The shy letters q, z, x and j hide in very few words.
The big ideaOne sentence can use all twenty-six letters. Type it slowly and right.
How it works
One sentence can use all twenty-six letters of the alphabet: jackdaws love my big sphinx of quartz.
A short sentence such as I like my big dog leaves most of the letters out.
When you type Jack's sentence, you touch every letter key, even the shy ones.
Q, z, x and j are shy letters, because they hide in very few words. Short words such as quiz, box, jam and zoo help you practice them.
Typing jackdaws love my big sphinx of quartz touches every letter key.
Example 1: Grandad's sentence in pieces
Type jackdaws love.
Type my big sphinx.
Type of quartz.
Then type the whole sentence: jackdaws love my big sphinx of quartz.
Go slowly, because getting it right matters most.
Example 2: Words with the shy letters
Quiz uses q and z.
Box and fox use x.
Jam and jug use j.
Zoo uses z.
The shy letters: Q, Z, X and J.
Example 3: Three lines that cover the alphabet
Type quiz jump box.
Type wavy flag yes.
Type thick drink craft.
Between them, these three lines hold every letter.
Example 4: Which sentence has every letter
I like my big dog uses only a few letters, so most squares stay empty.
Jackdaws love my big sphinx of quartz fills every square.
So Grandad's is the sentence with every letter.
Words to know
shy letters
Q, z, x and j, which hide in very few words.
jackdaw
A black bird that loves shiny things.
sphinx
A stone statue with a lion's body.
quartz
A shiny stone that sparkles.
Watch out
The shy letters are hard to find, so take your time and use the right finger.
Q and z are typed by the left pinky, x by the left ring finger and j by the right pointer.
A sphinx is a stone statue with a lion's body, and quartz is a shiny stone.
Try it
Which sentence uses every letter: I like my big dog, or Jackdaws love my big sphinx of quartz?
Which word has the letter q in it: quiz or zoo?
Name two of the shy letters.
When you type Jack's sentence, do you touch every letter key?
Answers: 1. Jackdaws love my big sphinx of quartz · 2. quiz · 3. Any two of q, z, x and j · 4. Yes
Try at homeType: jackdaws love my big sphinx of quartz. Go slowly and keep your fingers home. Then make up a silly sentence of your own and read it to a grown-up.
For grown-upsType Jack's sentence at a real keyboard together, slowly, and then let your child make up a silly sentence of their own to read to you.
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