Read, Write, Type software

Yes, the old read, write and type by the learning co.(now defunct) is excellent and may be found in discount bargain bins; my kids’ school uses Sunburst’s Type to Learn for grades 1-5 and we use it at home as well…it’s mostly drills and works well.

Just my two cents worth as a computer teacher and a part time reading teacher…forget keyboarding until the kids are in 3rd and 4th grade. Let them have fun on the computer till then. I do have my young students typing short sentences on software such as Kid Pix or any word processing program but only so they get used to the keyboard. I always have my K-2 students type their names each class period so they can get used to the keyboard. I show them the shift key, return, delete, the period, space bar and question mark. But keyboarding for little ones is boring and to me a waste of time.

I use Type to Learn 3 for 3rd grade and up and I would even suggest it with 1st and 2nd graders if you felt it was necessary to start formalized typing so young.. But why? Let them use drawing programs, I Spy, Jump Start, Baily’s Book House, etc.

I find at my school TTL3 is most appealing to the 4th and 5th graders and they will stay with it the longest and seem to enjoy it.

A typing program that is used in thousands of schools across US and Canada is All The Right Type 3. There is a ‘home’ edition which has the same lesson plans as the schools and the schools are recommending the kids get it for home practice. The program is excellent for young kids to adults. It also has a select field so the kids can use ‘games’ as a way to learn to type. For example, one is a boat race where the kids race against another boat by typing correctly and quickly.
There is also a switch that lets you switch the print to ‘large’ font for those who have a vision problem.
Truly an excellent way to learn!
You can order through the web site www.ingenuityworks.com or call us at 1-800-665-0667 ext. 1440 and leave a message. We will contact you for credit card info.

I agree, it’s too early to begin formal keyboarding. However, we do use Read, Write, and Type in our grades 2 and 3. However, in grade 2 we only expect the students to use 2 hands and to use their thumbs for the space bar. They aren’t ready to do more. We begin formal teaching in grade 4.

My five year old used this program last summer. He didn’t learn to type really—his hands aren’t big enough. But he loved it and he learned all his letter sounds. He is now reading. His older brother, age 9, was successfully using it to learn to type and he wanted to get in on the action.

Beth