Welcome, rock ‘n’ rollers! This free printable worksheet is the very first step of Dance Mat Typing. It introduces the home row keys — a s d f for your left hand and j k l ; for your right — starting with the all-important f and j. It is perfect for complete beginners, young typists, and any child meeting the keyboard for the first time.
What you’ll practise
Stage 1 builds the foundation for everything that follows: the home row, where your fingers rest and return to between every keystroke. You will type f and j first, then settle all eight fingers along the row and reach for g and h with your index fingers.
- Left hand: little finger on a, ring finger on s, middle finger on d, pointing (index) finger on f — and stretching across to g.
- Right hand: pointing finger on j — and stretching across to h — middle finger on k, ring finger on l, little finger on ;.
- Technique cue: feel the little bumps on f and j with your index fingers so you can find home without looking, and tap a space with either thumb.
- Why it matters: mastering this row now means Stage 2 (e and i) and every later stage simply reach out from a position your fingers already know.
Type each line, then repeat it
Sit with your fingers on the home row and type every line below using the correct fingers. Repeat any line that feels tricky.
- ffffffffjjjjjjjj
- fdsajkl;fdsajkl;
- a as ask asks all
- ask dad; ask dad;
- a;sldkfjgh
- fdsafgf jkl;jhj
- dash dash dash dash
- a flash lass had a glass
- all fall hall all fall hall
How to use this printable worksheet
Print the worksheet and sit comfortably before you begin. Good habits started here last a lifetime.
- Sit up straight with both feet flat on the floor and the sheet beside the keyboard.
- Place all eight fingers on the home row — left on a s d f, right on j k l ; — and check the index fingers feel the bumps on f and j.
- Type each line on the sheet, watching that every key is struck with the correct finger rather than glancing down at the keyboard.
- Repeat any line that feels awkward, especially the g and h stretches, until your hands return to home naturally.
- When typing the whole row feels easy and relaxed, move on to Stage 2.