Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Twice Exceptional teaching typing

Hi
In an unexpected show of support and recognition of needs, DS's first grade teacher and OT want him to learn typing (ahem keyboarding, not sure when it stopped being typing ) We figured we would have to fight for this to be part of his IEP closer to 3rd, the fact that they suggested it and will start having him do a balance of written and typed work is just awesome. Im still so surprised it was a suggestion rather than us having to fight!

So they want to use the ipad and a keyboard which is great because we have that at home. Seems like there are great teaching typing software products for macs but we want to find a typing app for the ipad but which allows an external keyboard not just the ipad touch keyboard. OT really wants him feeling the keys.

Any suggestions for either app or software, especially for ones that are not timed. the free online timed ones we tried freaked him out as they sped up.

DeHe

I got Nessie Fingers- a suggestion from this chat site. My kids absolutely love it! It's from the UK. Easy to use, fun, helps them practice.

DeHe we have been using typing club. It's very basic but my kids have actually chosen that. There is some degree of timing involved in that the more advanced you get the more there are time goals involved in progressing to further levels. However this is very discreet early on. My DD could not handle the timed aspect of timez attack but is not phased by this at all. Well, she did get antsy when she reached the point of levels being for speeds like 30+ WPM rather than for new keys, but that was WELL into the process. My younger 6yr old (grade 1) girl is nowhere near any overt time issues like that.

Thanks JM and MOT

Both actually look great. Nessie fingers would be only for the computer, typing club seemed like it would work on the iPad. It got the keyboard correctly identified but it wasn't recognizing it, but I think it would work well on a regular computer if I can't figure out what's wrong for the iPad.

DeHe