Touch-Type Read and Spell (TTRS) offers a comprehensive touch-typing course, for students age 7 and up, based on a structured program of phonics. It features the following components, which I’m sure you’ll appreciate:
- It’s research-based.
- It uses the Orton-Gillingham method of reading instruction – the program builds literacy skills while teaching kids keyboarding.
- It’s highly structured – yet flexible. I like the combination!
- It’s multi-sensory, using visual, auditory, and kinesthetic (touch) senses – so it works for a variety of learners. Homeschoolers love multi-sensory!
- It’s modular in design.
- The modules are short in length, with immediate/positive feedback.
- The program offers an adaptive interface in terms of colors, fonts and designs (which your kids will like).
- The program is suitable for users who struggle with physical impairments and specific learning difficulties, like dyslexia.
- The program works well for ESL students.
- It also works for adults!
- In case you want it, optional tutor support is available.
You can check out two TTRS videos below
More on TTRS
The TTRS program contains 24 levels with 31 modules in each level. A module typically takes a few minutes to complete. Student success is encouraged by immediate feedback and positive reinforcement. This feedback includes a score that appears at the end of each module. Every fifth module is a “dictation module” which relies on the auditory element to reinforce learning.
In addition to the TTRS course, there are TTRS Subject courses. These subject courses include Grammar, Phonics, Spelling, Math, Science and more. It’s recommended that students complete the first three levels of the main TTRS course before using TTRS Subjects.
For Home Use
TTRS works well for home use for the following reasons:
In case you’re wondering, this is what we did today
These are just a few of the screen shots. Sometimes it takes two screens to finish a sentence – we probably should have taken a screenshot to finish the question, “Could we have a ride to ?”. 
Touch-Type Read and Spell Product Review – What do I like about this program?
- TTRS helps students learn touch typing. My kids’ typing skills are improving.
- TTRS is enjoyable – my kids like working on the TTRS program.
- The program can help learners with dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD and dyspraxia master the keyboard and improve their reading and spelling skills.
- TTRS works for kids – and for adults.
- ALL the features listed below!
- The program offers lots of bonuses! For instance, the repetition and dictation exercises support writing fluency.
- Plus, muscle-memory in the fingers acts as a spelling aid.
ReadandSpell.com – MORE things I like about this program
- The company provides helpful hints along the way. This is info I received in an email a few days after signing up –
Are you interested in using TTRS to help with spelling?
Here are a few ideas on how to get more spelling practice out of every typing session:
1. Try overtyping
Overtype a word instead of copying on the line below. In Settings turn “Copy typing” off. Next, select a fun “Copy text” color, such as purple or pink. The letters will change color as they are typed!
2. Use Remember & Repeat
This is based on a classroom best practice for spelling. If this option is on in Settings, a word will disappear from the screen when it is typed and the user will have to type it again from memory.
3. Make modules into dictations
Turn any module into a dictation where users have to type a word from audio alone. Select the module in the Levels list and press the letter “D” key.
- Plus, your kids learn learn math, science, and more. Bonus…bonus…bonus!
- Every home subscription comes with an administrator account so parents can see how their kids are doing.
- Convenience – TTRS can be used on any desktop or laptop computer. There is also an iPad app for learning on the go.
- It’s easy to sign up for free trial – and to get started too.
- Payment options – and a money back guarantee. I appreciate both, don’t you?
In closing
Keyboarding is such an important skill – you don’t want your kids hunting and pecking.
This program works.
You might want to give it a try.
