What are the expected typing goal for a fourth grader?
Since students will come into a typing class with varying degree of exposure to and practice with typing, typing goals should be set on an individual basis. First, students should learn to type using touch typing. Touch typing involves the specific placements of all eight fingers and both thumbs; once muscle memory is strong enough, this style allows for the typist to focus on the screen rather than the keyboard.
Once students have learned proper finger placement, they can begin to focus on typing speed and accuracy. In general, the average typist can type 41 WPM; typing at or above 57 WPM is deemed above average. It is important to note that a high WPM with low accuracy is not a desirable goal; the amount of time needed to correct typing errors should be taken into account when testing a true WPM.
An average typer should be maintaining an accuracy rate around 92%, about 8 mistakes per 100 words. To improve on accuracy, students should slow their typing to focus more on typing correctly rather than quickly. As the amount of mistakes lowers, only then should students be pushing for a higher WPM.
Begin by assessing your fourth grader’s knowledge of proper finger placement and his/her typing speed and accuracy, and then you can set a personalized goal based on that information.
Regards,
Typesy Team
Also, for grade 4, here is the Common Core keyboarding standard:
Demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills to type a minimum of one page in a single sitting
Typesy recommends 4th graders achieve 15 WPM at 90% accuracy
Hope that information is helpful.
Regards,
The Typesy Team