Best 5 websites for kids to learn how to touch type
Does your child struggle to get the hang of touch typing? Or simply just want to be able to work at a faster pace? These issues can be easily solved with some practice on touch typing web programs. The best typing applications help your kids learn correct finger-to-key movement.
Experts understand that it might be a little intimidating for children to look at the whole sea of letters and numbers on the keyboard. To that end, they have come up with fun and inventive ways for students to get to grips with the keys. Some parents opt for typing tutors, some use typing programs. Let us introduce, our 5 favourite touch typing programs that children (and adults) can use.
1. Typing Club
Typing club is simple and easy to use. The aim is to work your way up to 100 words a minute. There are instructional videos, challenging games and anchoring lessons that ensure that students place their hands correctly on the keyboard. This program trains students to never look down at the keyboard, whilst giving you guidance on proper finger positioning. Can be used by individuals or schools. Available in 9 languages.
2. Typeracer
Typeracer is a web application that gets typists racing each other, typing quote from books, movies, and songs at speed. You can practice alone, or you can race other people who have approximately the same speed. If you are of a competitive nature this may be the typing program that will appeal to you. There aren’t any explanations but you can put what you’ve learnt into practice!
BBC’s Dance Mat Typing is split into four levels of play. Each lesson builds on what you have learnt in the previous lesson, adding new letters bit by bit. There is a small test at the end of every level and a small reward when you've completed each level. This program is pitched at primary school students.
4. Typing Instructor for Kids 5.0
We like Typing Instructor because of the way it has taken typing to a whole new level, making it super fun and enjoyable for children. The Typing Instructor can be used by children who are as young as six years old. It is also appropriate for children with learning difficulties because of its special features and dozens of graduated typing lessons and games. One of the most outstanding features of the Typing Instructor is the sound features and its unique curriculum that most similar programs do not have. It has sound features that enable you to select sounds that will play whenever your kid strikes an incorrect key. The software also boasts great visual guides and virtual hands that help to teach your kid the correct finger positions and movements. It costs £3 to try for a week.
5. Ratatype
Ratatype is very simple and easy to use. On the website you can do typing tests which give you your word per minute speed. It is also possible to make groups with friends and classmates.
Make typing a fun and enjoyable experience for your child by installing any of the above typing programs for them. It is helpful to get good typing habits early, so that when students get more computer assignments to do at home, they are ready. The programs are meant to motivate and help your children to become typing gurus who confidently take on challenges at the keyboard.
Interested in reading more about children and technology? Try reading our blog post on our how ipads impact children’s development. We also have online resources for primary school children.
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