Whether or not to cover a student's hands while they type is a personal teaching decision. While some programs recommend hiding the keyboard from the start, TTRS encourages a flexible approach that supports each learner's individual needs.
The goal is to help students develop muscle memory and confidence gradually, without creating unnecessary frustration.
In the beginning
When students first start learning to type, they often lack the physical awareness to instinctively know where their fingers are on the keyboard.
This awareness develops over time. In the early stages, allowing students to glance at their fingers using their peripheral vision can help them build the brain connections and muscle memory needed for touch-typing.
Being too strict about covering the hands (particularly with younger learners) may lead to unnecessary frustration.
Encouraging progress
With gentle and consistent encouragement to look at the screen instead of the keyboard, most students will naturally begin to rely less on visual cues as their confidence grows.
Some learners also enjoy challenging themselves by closing their eyes to see if they can type a word, a line, or even an entire module without looking. This can reinforce the importance of correct finger positioning.
Remind students that the small raised bumps on the F and J keys are designed to help them locate the correct home position by touch alone.
Keyboard cover options
If you decide to use a keyboard cover, there are plenty of affordable and practical options available, including:
Rubber keyboard skins that fit over the keys
Metal or wooden keyboard covers
DIY covers made from a cereal box
A small hand towel placed over the hands
A sheet of paper taped to the back of the keyboard with masking tape
Keep in mind that some students may find it distracting or uncomfortable if the cover touches the backs of their hands.
Another option is to remove or paint over the key labels, although this is a permanent solution that makes the keyboard difficult for anyone who does not already touch-type.
Additional tactile aids
If a student struggles to locate a particular key or key combination, try placing a small piece of Blu Tack or reusable putty on the key. The raised texture can make it easier for them to find the correct position by touch while developing their muscle memory.
Every learner develops touch-typing skills at their own pace. Focus on encouraging steady progress rather than perfection, and choose the approach that best supports your student's confidence and long-term success.