Kids today are growing up in a world where technology is everywhere. From smartphones to tablets to laptops, kids are constantly interacting with screens. And as more and more schools move towards using digital resources, it’s becoming more critical than ever for kids to learn how to type.
We’ve put together this list of great typing apps for kids! These apps are interactive, educational, and fun! Whether your child is in elementary or high school, an app on this list is perfect!
Table of Contents
What are the benefits of touch typing?
Touch typing is a skill that all children should learn. It is a typing method without looking at the keyboard and can be taught to a child as soon as their hands are big enough. Learning at an early age eliminates lousy typing habits, such as the “hunt and peck” method. Without spending time searching for the correct key, a child will learn.
Touch typing can help children with their school work, but it can also set them up with an advantage in later life when it comes to exploring job opportunities. Touch typing is a valuable skill that all children should learn.
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Helps children work faster
Learning how to touch type at a young age can profoundly impact a child’s future success. The ability to type quickly and accurately without looking down at the keyboard is a skill that will pay dividends in both school and work. In today’s fast-paced world, the ability to touch type can be the difference between falling behind and getting ahead.
For students, touch-typing can mean the difference between struggling to keep up with classmates and being able to participate fully in class. Touch-typing can lead to faster promotions and higher earning potential in the workplace. For all these reasons, it is clear that touch-typing is essential for children to learn.
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Typing becomes more accurate
One of the benefits is that it is more accurate than traditional typing methods. With touch-typing, users are less likely to make mistakes because they don’t have to take their eyes off the keyboard to find the right keys. This not only saves time but also helps to improve accuracy. In addition, touch-typing is a skill that can be learned relatively quickly with practice. Once learned, it can make a big difference in efficiency and productivity.
Helps children with dyslexia
Evidence shows that learning to touch type can be a particular benefit for children with dyslexia. The British Dyslexia Association says that some children who have dyslexia find typing easier than handwriting because of the physical act of pressing keys on a keyboard which helps them keep track while also getting an extra sense lesson in letter patterns. The multisensory aspect can help kids learn how certain letters sound like they’re spelled correctly.
Typing helps dyslexic children break up words into smaller sounds. This can be very helpful for reading and spelling. In addition, it can be easier for dyslexic children to focus when they are typing, as they are not trying to control a pen or pencil. As a result, learning to touch type can be a valuable tool for dyslexic children.
Develops muscle memory
When we touch type, we use all of our senses to help us remember where the keys are and what they sound like. The act of pressing the keys reinforces the letter’s sound in our mind, making it easier to recall when we see the same letter in a different word.
Additionally, developing muscle memory is critical to touch typing; by repeatedly pressing the same keys in the same order, we can automatically recall the patterns even when we can’t see the keyboard. This is especially helpful when learning letter patterns and spelling, as we can continue typing even if we make a mistake.
Overall, touch typing is a multi-sensory experience that helps us efficiently and accurately type on a keyboard.
What is a good typing speed for kids?
Most kids these days are pretty comfortable with computers and other digital devices. A typing test is a great way to see how fast and accurate your kids are at typing. The recommended average for kids ages 6-11 is 15 words per minute, but if your kids want to see how fast they can type, they can take a typing test.
Speed will come later, but accuracy is more important. Most typing tests challenge your accuracy. With this skill, kids will be ready for school and the world beyond. Speed is not a factor, but a rough guide to typing speed is to add five wpm per grade level. At the end of third grade, students should be tying about 15 words per minute and have 85% accuracy.
How can kids learn to type online?
While some may believe that touch-typing is a skill that is no longer necessary in the age of predictive text and voice-to-text software, the reality is that being able to type quickly and accurately is still a valuable asset. Fortunately, several free or inexpensive apps and online games can supplement traditional instruction and make typing fun to learn. Many of these platforms are perfect for beginners, while others offer customizable options ideal for older students looking to improve their skills.
In addition to being beneficial in and of themselves, educational technology platforms like these can help children strengthen literacy skills, deal more easily with the challenges of learning difficulties, and enhance their performance across the elementary and high school curricula. They are well worth exploring for any parent or teacher who wants to give their students a leg up.
Good typing games to learn how to type for kids
Ages 5 – 10
Keyboarding Zoo
Keyboarding Zoo is a fun and educational activity that helps students learn the keyboard in early elementary school. Children are encouraged to use their index or pointer fingers to match letters on the screen to their keyboards. This activity is a great way for children to learn the keyboard, and it also helps them improve their fine motor skills.
In addition, Keyboarding Zoo is an excellent way for children to practice their letter recognition and matching skills. The game is also helpful for children who are just learning how to read, as they can match the letters on the screen to the letters on their keyboard. Overall, Keyboarding Zoo is a great activity for children of all ages, and it is an excellent way for them to learn the keyboard and improve their matching skills.
Typing Fingers
The Typing Fingers App is a great way to learn to type accurately without looking at the keyboard. Young children can acquire excellent touch typing skills with 32 interactive lessons and fun games in 7 different languages.
A voice-over tutor will guide your child through each lesson, helping them master the material quickly and easily. They can practice their skills with fun, valuable sessions and polish their skills in 3 different playing modes with beautiful colored keyboards and speed control mechanisms.
When they’re ready, they can test their typing skills in numerous typing tests which measure the number of characters per minute. After passing the final test, they’ll receive a fantastic diploma in their name and can enjoy being a top-notch typist!
QwertyTown
QwertyTown is a web app that provides a safe, teacher-controlled environment where students can learn keyboarding and digital fluency. In QwertyTown, students interact with their classmates, teachers, and friends while learning to keyboard fluently.
This environment prepares them with skills essential for academic and professional success. QwertyTown’s keyboarding curriculum aligns with the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts.
Ages 11 – 16
Epistory
Epistory is an action-adventure game that puts you in the role of a muse who must help a writer find inspiration for his latest book. You will face enemies and solve puzzles that will help progress the story. The game is played entirely with a keyboard, adding a unique layer of difficulty and fun.
TapTyping
TapTyping offers a comprehensive curriculum, with courses ranging from Beginner (focusing on the A through Z keys) to Advanced (focusing on challenging patterns, symbols, and numbers). Every keystroke is tracked to the millisecond to provide precise feedback; users can observe their progress and spot their weaknesses to re-take lessons and hone their skills.
TapTyping is also a touch-screen typing skills program that can help anyone type faster on devices like the iPad. And because it provides tips for cool iPad shortcuts, it is especially helpful for kids who have a writing disability and need to practice learning the keyboard.
Conclusion
As anyone who has ever tried to learn to type knows, the best typing app or tool is the one that you will actually use. There are so many different apps and games available that it can be overwhelming to try to choose the right one. However, it is important to find an app that you or your kids will enjoy using in order to make the learning process more fun and engaging.
Fortunately, there are now a number of great typing apps specifically designed for kids. These apps turn to learning to type into a game, which makes kids more likely to stick with the lessons and improve their skills over time. Once they have mastered some basic typing skills, kids can even start learning to code. With so many great options available, there is no excuse not to find a typing app that is the right fit for you or your family. Happy typing!
