I just started my 5yr old son on Explode the Code online version. So far, he's enjoying it, but there are lessons that require typing in the letters to spell the word (which really surprised me to see for a program for his age level). A little frustrating for him as he's so slow at it! So I'm wondering, what age is it appropriate to begin learning to type properly, and what programs are there out there?
My son is in occupational therapy for delayed motor skills, and we were told that as soon as he's dismissed (probably next year), we should begin both typing and piano to help his strength and dexterity. We were also told to let him do video games, but I'm not sold on that idea. LOL! Here are two that have been recommended to me. We tried the first briefly, but he's not ready yet. His fingers don't move independently (he has the fine motor skills of a 2 year old). http://www.techconnect.glencoe.com/techconnect/keyboarding/start.htm http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing/
Great to know! My son is in occupational therapy as well, and I was worried that because of his motor skill delays, it would be too difficult and frustrating for him. I'll certainly give it a go! Thanks for the links! Video games - my boy is certainly a fan, and there are some out there that really aren't too bad!
I'm in the ASAP camp on typing. I was told that it would take my son longer to pick up typing because of his fine motor delays, but he didn't have much trouble - I think it was just such a relief compared to handwriting that he was happy to work on it. He was about 6 when I started giving him typing software. We went through several computer typing programs - I'd let him work on one until he was bored, and then I'd grab another from the bargain bin at the Walmart. There's lots of educational video games out there. And you can play them with your kids, together as a family.
I started my girls when they were 6. We use the Read, Write, and Type program from the company Talking Fingers. I love it! It teaches phonics while they learn to type.
My oldest used Mavis Beacon in 6th grade and now she is in ps about to begin high school and types a lot. I mean a LOT. She gets tons of practice. I plan to use it with my youngest dd as well but not until 4th grade. It just fits in my plans that way. We are still working on handwriting now and will learn cursive next year followed by typing.
i taught dd myself when she was about 7 or 8. I didn't even know you could buy a program for that. we used her verses from AWANA so we killed two birds with one stone.
My kids use Typing Instructor for Kids. They like it because it has games designed to help them practice their skills. I just have to make sure that they don't "cheat"; I sat with my son until I was certain that he would keep his fingers on the home keys and not revert back to two-finger hunting and pecking. At first, they could type faster with two-fingers than with all their fingers properly placed, so it was a temptation. With ETC, my son was also frustrated with the typing part; if a typing part is holding him back from advancing in ETC online, I'd type it for him as he says the letters.
DD uses SpongeBob typing - but the best thing was actually "chatting" with her friends (ok all her siblings) on google chat and such. Reason was because THEY knew she was slower so they wait. It also helped with reading (facebook for kids) because you have to read faster to "get into" the conversation. Jake did that when he was younger playing video games online with people - if you didn't type fast you might get shot (dh & he would play those games and stuff like dungeons and dragons).
My oldest son started a typing program when he was 6. He was struggling with handwriting so I decided to help him learn to type. He is using Roller Typing right now, but he doesn't enjoy it too much.
Has anyone had experience teaching typing to a child that is missing/deformed left fingers? I am not sure if I should just let her go with it and learn her own way on her own? or? what? I'm totally clueless here.
I taught myself how to type - so I never learned proper typing technique. However I touch-type very speedily using two fingers from each hand (my index and middle fingers) and my thumb to hit the space bar. I don't see why missing a few fingers would necessarily hold a child back in typing. I vote you let her go with it and learn her own way. Typing software can still help for developing speed, as can chatting with friends online.
Let her learn her own way......I taught myself too - I could never sit through "typing class" on a typewriter when there was a perfectly good computer 10 ft away.... to my mother's dismay (granted the woman types at the speed of light but still - I don't need that skill)
