Typing for Kids Software Review

It has become more important than ever in today's increasingly digital world for children to learn how to properly type. Much of our communication is conducted electronically, so typing skills are invaluable in today's competitive job market. Thus, teaching kids how to type can help lay the foundation for their academic and professional success later in life.

So what's the best and most effective way to teach kids these crucial skills? Children need proper, methodical instruction to learn how to touch-type. Allowing them to randomly strike the keyboard isn't productive and is actually likely to instill poor typing habits that might be difficult or impossible to break. Typing for kids software provides structured typing instruction that is effective, engaging and age appropriate. Excellent applications such as Typing Instructor for Kids, UltraKey and Typing Quick & Easy can help children as young as 6 years old master the essential life skill of typing. To learn more about how these applications can help your children or students, read our articles about typing for kids software.

Typing for Kids Software: What to Look For

The best typing software for kids teaches children correct finger-to-key movement across the entire keyboard and includes a variety of material to keep them motivated while they learn. To help you find the right typing software for your little one, here is what you should look for in typing programs for kids.

Lessons & Drills
Children's typing software should begin by teaching the basics of proper finger placement and movement, with lessons that specifically focus on individual fingers and each hand. Such applications should also include lessons that focus on both typing accuracy and speed. Keyboarding drills, timed tests and engaging, multi-level typing games reinforce the skills taught in each lesson.

Typing software for kids should also provide graduated lessons. This type of lesson begins by focusing on a couple keys at a time and gradually builds to letter chains, words and sentences. Progressive instruction allows children to build on the skills they have previously learned.

Progress Reporting
Progress-reporting features are essential in order to gauge how a child is progressing with his or her keyboarding. Most typing programs for kids track accuracy and words-per-minute (WPM) speeds, but they should also provide progress reports for each finger, hand and key.

Beyond reports, look for programs that display progress charts or graphs so that the little ones using the software can easily track their progress as well. Some typing programs allow you to print progress reports, which is ideal if the software is being used in a classroom or other educational setting.

Features
Every child learns differently, so it is imperative that the typing software you choose allows you to customize various options, including challenge levels, words-per-minute goals, timed lessons and more.

If you know that your child has the propensity to withdraw from projects when the going gets tough, then choose software that allows you to create custom practice material. Children can write their own stories, or upload the text from their favorite books to practice their typing skills with.

Interactive and engaging instruction can make learning how to type easier and more enjoyable for most children. Look for typing programs that offer audio dictation, keystroke sounds and virtual guide hands over the keyboard. Another feature to look for includes certificates of achievement. These can help kids stay motivated while learning how to type and give them well-deserved recognition for achieving typing goals.

Ease of Use
Typing software needs to be uncomplicated and straightforward so that young people can easily navigate the application. Pop-up encouragement and virtual typing tutors can help users advance through the program.

Help & Support
All typing software should include a user guide or manual that explains how to properly install and use the software. The manufacturer should also provide online FAQs and technical support via email or telephone for issues that are not addressed in the FAQs or user manual.

Touch-typing is a crucial life skill that is best acquired at a young age. Typing for kids software can help children of any age learn how to properly type without making it seem like work.

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