Are there any typing programs which are good for reinforcing spelling/phonics?

[Kokeshi123]

My 9yo is going to start learning to type this winter. We live outside the UK, so her spelling in English is not bad but a little below what a UK 9yo would be doing (maybe a year behind).

We're going to do the usual Dance Pad stuff for the basics to start with, but I was wondering if there are any typing programs which incorporate phonics/spelling and grammar/punctuation in the program? (If not, someone needs to invent one, as it seems like such an excellent opportunity to me!).

I've looked at a few programs, but they all seem to be American with dodgy approaches to spelling and phonics--one, for example, was getting children to write in ALL CAPS, which does not help to reinforce correct capital/lower case use. There are also some other programs which appear to be aimed at children with significant learning disabilities (i.e., typing is being used as a way to help children who struggle a lot with handwriting as well as other issues). Not sure that either of these is quite right.

Any other tips for learning to type? Is a kid's laptop OK or should we use a proper keyboard?

I taught myself to type about 10 years ago as my copywriting career was just beginning.

I don't think incorporating spelling/phonics is possible really...or even a good idea. It would be too much for a child to think about.

But, speedy typing and plenty of practice will help with her spelling anyway. I don't think she should use a kid's laptop. A proper sized keyboard will be more beneficial in the long-term.

There is one called 'touch type, read, and spell' that teaches the phonic patterns via typing. It also incorporates audio, rather than just copying from a screen, though sometimes it is hard to hear clearly (I think you can skip those bits if you want). I'm not sure if it includes punctuation/grammar. It is fairly expensive compared to others, I think, and also takes much longer, as you don't just learn where the letters are, but also various phonic patterns, but if you're happy to take time to do a bit each day, you can get through it. I've not used it myself but know people who have.

Yes - this one:

www.nessy.com/uk/product/nessy-fingers/

Thank you, everyone. I will take a look at the above examples.