TOUCH TYPING AND DYSLEXIA

My son recently broke his finger,unfortunately !! Not only did it put a stop all to sporting activities ,he also couldn’t write !! As part of his school assignment for the holidays he has to write a diary.Since he can’t write by hand I have encouraged him to write his diary ‘one fingered’ on the computer !!! This has prompted me to research typing tutor programmes available ….

In a world which is now geared to computers it is an advantage if students learn to touch type properly. In addition ,for a dyslexic child good word processing skills can be a life saver !! Computer skills will especially be useful to your son or daughter as they get older, for longer assignments that they will have to do in school, college or university.

It is best if children start to learn early how to touch type, before any bad habits develop.

There is a wide range of typing tutor programmes available ,for all ages, some of which are free.Mavis Beacon is a widely used and well known programme.

Learning to touch type does take quite a bit of time and effort. You could get your child to practice keyboarding skills approximately 10 minutes a day, especially during the holidays.

Some useful information about typing programmes:

Reviews : Typing Tutors - an article from iansyst.Ltd
An overview of typing tutors that are particularly suitable for use with children and adults who have dyslexia.

http://www.dyslexic.com/typing

The British Dylexia Association BDA has a useful article about keyboard awareness and typing skills :

http://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/about-dyslexia/it-information/keyboard-awareness-and-typing-skills.html

AbilityNet is a national charity helping disabled adults and children use computers and the internet by adapting and adjusting their technology.

For a useful factsheet from AbilityNet called :
Keyboarding and Touch Typing for Children ( pdf)

Go to : http://www.abilitynet.org.uk/athome_factsheets

‘Kids Software Reviews : Typing programs’
A resource for choosing a typing programme.

http://www.superkids.com/aweb/pages/reviews/typing/


Here are two typing tutor programmes which teach in a fun way and that are aimed at kids :

Nessy Fingers uses the alphabet to teach keyboard skills unlike other typing tutors that start with the 'home row'. It is particularly suitable for young children. A free demo download is available.

www.nessyfingers.co.uk


Dance Mat Typing is a free online typing tutorial from the BBC.It has fun characters and voices which will appeals to younger children.

www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing