We had the opportunity to review Read, Write & Type, which is an online program from Talking Fingers Inc..
Typing was still taught when I was in school but somehow I managed to graduate from high school without ever taking one typing class. I never opted to take a typing class, because I did not think it was necessary. Although I spent a lot of time on my computer in college typing term papers and the like, my lack of typing skills did not slow me down. I came up with my own system for typing and managed to peck my way through. It only confirmed the fact I thought taking typing in school was a waste of time. My opinion changed soon after when I started applying for temp jobs right out of college. I had the ability to type, but my speed was nowhere near what was required. Fortunately, that did not prevent me from getting many jobs, but I now see the benefit that existed. I say this especially, because I spend the majority of my day on my computer, typing or keyboarding.
My children were already familiar with Read, Write & Type when it came up for review. In fact, Canyon remembered using it previously and was very excited about having the opportunity to use it again. The first time, he was younger than the targeted age and spent more time watching his sister use the program.
If you are not familiar, then let me tell you a bit about the program that was created by Talking Fingers. It is a reading program geared towards children, ages six to nine, that combines “phonics, spelling, keyboarding, and word processing,” in an entertaining and interactive program. It takes a “multi-sensory and motor approach that stimulates learning.” Of course, you know I was really excited about the keyboarding (typing).
From the moment the program begins, attention is captured as we are introduced to Vexor, a green blob of a virus, who has stolen the letters from the keyboard. The challenge for the user is to get the stolen letters back from Vexor and return them to the keyboard. Through activities like identifying the beginning, middle, and ending letter sounds of words and help from Lefty and Rightway, animated hands that show the user how to properly place his hands and use the keyboard, the user continues through the levels. The user receives a certificate of merit after passing each level.
Our Experience
Canyon had a lot of fun using the program. Once I logged him in, he spent almost 45 minutes battling Vexor. Typically, I would prefer him using offline material for reading, but Read, Write & Type was a welcome break to the reading material he uses. It is non-stop activity from the moment the student access his account. Canyon is still a beginning reader, so the program worked well as a supplement to his regular work. I would say the program is targeted for the correct age and better benefits a child who is just beginning to learn how to read and who may need a little entertainment to keep them interested.
The program is one a child is able to use independently, but there was a section Canyon kept getting wrong. As I further investigated, I discovered it was because he was typing a lowercase letter at the beginning of the word instead of a capital letter. Since they were individual words and not at the beginning of a sentence or pronouns, why would one type a capital letter? Since I was not sitting with him before he started, I am not certain if the program told him to use a capital letter. Because of that, Vexor got two more points than Canyon. Oh well.
Although the reading is the real reason I wanted him to use the program, I wanted him to be introduced to proper keyboarding. Canyon did follow the direction of the talking hands, but I think the game aspect, battling Vexor and collecting letters, may become the focus for some children. So, the keyboarding/typing feature of the program did not work as well for him as I wanted. For now, I am all right with him practicing his reading and “splatting” Vexor as he tries to reach the next level, than with him following proper hand placement and finger usage. If you have an ESL or learning disabled student, the reading aspect of the program may work well for them.
Some comments from Canyon regarding Read, Write & Type:
“It is creative and a little bit challenging and I know how to type. I like Vexor,” said Canoyon.
So far, he has captured letters T, S, F A, H, J, K, I and C.
Pricing for Read, Write & Type™ is quite affordable at $35 for a single online membership that is valid for five years. A CD option is also available. You can also demo the program {} to see if it might work for your family.
You can read more reviews of this item by fellow crew members.
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