Karolysgirl,
Is this a program that can be used with older kids in learning more "10 finger typing" skills? Tony is 12 and I have been interested in finding a program. He still has HORRIBLE writing skills and his school work is suffering. I think I am at the point I have to move him on to another form of communication.
Mary
Does anyone have any names of keyboarding programs that work well with kids on the spectrum? Since my son's writing is so difficult and tedious for him I would like to focus on getting him more keyboard friendly so he can use the computer more for his school work and for fun too.
Thanks~Merry
We use Type to Learn and the kids all seem to like it.Hi Mary and Merry,
Yes- this program teaches traditional typing skills, using the "home row" correct finger placement, and it is set for a certain speed level. When the child accurately completes the lesson at a certain speed they get a "game" like a mini video game on the screen. I would use this program to learn to type if I didn't already know how. It is appropriate through adulthood.
I have had some kids learn to type really well with this program. On the other hand, I should mention that my own son's coordination and writing are so slow that we tried typing too. His typing is just as slow as his writing, so we gave up. If this is the case for either of you, work toward legibility and make sure that accommodations for writing quantity and time for completion are in the IEP.
Sorry it took me so long to answer- I forgot to check back in at this post, thanks for bumping it.
Yes Mary, I am also interested in a program for older kids since my son is age 10. I also wanted to bump this up.Merry,
Let me know how it goes. We have had to re-install this software and have had endless trouble with new computers this year, so my current students are not my basis for sharing information about this. Even so, for the last 5 years kids have really liked it and at least one of my current students learned to type this way. In typing his writing assignments are several pages long!
I will gladly let you know as soon as I get it. I can't download as I have dial-up so I will have to contact Scholastic and have the cd sent to my home. Oh, for high-speed, but in our area it is not currently available.
I may just have to figure out a way to get the program for home use... hope its not too $$$!
Mary
Sarah wants to learn to type..just seems natural since she loves piano too:) Will the program be over her head at 6 yrs. old?
Thanks,
Shelley
If the eval has not been done yet, make sure that it includes specific tests to identify the problem. Possible suggestions: The Test of Visual Motor Integration (VMI) and the ABC Checklist. Also there is a subtest of the Woodcock Johnson IIIR that specifically assesses writing fluency.
Here are a couple of links for Type to Learn. It does not appear to be too expensive for one person usage.
http://www.scholastic.com/kids/downloads2go/productDetail.as p?productid=13&speed=broad
http://www.k12software.com/view_details.php?&ID=2808& ;gclid=CIf6s9Wx1ooCFRxSSQodTUpncQ
Hi Shelley,
I don't think it will be over her head at all, but how big are her hands? Often we wait until kids are in about 3rd grade because their little hands can't span the keyboard to reach the correct finger placement for all of the keys, which then inspires them to hunt and peck. However, if Sarah is really interested in it, and also a piano player, she would probably follow correct finger placement.