Typing for Kids Software Review

Why Typing Software for Kids?

 

Whether typing on a traditional computer keyboard or using the one on their phone or iPad, kids need to know how to type. And in a world of instant communication, they need to know how to type quickly and accurately. Beginning in elementary school and continuing through middle and high school, your children can use educational software, such as typing for kids software, that will help them develop the skills they need to communicate effectively with those around them through social media sites, email, interpersonal communication and more.

There are many free typing games and drills that students can participate in online. We believe kids typing programs, such as Typing Instructor for Kids, UltraKey and Typing Quick & Easy, however, are more effective applications than the ones they can find online, for several reasons. First, the software is installed on your computer, thus eliminating the need for your children to surf the internet. Second, typing for kids applications will save, analyze and report all of your child's progress. Third, many typing for kids programs have fantastic gaming options where your child can conquer foes, save island civilizations and discover lost secrets.

Due to its many advantages, typing software for kids is the perfect solution to help your children learn how to type, and all it requires is 20 minutes of practice a day. For more information, read our additional articles on typing software.

Typing for Kids Software: What to Look For

Typing software for children should include a variety of lessons, drills, tests and activities that cover all typing skills, from basic home-row keys to the more advanced 10-key and other numeric typing skills. These will challenge your student to consistently demonstrate correct finger placement using hand guides, as well as track typing speed and accuracy, all of which should be recorded in their progress reports.

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

Typing "j, k, l, l, k, j" over and over again is helpful, but your children may abandon the typing lessons because they are bored. If you know that your child has the propensity to withdraw from projects when the going gets tough, then choose a software that allows you to create custom practice material. Children can write their own stories, or upload the text from their favorite book to practice their typing skills on.

Lessons & Drills
The best time to start teaching kids how to type is when they are young, before they develop bad habits, such as typing with just two fingers. Typing for kids software begins with the basics of proper finger placement and movement, and then reinforces those skills with creative exercises and visual rewards. Lessons and drills help your children learn how to type quickly and correctly. Lessons focus on one to three keys at a time, so your student will not feel overwhelmed.

Ease of Use
Children will be able to learn at their own level and pace using typing for kids software. Because the applications are interactive and some of them include games, children will gain valuable skills – eagerly – with little or no frustration.

Typing software needs to be uncomplicated and straightforward so that your children can run the application on their own, having the ability to easily choose their own typing lessons and game presets. There should be little setup required beyond taking a typing pretest. Installation of the software should also be simple for you and your child to accomplish and should only take a few minutes.

Help & Support
All typing software should include in-software help, which your child can access and reference at any point during their lessons. Beyond this, the makers of the software should provide telephone and email support.

Your children may squirm at the idea of taking extra time after school to work on their typing skills. And while typing software for kids may not be the video game they were hoping to play when they got home, your student will come to love and appreciate the challenging but entertaining typing lessons, typing tutors, games and more.