daughters are in 2nd and 5th grade, I chose to work with the Elementary Version.

I took a typing class in junior high, back when we learned typing on a typewriter...not on a personal computer. I remember looking at my book and copying the work onto the typewriter. That is basically what this program is. It isn't an online program with bells and whistles. It is a printable ebook with copywork to teach your child proper keyboarding skills and to give them practice in transferring information from paper to the computer. I think this is a good skill to learn...not only the proper typing technique, but also the ability to type from paper.

The Elementary Version is a cute pdf file, with a little ladybug named Mable as the mascot. Each lesson has a Bible verse at the top, but several are repeats based on the topics being learned. For example, all the lessons about numbers begin with Matthew 10:30 "And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered."

The first section of the program is made up of 2-page lessons that introduce new letters step by step, with a built-in review. For example, Lesson 7 introduces the E and I keys. Then it reviews A, ;, G, H, E, and I. Then there is a short section of typing "real" words using those letters, such as sad, fed, and deal.

The next section moves onto symbols and numbers. At the beginning of the book, the words that the children type are random based on the letters that have been introduced. But as all the letters have been introduced, it moves from random words to Christian character builders such as "So is My Word that goes out from My mouth: It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."

Not all keyboards have a number pad, such as the laptop that I am using right now. But many pc keyboards, as well as adding machines use number pads. So Christian Keyboarding has several lessons on that.

Once all the keys are mastered, the program moves onto other skills such as
Horizontal and Vertical Centering
Enumerated Lists
Timed Writings

The tasks include typing
How to have a Personal Relationship with God
An assortment of Psalms

An index at the end breaks down all the tasks by page numbers for easy reference.

My 11 year old doesn't enjoy using the program. But she doesn't mind too much and is learning from it. She is able to do the lessons without any assistance.

My 7 year old is also using it and learning from it, but she actually enjoys using it. She thinks it is fun to look at me while typing, to prove to me that she can do it without looking at the keyboard. I do help my 7 year old with her lessons.

The company has some sample pages available on their site.

They also have a special right now.

Need a Coupon to start the year right? Type NewYear5 in the Discount Code section for $5 off of your purchase of $12.95 or more available until February 28, 2010!

2010 NEW YEAR SPECIAL: Purchase both the Keyboarding for the Christian School, Revised Edition and the Elementary Edition for only $22! Yes, this is a big savings! So, purchase your e-books now for only $22 for both typing books!

Christian Keyboarding is offering a special homeschool teaching package, Homeschool Teaching Package which contains the revised version of Keyboarding for the Christian School, Teacher Tools, and lessons Romans Road Enumeration and Columns (2003 and 2007), for a low price of $27. This is a huge savings for you! Just ordering the keyboarding book, teacher tools and the lessons separately is normally $34.85. You get to save $7.85 (over 22%) off our low prices! If you are with a private school, please click on the credit card icon.

If you are interested in the Keyboarding for the Christian School (6th grade and up), you can download the table of contents on this page (it is near the bottom).

I feel that this is a good solid program that will work, while helping your child to keep God's word in their heart.

To see other crew members' reviews, click here.

Disclaimer: I received Keyboarding for the Christian School and the Elementary Version free of charge to review, as part of the TOS Homeschool Crew. The above is just my opinion. Please remember that opinions may, and do, vary.