Learning to keyboard (type) - recommend software for older kids

One of the summer assignments (from me) for my 11 year old son going into 7th
grade next year is that he learn to keyboard. It would help him with
assignments, now that some can be turned in typed (his handwriting is
atrocious), and he's falling into a hunt-and-peck two-finger habit when he does
type which I don't want to set in.

What is a good software program for this? Windoze98.

Thanks,
Banty

In article ,
Banty wrote:

One of the summer assignments (from me) for my 11 year old son going into 7th
grade next year is that he learn to keyboard. It would help him with
assignments, now that some can be turned in typed (his handwriting is
atrocious), and he's falling into a hunt-and-peck two-finger habit when he
does
type which I don't want to set in.

What is a good software program for this? Windoze98.

Thanks,
Banty


My son just bought Mavis Bacon Teaches Typing, and it seems pretty good.
I've noticed that they have one titled "Mavis Bacon Teaches Typing for
Kids"; don't know if it's better than the "regular" one or not -- I
suspect that it may be more game like and have readings that would more
appeal to kids.

meh
--
Children won't care how much you know until they know how much you care

There is this neat service called Google (www.google.com). Go there and type
in type + learn. A bunch of resources will come up. The Mavis Beacon
software is very good.

Jeff

"Banty" wrote in message
...
One of the summer assignments (from me) for my 11 year old son going into
7th
grade next year is that he learn to keyboard. It would help him with
assignments, now that some can be turned in typed (his handwriting is
atrocious), and he's falling into a hunt-and-peck two-finger habit when he
does
type which I don't want to set in.

What is a good software program for this? Windoze98.

Thanks,
Banty

Banty wrote:
One of the summer assignments (from me) for my 11 year old son going into 7th
grade next year is that he learn to keyboard. It would help him with
assignments, now that some can be turned in typed (his handwriting is
atrocious), and he's falling into a hunt-and-peck two-finger habit when he does
type which I don't want to set in.

What is a good software program for this? Windoze98.

Thanks,
Banty


Are there still books available on teaching yourself to type? I would
think that would be just as good as a software program. I taught
myself to type as a teenager (using a typewriter), but I could have used
the same method with a keyboard.

Clisby

"Banty" wrote in message
...
One of the summer assignments (from me) for my 11 year old son going into
7th
grade next year is that he learn to keyboard. It would help him with
assignments, now that some can be turned in typed (his handwriting is
atrocious), and he's falling into a hunt-and-peck two-finger habit when he
does
type which I don't want to set in.

What is a good software program for this? Windoze98.

Thanks,
Banty


Our kids' school uses something called Type to Learn. Our 15 and 11 year
olds can type very well, so I guess it worked.
I hear the Mavis Beacon programs are good too. Again, Google (and local
CompUSA) are very helpful. :-)

In article ,
Clisby wrote:

Banty wrote:
One of the summer assignments (from me) for my 11 year old son going into
7th
grade next year is that he learn to keyboard. It would help him with
assignments, now that some can be turned in typed (his handwriting is
atrocious), and he's falling into a hunt-and-peck two-finger habit when he
does
type which I don't want to set in.

What is a good software program for this? Windoze98.

Thanks,
Banty


Are there still books available on teaching yourself to type? I would
think that would be just as good as a software program. I taught
myself to type as a teenager (using a typewriter), but I could have used
the same method with a keyboard.

Clisby


Sure -- but I've used some of the computerized programs for improving my
speed, and it's just more fun, plus you get better and more immidiate
feedback on how you're doing. I'd definately go with a computerized
program to help a child learn -- the quick correction and feedback is
one of the really cool things computers can do well.
--
Children won't care how much you know until they know how much you care

On Sat, 3 Jul 2004 16:51:42 EDT, Banty
wrote:

One of the summer assignments (from me) for my 11 year old son going into 7th
grade next year is that he learn to keyboard. It would help him with
assignments, now that some can be turned in typed (his handwriting is
atrocious), and he's falling into a hunt-and-peck two-finger habit when he does
type which I don't want to set in.

What is a good software program for this? Windoze98.

Thanks,
Banty

Mavis Beacon is a great typing tutor. I've used it and I highly
recommend it.



--
Dorothy

There is no sound, no cry in all the world
that can be heard unless someone listens ..

The Outer Limits

On Sat, 3 Jul 2004 20:04:47 EDT, Clisby
wrote:

Are there still books available on teaching yourself to type? I would
think that would be just as good as a software program. I taught
myself to type as a teenager (using a typewriter), but I could have used
the same method with a keyboard.

The software works better, imo. And Mavis Beacon has games
to increase the speed for kids as well as the teaching component.


--
Dorothy

There is no sound, no cry in all the world
that can be heard unless someone listens ..

The Outer Limits

Banty wrote in message ...
One of the summer assignments (from me) for my 11 year old son going into 7th
grade next year is that he learn to keyboard. It would help him with
assignments, now that some can be turned in typed (his handwriting is
atrocious), and he's falling into a hunt-and-peck two-finger habit when he does
type which I don't want to set in.

What is a good software program for this? Windoze98.

Thanks,
Banty


Mavis Beacon learning to type is by far the best computer software to
learn to type.

Sue (mom to three girls)

Banty wrote in message ...
One of the summer assignments (from me) for my 11 year old son going into 7th
grade next year is that he learn to keyboard. It would help him with
assignments, now that some can be turned in typed (his handwriting is
atrocious), and he's falling into a hunt-and-peck two-finger habit when he does
type which I don't want to set in.

What is a good software program for this? Windoze98.

Thanks,
Banty

My 11 yo dd and 9 yo ds use Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing, the regular
version. They both like it, especially dd. She is almost to 20 wpm
which isn't bad for a child, I think. It has your typical drill plus
games. You can change the preferences to include more games or less or
none, change the music in the background, change fonts, size, color,
target specific weaknesses, timed tests etc......

I think it is definitely worth the $20 or so it costs. I was able to
get it for $14.95 but I run a Mac and it was on closeout.

Karen