I remember typing class.
It wasn’t fun. It was mundane. It took a looooooooong time to learn.
Recently, I was introduced to Keyboard Town Pals. According to the Keyboard Town Pal website,
Keyboard Town PALS™ presents a new, stand-alone digital product that teaches children of all ages to type on a computer keyboard, using the proper finger technique, in only one hour. Our method is successful in capturing the imagination of all types of learners, ages 7 to adult. Drilling and speed time testing are replaced by memory technique and association, which greatly accelerates the learning process.
One of the most difficult parts of typing is the random placement of the keys on the keyboard. This program introduces the child to a PALS, an acronym for Purposeful Associative Learning System. The student is also introduced to “puppet pals” who will join them on the journey into typing. This helps the child make sense of the keyboard while they associate the keys with puppet pals. The program is innovative and well thought out.
My 9 year old son, Hayden had an opportunity to try the program and he really enjoyed it! He was intrigued by the puppet pals and began identifying the keys with the pals almost immediately. Having tried several typing programs with my children, I liked that there was not a “timed test” at this level. It really was a stress free, fun way to learn typing skills. The program has also seen some promising results in children with special needs.
The program suggests use from children age 7 to adult. The puppet pals will most likely appeal to those children 10 and under.
If you’re looking for a innovative typing program for your child, check this one out! Head on over to their site, Keyboard Town Pals! The program is offered for homeschoolers in a dvd or a download along with other support products at the site.
It just may be a great way to incorporate typing into summertime fun!
