Week 4: Top row: reaching index and ring fingers

Last week you practiced the middle of the top row. This week the keys move further to the side. Your index fingers stretch a little more to reach t and y, and your ring fingers reach upward to w and o. The goal is to make these longer reaches without disturbing the position of your hands.

What you will learn

This week introduces four new keys:

• t: left index finger
• y: right index finger
• w: left ring finger
• o: right ring finger

Your left index finger reaches up and to the right from f to t. Your right index finger reaches up and to the left from j to y. Your left ring finger reaches up from s to w, and your right ring finger reaches up from l to o.

Technique tips

• Bend the finger at its knuckles to make the reach, not at the wrist. If your wrist stays still, your hand stays in place.
• t and y sit in the middle of the top row, so they cause many mistakes. If you hit the wrong key, bring the finger back and try the reach again.
• Ring fingers are often weaker than the index fingers. Press with light, controlled pressure instead of forcing the key.
• After each reach, return the finger to its home key. The home row is the starting point for every movement.

Lessons

1. Lesson 1, learn (10–15 minutes): Watch the keyboard demo for t, y, w and o. Press each one with its correct finger and repeat the drills.
2. Lesson 2, practice (10–15 minutes): Type short words that mix the new keys with the ones you already know. Write each letter carefully.
3. Lesson 3, review (10–15 minutes): Repeat the keys that give you the most trouble, then finish with the 2-minute test.

This week’s goal

Reach 14 WPM and 91% accuracy. Finishing the lessons earns 1 star. Reaching 91% accuracy earns 2 stars. Reaching 14 WPM as well earns 3 stars. For longer reaches, accuracy comes before speed. A slower, clean pace will carry you further than a fast one full of errors.