Teaching typing: how do you know when it's time, and how do you pick a program?

[Colleen in NS]

I learned to type in high school, so when I see that kids here are learning much younger than that, I wonder why. So, how do you decide when it's time to teach typing to your child? Is there any benefit in waiting a little longer, like til high school or 7th or 8th grade? Or is it more beneficial to teach them when they are younger?

Then, how in the world do you decide what typing program to use? I don't remember the books we used in typing class, so I have no reference, except for what I see recommended in WTM. But then I see free typing programs online, so just how do you know what to pick?? Are there differences I should know about between free and paid-for programs?

Trivial questions in light of other things, but I've wondered about this for awhile. :)

[Sue in St Pete]

I also learned as a sophomore in high school, but ds is typing a bit with email and the computer games, so I'm thinking in 7th or 8th grade. I'd love to hear others answers too.

I figure it's better to teach him earlier and correctly that wait until later when he's already doing it wrong. We never taught him to print properly in the beginning, and now we are having to remediate. So, get them young and teach them right is my philosophy for typing.

[Baseballmom]

My 12 yo ds has co-op assignments that have to be typed. I am tired of typing his papers for him, so I decided to teach him how to do it himself. My 8 yo. ds is just doing it because he wants to. He actualy thinks it is fun.

[WTMCassandra]

My children are 11 and 9, and I'm having them start now. They are working through Mavis Beacon (it has both "adult" and "child" settings). The child setting includes some games. I am hoping that they will gain proficiency through the logic stage and *be* proficient by the beginning of the rhetoric stage.

I chose whatever program would work on the Macintosh. Smile. One works on typing while the other practices piano, and then they switch. This was the only way I could think of to fit it into our schedule.

Hope this helps.

[NicksMama-Zack's Mama Too]

:o

My 11yo learned when he was 8 or so.

[cajun.classical]

I started Typing with my 5th grader this year with Typing Instructor Deluxe for Kids. Since we use Classical WRiting, I hoped that typing could speed up the writing process. He still hasn't gotten fast enough to type his papers faster than he can write them, but he's getting there.

[Suzanne in ABQ]

My 11yodd is using Typing Instructor for Kids as well. She isn't very enthusiastic, but she's doing well.

8yods tried, but was just too frustrated. I'm gonna hold off on him.

FYI, we tried SpongeBob Typing, The kids didn't like the graphic fingers on the keyboard because they're curved to the side. It's difficult to follow the curved fingers to see which letter/key they're pressing. They like TIK because the fingers on the graphic point straight up.

[Arch At Home]

We started typing with my dc were 7, 5, and 3. They are using Sponge Bob Typing. I chose it because it was cheap and I thought that they would enjoy the games. It took a while to get enough typing skill to do the games but now the kids spend a lot of time on the games increasing accuracy and speed.

The advantage to starting early is that they are not learning bad habits as they spend time on the computer. The oldest is currently doing Calvert Spelling 3rd grade this year, this skill is being reinforced. The youngest is using it as a means to learn his letters. He hasn't yet started real touch typing but demands his time.

[MIch elle]

using Typing Tutor (ds gr. 5 is still using it). My dc begin writing/composition in grade 5 because it's easier to begin slowly learning to type while writing/typing short compositions than long ones, and they don't get into bad habits. Along with typing they learn to use MS Word and Google images to cut, paste and size pictures onto their papers.

[g007girl]

I learned when I was in 7th grade at school. My oldest started when he was in 6th grade, I believe. He's 14 and in public high school now. He types quite well, I'd have to add! My other two loved playing Spongebob last year for 3rd and Kindergarten. This year I have my 4th doing Typing Instructor Deluxe, since he's finished with Spongebob. The first grader still does Spongebob, but does more of the games, but only because he wants to. I'm not making him. I like both programs. Spongebob is good for younger ones, and as they get older, I think the Typing Instructor works for them.

[one l michele]

with Typing Instructor for Kids, they practice daily. It is much easier for my son to edit his drafts and fix them on the computer, then melt into a puddle being asked to physically write a final copy - gasp. I will add, he uses a lap top and I think that helps because the keyboard is more size appropriate for his hands.

[NicksMama-Zack's Mama Too]

I used "Read, Write & Type" (ran on Windows 95) which incorporated letter sounds/phonics and typing. Worked great for my oldest and okay on my youngest (he'd rather do card tricks than type). It's hard to find, but my kids preferred it over Spongebob.

Apparently it's MAC compatible...

http://www.smartkidssoftware.com/ndlec39.htm

kd

[Linda in NM]

nt

[Greta Lea]

I'm gonna start my younger son next year when he's entering 5th grade.

My son complained a lot at first when he couldn't play the games, but *I* like that about Sponge Bob typing. Being able to play the games was a goal to work towards.

[Susie in CA]

I did learn typing in middle school. Even that is late today, imho. When I went to school typing was less important because not everything was done on the computer and keyboard. Now it is! Personally, typing is way more important than handwriting or cursive today. Don't get me wrong -- I do think the kids need to learn handwriting and cursive as well. What they will use the most, however, will be typing! My kids are 7 and 8. They will both start in the Fall.

Susie

[mysticamethyst]

As soon as they got on a computer typing was a requirement. My kids do lots of stuff on the computer and always have. Each have their own computer, but with that they HAVE to practice typing daily. I use Mavis Teaches Typing, when they were younger it was a Disney program. They are all pretty much the same I think. I have never ever required any speed at all however. Just that they continually practice finger placement and how to reach the keys. But I will say that only one of my kids knows how to tie shoes, lol; but they all know how to type, isnt' that strange.

[Colleen in NS]

I also learned as a sophomore in high school, but ds is typing a bit with email and the computer games, so I'm thinking in 7th or 8th grade. I'd love to hear others answers too.

I figure it's better to teach him earlier and correctly that wait until later when he's already doing it wrong. We never taught him to print properly in the beginning, and now we are having to remediate. So, get them young and teach them right is my philosophy for typing.

So what do you think about handwriting vs. typing in the middle grades?

The reason I'm asking is because ds is in grade 4, and is the typical boy who struggles to write two or three sentences, yet he narrates much more than that if I write for him. I'm just wondering about transitioning him in the next year or so, to outlining and longer narrations on his own - do I have him write more by hand or do I just teach him to type, and continue his handwriting with dictation separately. I know typing will happen sooner or later simply because of the world we live in, but does handwriting go down the tubes?? That's my dilemma.

[Colleen in NS]

My 12 yo ds has co-op assignments that have to be typed. I am tired of typing his papers for him, so I decided to teach him how to do it himself. My 8 yo. ds is just doing it because he wants to. He actualy thinks it is fun.

Do you have a favourite typing program that you use?

[Colleen in NS]

My children are 11 and 9, and I'm having them start now. They are working through Mavis Beacon (it has both "adult" and "child" settings). The child setting includes some games. I am hoping that they will gain proficiency through the logic stage and *be* proficient by the beginning of the rhetoric stage.

I chose whatever program would work on the Macintosh. Smile. One works on typing while the other practices piano, and then they switch. This was the only way I could think of to fit it into our schedule.

Hope this helps.

We have a Mac, too, and your info. is good to know, since I've seen MB recommended before - I think it has been around for awhile, hasn't it?

So, while your kids are learning to type through the logic stage, do you still have them write things by hand? How does this go? Like for writing narrations, or outlines (if you do either of these things?)? Or do you just let them type their writing assignments?

[Colleen in NS]

I started Typing with my 5th grader this year with Typing Instructor Deluxe for Kids. Since we use Classical WRiting, I hoped that typing could speed up the writing process. He still hasn't gotten fast enough to type his papers faster than he can write them, but he's getting there.

Do you mix typing and handwriting, then, for your 5th grader's writing assignments this year? If so, how does that pan out on, say, a weekly basis?

[Colleen in NS]

nt

[Colleen in NS]

I guess that's what I'm trying to figure out for dc here. :)

[Colleen in NS]

My 11yodd is using Typing Instructor for Kids as well. She isn't very enthusiastic, but she's doing well.

8yods tried, but was just too frustrated. I'm gonna hold off on him.

FYI, we tried SpongeBob Typing, The kids didn't like the graphic fingers on the keyboard because they're curved to the side. It's difficult to follow the curved fingers to see which letter/key they're pressing. They like TIK because the fingers on the graphic point straight up.

The SpongeBob info is helpful, thank you.

[Colleen in NS]

Spongebob is good for younger ones, and as they get older, I think the Typing Instructor works for them.


Aha, this is good info. for me to know, too. I think I'm narrowing it down to Typing Instructor and Mavis Beacon to look into.

[Colleen in NS]

using Typing Tutor (ds gr. 5 is still using it).

OK, one more typing program for me to check out

My dc begin writing/composition in grade 5 because it's easier to begin slowly learning to type while writing/typing short compositions than long ones, and they don't get into bad habits. Along with typing they learn to use MS Word and Google images to cut, paste and size pictures onto their papers.

Now, this explanation is what I was looking for...and you narrowed it down for me, to the fact that typing can be practiced with short compositions in the logic stage.

Another question: since you do that, can you explain how you organize on a weekly basis what gets typed and what gets handwritten and why? My ds is starting grade 5 next year and I'm doing some thinking ahead for a boy who is capable of longer narrations, but can only handwrite two or three sentences before he crumbles. Thanks!

[Colleen in NS]

with Typing Instructor for Kids, they practice daily. It is much easier for my son to edit his drafts and fix them on the computer, then melt into a puddle being asked to physically write a final copy - gasp. I will add, he uses a lap top and I think that helps because the keyboard is more size appropriate for his hands.

Another Typing Instructor rec. Thanks so much!

[Colleen in NS]

I did learn typing in middle school. Even that is late today, imho. When I went to school typing was less important because not everything was done on the computer and keyboard. Now it is! Personally, typing is way more important than handwriting or cursive today. Don't get me wrong -- I do think the kids need to learn handwriting and cursive as well. What they will use the most, however, will be typing! My kids are 7 and 8. They will both start in the Fall.

Susie

That all makes sense to me! Thank you.

[Colleen in NS]

As soon as they got on a computer typing was a requirement. My kids do lots of stuff on the computer and always have. Each have their own computer, but with that they HAVE to practice typing daily. I use Mavis Teaches Typing, when they were younger it was a Disney program. They are all pretty much the same I think. I have never ever required any speed at all however. Just that they continually practice finger placement and how to reach the keys. But I will say that only one of my kids knows how to tie shoes, lol; but they all know how to type, isnt' that strange.

Yeah, that's funny - ds is almost 10, and he knows more about computer programming than I ever learned, but he still takes awhile to tie a shoe!

[Strawberry Queen]

I've been wondering this too. My question is what do the students use to write when they are in exams? Do they have computers, or are their exam papers handwritten? My current thought is to keep up legible handwriting because I want my dc to be prepared if they have to handwrite exams. I know it's from the dark ages, but it could happen. The highschool students here have to write departamental examsin gr. 12, and they're handwritten. I would be mortified to know that my dd couldn't finish her essay because she found it physically hard to write the 5 paragraphs that she needed to write.

I do agree that typing is a necessary skill as well:)

[MIch elle]

Another question: since you do that, can you explain how you organize on a weekly basis what gets typed and what gets handwritten and why? My ds is starting grade 5 next year and I'm doing some thinking ahead for a boy who is capable of longer narrations, but can only handwrite two or three sentences before he crumbles. Thanks![/I][/QUOTE]

Using IEW SWI A, he writes the outline on paper then types the whole composition from start to finish on the computer; then adds a picture from Google. He just finished Desert Tarantula - see lesson 1: http://www.writing-edu.com/writing/SWI_A_New_Lessons.pdf

[MIch elle]

UGH! I don't know how to use "Quote" mode; in my last post the first paragraph quotes Colleen!

[Colleen in NS]

I've been wondering this too. My question is what do the students use to write when they are in exams? Do they have computers, or are their exam papers handwritten? My current thought is to keep up legible handwriting because I want my dc to be prepared if they have to handwrite exams. I know it's from the dark ages, but it could happen. The highschool students here have to write departamental examsin gr. 12, and they're handwritten. I would be mortified to know that my dd couldn't finish her essay because she found it physically hard to write the 5 paragraphs that she needed to write.

I do agree that typing is a necessary skill as well:)

Every time I see your name I think "It's SQ again!" And it's funny, because though I've never met you, in my mind, you have Fiona's voice, LOL!

AND you have given me more food for thought - I hadn't even thought of those things you mentioned. I was trying to think of reasons to CONTINUE handwriting (longer pieces), and couldn't really think of any off the top of my head.

I think I will keep up the handwriting a few more years, but maybe introduce typing in a few years, too.

Meanwhile, I'm still contemplating (and hoping for answers here) about how to help ds next year with writing a little bit more. I just may have to let him write the first few sentences of a narration/outline, and me finish it for him, until his fingers get more comfortable. I don't want to hold him back on narrating his great thoughts - yet I don't want him to completely switch over to typing.

Oh the things I worry about - I'm sure I'll look back in 20 years and laugh.

[Mom2boys]

We also started typing in 5th grade because a) my son was in a writing co-op with weekly papers that had to be typed, and b) because his handwriting is still barely legible. He hates to write, but complains less when he can type instead of writing by hand. We also use Typing Instructor Deluxe for Kids.

[Krista in LA]

The main reason that we started that early is that the kids asked me for it. My mom had picked up a copy of Typing Pal Jr. for next to nothing so I let them at it. They picked it up very quickly. We are a very computer oriented family - they get on the internet quite a bit and both prefer to type papers (and ds is only 9). They wanted to be better at typing so they practiced with the software. Are there advantages to starting that young? I don't know except that they have a few more years of practice and are very comfortable with it.

[Sue in St Pete]

So what do you think about handwriting vs. typing in the middle grades?

...do I have him write more by hand or do I just teach him to type, and continue his handwriting with dictation separately. I know typing will happen sooner or later simply because of the world we live in, but does handwriting go down the tubes?? That's my dilemma.

I have been reluctant to let legible printing and cursive fall by the wayside because I figure that, if nothing else, ds will need to take notes in college classes, if not before. I hate the thought of students dragging laptops to class because they can't use pencil and paper. We had a discussion today about whether laptops are even allowed in classrooms because of the potential to be inattentive to the teacher.

JMHO.