Kids Keyboarding Glossary
Simple, kid-friendly definitions, fun examples, and why each term matters for your typing journey.
📊Metrics Terms
Essential definitions for understanding metrics:
WPM (Words Per Minute)
The standard measurement of how many words a person can type in sixty seconds.
CPM (Characters Per Minute)
The total number of individual letters, symbols, and spaces typed in one minute.
Typing Accuracy
The percentage of correctly typed keystrokes compared to the total number of keystrokes pressed.
Keystroke
A single press and release of any button on the keyboard.
⌨️Keys Terms
Essential definitions for understanding keys:
Home Row
The middle row of letter keys (ASDF JKL;) where your 8 fingers rest.
Spacebar
The wide, horizontal bar at the very bottom of the keyboard used to add blank spaces between words.
Backspace Key
The key at the top right of the keyboard that erases letters to the left of the cursor.
Enter Key (Return)
The key that moves the cursor to a new line or submits an answer.
Shift Key
The modifier key used to create CAPITAL letters and top symbol characters (!, @, #, ?).
Number Row
The top horizontal row of keys containing digits 1 through 0 and punctuation symbols.
Function Keys (F1–F12)
The row of special keys along the very top of a keyboard that trigger software shortcuts.
🖐️Technique Terms
Essential definitions for understanding technique:
Touch Typing
Typing by muscle memory without ever looking down at the keyboard.
Keyboarding
The skill of operating a computer keyboard effectively to enter text and commands.
Finger Placement
The precise rule assigning each of your 10 fingers to its own specific keys.
Typing Rhythm (Cadence)
Maintaining a steady, musical beat between keystrokes rather than frantic erratic bursts.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Special combinations of two or more keys pressed together to perform actions quickly.
Continue Keyboarding Progression
Continue your learning journey with contextual practice drills, lessons, and games: