Why parents and homeschoolers love TTRS
It requires little or no parental supervision
Learners enter their log-in details, put on their headphones and listen to the built-in training guide. After the first session, most TTRS users are able to follow the program with little to no parental supervision.
It builds focus and concentration
TTRS has a distraction free interface. Modules are short enough to help learners build momentum but just the right length to keep their attention. The program also opens to the last completed module so a user can get started typing as soon as he or she signs in!
It boosts confidence and self-esteem
TTRS ask learners to correct mistakes as they go, to ensure successful completion of every module. Over time learners gain confidence as they see they are working hard and getting results. Emerging typing skills can also be a big confidence booster for online writing projects.
It doesn't look or feel like a literacy solution
Learners don't have to be aware that they are building reading and spelling skills for TTRS to work. Modules appear to focus solely on typing and that's important for many young-adults who may be sensitive about needing to use a literacy-based solution.
The whole family can use it
Because TTRS isn't just for younger learners, it's something everyone in the family can benefit from, including adults! TTRS is also a recommended solution for learners who struggle with dyslexia, dyspraxia and other specific learning differences.
How can TTRS help you and/or your family members?
Testimonials and Reviews
10/10 I wanted a typing program that would not add a lot of prep time for me. My children are able to log in to the program and do it on their own. They are both very impressive at typing now!
10/10 TTRS has had a very positive impact on my son’s reading and spelling as well as developing the skill of touch-typing. I regularly recommend the programme to other parents and teachers.
Other useful information
- Designed to teach typing and boost reading and spelling skills
- Successfully used by thousands of children and adult learners
- Easy set-up of user accounts so learners can begin right away
- Every individual works through material at his or her own pace
- Online access, no installation required, start in minutes
- PC, Mac and iPad compatible
- Unlike other courses, users are typing and hearing real words from the start
- Progress can be monitored via an administrator account
- In-app messaging facilitates goal-settings and communication with tutors
- Lessons divided into bite-sized modules, to encourage a step-by-step approach
- Positive feedback built in, certificates of achievement, and online honour roll
- Unlimited 24/7 support, video tutorials to help with program orientation
How does Touch-type Read and Spell work?
TTRS is modular in design and contains 24 levels with 31 modules in each level. A module typically takes a few minutes to complete. Student success is encouraged by immediate feedback and positive reinforcement. This feedback includes a score that appears at the end of each module.
The course starts with students learning to touch-type, read and spell the vowels - " a , e , i , o , u ". The audio track accompanies the letters as they appear on screen, reinforcing sound-letter correspondence, which is a crucial skill for sounding out words in reading. The student then receives their first score - and success!
In the second module, the student is introduced to words through "onset and rime". For example - fed, wed, led. This teaches phonics in context and at the same time the student is learning how to touch-type. With repetition, these words move from short-term to long-term memory.
Every 5th module is a dictation module that removes the visual element encouraging the student to listen to the words and then type out what they hear. This reinforces the words introduced in the previous four modules. It also develops spelling by testing sound-letter mapping skills.
Some students with dyslexia have problems with their short-term memory. Repetition is a way of “over-learning” which can help with these problems. TTRS uses a multi-sensory approach to repetition learning.
Through the multi-sensory approach, students hear the words using headphones, see the words printed on the screen, and are prompted as to which fingers to press via the on-screen keyboard.
Finally, through the sense of touch, they type out the words and learn to “spell with their fingers”.
For over 25 years, TTRS has offered a comprehensive touch-typing course based on a structured program of phonics. The program aims to build literacy skills and increase confidence and self-esteem in users as they master the art of keyboarding. Because it takes a multi-sensory approach to tuition, TTRS is also suitable for users who struggle with physical impairments and specific learning difficulties, like dyslexia.
Touch-Type Read and Spell (TTRS) is based on exercises taken from the classic book 'Alpha to Omega' by Beve Hornsby, Frula Shear and Julie Pool, with acknowledgments to the pioneering work of Anne Gillingham, Bessie Stillman and Samuel Orton in the US, and its UK implementation by Sally Childs.
TTRS is established in thousands of primary and secondary schools worldwide in the State and Private Sector, Colleges, Homes, Prisons, Community and Literacy Programs.
TTRS was established in 1992 with the kind help and assistance of: the Rev. Dr. Jessica Aidley; Jean Hutchins of the British Dyslexia Association Computer Committee; Marjorie Lishman of the London Borough of Bexley Advisory Service; Brother Matthew Sasse; Irene Heskett; Pam Morley and The North Kent Dyslexia Association; Dr. Beve Hornsby of the Hornsby International Dyslexia Centre.
Winner ERA 2017 - Special Education Resource
“... A simple idea that is very well executed. Having a strong theoretical background, with a clean interface and lots of flexibility in its presentation that can be configured to individual needs. A welcome update to a tried and tested resource.
to grade level. She now has the confidence to sound out words, spell and read out loud.