Touch typing packages

[inappropriatelyemployed]

Can anyone suggest suitable touch typing packages for a 10 year old?

Is it best to use an ordinary laptop?

You can't go wrong with Mavis Beacon, and you can get older versions cheaply on ebay.

I can even make you a copy of mine if you like

Oooh would you mind? That's kind!

Ds used Nessy Fingers and managed to get to 25wpm within 2 months, and then lost interest. Some special schools I've visited use this package.

Since then, he has been using Pokemon Typing Tutor on a Nintendo DS. Success with touch typing is gauged by how well you progress in the game

After 4 months, he is still typing with two fingers, but at a good speed!

I like the look of Englishtype. If you do a search, you will find it. It's specially for SEN (dyslexia) and includes spelling.

My DS found the font size too small on Mavis Beacon (but it was an old version I picked up in a secondhand shop).

PM me and address and I'll get in the post today.

My ds - also 10, taught himself to type last summer using Typing Instructor Platinum. He was up to between 35 and 40 wpm - all with the correct fingers - last time I checked and I never had to nag him to do his half an hour a day practise over the summer, because he enjoyed using the programme so much.

We downloaded it from the Mac App Store, but you can download it off their website as well. There's a YouTube video/review of it [ here].

It has a whole arcade of typing related games and uses a progressive profile but you can choose the parameters - so you can set it to all games if you need to motivate or drills with games as rewards or other combinations.

For example, one of the games is to shoot space junk with a lazer by typing 4-3 letter letter sequences and words.

Ds used the adult version, but they do a kids version as well.

They also do an online programme here.

I will admit to enjoying playing some of the typing games myself.

Great guys - thanks so much!!