Read, Write and Type

Computers are becoming more and more important these days.  There are schools around the country that are introducing computers into the classroom earlier and earlier.  Typing skills are becoming a must for the working world for more and more jobs because almost all communication is being done through email or other typed mediums.  So, just how early should someone work on teaching their child to type?

With Talking Fingers' Read, Write and Type learning system, the time can be NOW.  Recommended for K-3, this program pulls phonics practice and typing together by having teh child type letters based on the SOUND of the letter instead of the NAME of the letter.  For example, instead of "Type the letter S", your child is asked to type the letter that makes the sound "ssssssssss".  As the child progresses, they move into more reading-type exercises, and even get to create their own stories as well.

The game starts off with a basic introduction of the hand characters on the sides of the on-screen keyboard (Lefty and Rightway), before the virus named Vexor comes and crashes the party.  The child then spends the game undoing the damage that Vexor did. 

Thing 1, while he found the game fun, did not ask to play it again.  He much prefers his own method of typing practice, rather than being told what to type.  In all honesty, typing was my least favorite topic in school as well (I often still watch my fingers when I type, but I type pretty quickly).  So Thing 1 and I will not be continuing with this product.  Besides the desire to type what he wants, Thing 1 already knows how to read and is not a fan of phonics practice.



Read, Write and Type is available from Takling Fingers, starting at $35 for a single user for download.  It is also available as a CD product, (the site cautions that the CD version is NOT compatible with Windows 7 or Mac OS 10.6 at this time) for $79 which comes with a few extras like an activity book and a laminated "keyboard" for practicing away from the computer.  You can also do an online demo here, allowing you to REALLY get a look before you decide whether or not to purchase the program (on that page also, there is a form to fill out to be able to get 20% off of your next order by joining their mailing list and answering some questions!)



Keep in mind, in order for Read, Write and Type to work, your system needs to meet a few requirements.   You can find out about those and find the answers to other frequently asked questions on their FAQ page, here.

Talking Fingers offers another program as well, for older students, Wordy Qwerty.  It is for grades 2-4, so if you like the looks of Read, Write and Type but don't want the younger level for your child, you do have another option.


Other Crew members and their children have different opinions on their experience with Read, Write and Type, go check those out at the Crew blog!

Disclaimer: I received this product free from the vendor for the purpose of this review in exchange for my honest opinion and experience on it.  I received no other compensation for this review.