The skill of touch typing

[pointydog]

How many of you have encouraged your dc to learn to touch type at home?

I think it's a strong contender for the most overlooked skill at school. If you want your child to shine and impress, get them trained up!

What age do you think they should start? DD is 6 - is that too early? (I only half learned when I was 19, but it's been very useful).

Oh yes - and is there anything online that you know of to start to teach it? (I know I could google, but recommendations are better)

I have recently bought a Disney Timon and Pumbaa (or something like that) typing thing for DD as she struggles with her handwriting and I know at some point she will use something like an Alphasmart, so I decided that it would help if she started to learn. She's only done a couple of sessions but so far so good (she is nearly 8)

The BBC has a good programme on its website called Dance Mat Typing I think. Extremely annoying scouse accent for one of the cartoons (and I don';t mind scouse accents, just this one is awful). Absolutely free.

Don't think 6 is too young. And agree, kitty - it's a great idea if your dc is likely to have to use an alphasmart or similar at school. Would be great for confidence and output.

someone on here recommended Senselang a while ago, which is online and free. Among the paid-for programs, Mavis Beacon seems to come recommended.

My 5y dd and 8y ds use Englishtype Junior (you can buy it via the Dyslexia Institute website. they love it and are coming along nicely. I'm doing it to and they are motivated by trying to beat my scores!

i took a typing course in grade 11....hated every minute - it was somthing that my mum 'made' me do but I've been so grateful ever since! Made me money through university doing essays and papers for other people. excellent skill to have, will ahve a look at those sites for dd or at least make a note of them!

I need to learn to type properly - I did learn once, but didn't use it for years

anybody know of a good program - pref free

ds is doing it at school - he finds handwriting hard and it is a special session organised by SENCO .

yes dd also learning it

she has fine motor difficulties

she types as well as cod now