This is a suggested routine from the Bumpy Keys team, not a required timetable. Use the steps that suit your child, repeat a step when it helps, and stop before practice becomes a struggle.
Your first five minutes
- Make room. Put the keyboard within comfortable reach. Let your child sit in a position where they can reach the keys without stretching.
- Find the bumps. Ask them to feel the small marks on F and J. Put the left pointer on F and the right pointer on J.
- Take turns. Say “F”, then “J”. Give them time to find each key; looking is fine.
- Play a short lesson. In Bumpy Keys, follow the finger picture and finish a lap.
- Notice a win. “You found J with that finger!” is more useful here than asking how fast they went.
A first week you can adapt
| Session | Try this | Look for |
|---|---|---|
| 1: Find two keys | Explore F and J, then play one short lesson. | Recognizing the two keys and their fingers. |
| 2: Repeat a familiar lap | Start with the same keys before adding another. | A little less searching, without pressure. |
| 3: Add one small step | Follow the next lesson if the previous one feels comfortable. | Reaching from a familiar position and returning. |
| 4: Practise a tricky key | Slow down and repeat the key that caused slips. | Accuracy improving at the child's own pace. |
| 5: Celebrate and choose | Replay a favourite lap or try the next lesson. | Wanting to come back for another session. |
Five minutes is a useful starting point for this routine, not a target to enforce. A tired child may prefer one lap. An interested child may want more. If a session feels difficult, return to a familiar lesson or stop for the day.
Which device should you use?
- Chromebook or laptop: start in the browser with the built-in keyboard. The Chromebook guide explains installation and saved progress.
- iPad: the app supports on-screen play and physical keyboards. A screen can help with finding letters; use physical keys when practising on the keyboard your child will use for schoolwork.
- Mac: use the browser or the Mac app. Pick one place for regular practice because progress is stored locally.
You can start with equipment you already have. A new keyboard is not a prerequisite for trying a lesson.
What if they use the wrong finger?
Point to the finger cue, demonstrate once, and let them try again slowly. Avoid turning every press into a correction. If the position is uncomfortable, pause and adjust the setup. Do not force a reach that hurts.
When should they move on?
Use a few observations: can they find the familiar keys, follow the cue, and finish without becoming frustrated? If so, try the next lesson. If not, repeat something familiar. A fixed words-per-minute target is not needed for this first week.
What is free in Bumpy Keys?
All 100 typing lessons are free in Puppy Park and Dino Dash. An optional one-time purchase opens the other worlds and racers; it does not gate later lessons. Browser purchases and native iPad/Mac purchases are separate. Teachers can request free classroom access.
Keep the next session easy to start
Bookmark the game, use the same browser profile or app, and keep a printable progress chart nearby. Ask “Which lap shall we try?” rather than starting with a score.
For younger beginners, see typing in kindergarten. For a class, use the classroom setup plan.
The real game, in your browser. Nothing to install, no accounts. All 100 lessons are free in two worlds. Also on iPad and Mac.