Chris, Special Needs Teacher

I’ve found Touch-type Read and Spell is a great way of teaching typing skills while also addressing literacy difficulties. 

I am a Special Needs teacher in a primary school working with children who are 7-11 years old. I was first introduced to the program by our headteacher/principal who had been impressed with how it was used in a previous school.

Initially, students work with me so I can show them how it works and help them get started. Within a few weeks, they are confident enough to continue the course independently in other classes and at home. 

I like to cover the children’s hands with a cloth to encourage them to look at the screen rather than the keyboard. I cut up pillowcases to use for this purpose so it is a lighter more pleasant sensation for children who are particularly sensitive to touch.

The children enjoy monitoring and observing their own progress as they develop their typing skills. They love being awarded TTRS certificates for their progress and attainment! 

To ensure home use is productive, I write to parents to let them know how TTRS works and how to support children by encouraging them to log on and complete a few modules per session. 

This way most children are able to make progress quickly because they have opportunities to work on TTRS with me, in their other classes, and at home. 

As a touch-typist myself, I know the skills they are gaining will be particularly beneficial when they progress to secondary school and are already able to type quickly and accurately!